Penn State Health updates select PPE policies
Penn State Health has updated and condensed several policy documents related to personal protective equipment (PPE). The policies for surgical/procedure masks, face shields and N95 masks were posted to the Infonet.
As part of the updated and consolidated procedure mask policy, employees are reminded that procedure masks for universal masking purposes are intended for multiday use unless contaminated, torn, damaged or wet. Employees in emergency departments or caring for patients with COVID-19 are to dispose of procedure masks daily.
Masks should be removed ― after sanitizing hands ― just prior to exiting the facility and stored in vehicle or personal bag. Upon returning to work, the mask should be re-donned ― after sanitizing hands ― when entering the facility.
A separate policy for face shield use and cleaning is available on the Infonet. Units that are having difficulty setting up stations for face shield cleaning are asked to contact their incident command center for support.
Directions on when to use and discard N95 masks are available in the guidance for extended use and re-use of N95 masks. Also available in this document are lists of aerosol-generating procedures with high and low risk. Proper PPE use during aerosol-generating procedures – including when to use and discard of N95s – is included in the policy. Enhanced definitions and guidance related to aerosol-generating procedures is forthcoming.
When caring for patients without confirmed or suspected COVID-19, after six donnings/doffings or after 12 hours of use, do not throw masks away. If your unit/location is participating in decontamination, follow the decontamination process. If not, store these masks in individual brown bags until this process is available.
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