SPD Decontam PPE: Risk Validated | PPE Update Required
Homestead Hospital | Environmental Health & Safety
Current PPE Gap
Clinical splash PPE is in use in a chemical exposure area. ANSI Z87.1 compliance could not be verified.
Workflow Risk Confirmed
Open-loop chemical handling and manual sink work create confirmed splash exposure risk.
Correction Needed
Replace non-ANSI PPE and standardize eye and face protection based on chemical risk and task exposure.
Assessment Methodology
What We Verified
The assessment included a physical PPE review, SDS review, and direct workflow validation in SPD Decontamination. The goal was to move from assumption to evidence before recommending a PPE standard.
Risk Map
Where Splash Risk Lives
Open Loop — Higher Risk
- STERIS Liquid Descaler: Poured manually into washer filter which poses a splash risk during pouring
- Prolystica HP Enzymatic: Added manually into sink after water fill
- Revital-Ox Resert: Poured into containers for soaking and lumen flushing
Closed Loop — Lower Risk
- Prolystica Neutral Detergent: Cart washer, closed system
- Prolystica Lubricant: Closed system delivery
PPE Standard
Required Eye & Face Protection
Baseline Requirement: ANSI Z87.1 compliant eye and face protection is required in SPD Decontamination whenever chemical exposure or splash risk exists.
1
Goggles Required
- Enzymatic chemical handling
- Manual sink work
- Any task where eye splash is reasonably expected
2
Goggles + Face Shield Required
- STERIS Liquid Descaler handling
- 2nd sink flush and brush work
- Pouring, transferring, or any splash-prone task
Implementation Options
Which PPE Standard Should We Apply?
Option A: SDS-Based Flexible Standard
Allows safety glasses where SDS permits.
- ✔ Technically flexible
- ✔ Less restrictive
- ✘ More judgment calls required
- ✘ Higher risk of inconsistent PPE selection
- ✘ Harder to train and audit
Option B: Standardized Goggles Model
Goggles required for all decontam chemical work.
- ✔ Simpler for staff
- ✔ Easier to train and audit
- ✔ Fewer wrong-PPE decisions
- ✘ Staff comfort and cleaning must be managed
Cost Snapshot
Disposable vs. Reusable PPE
Assumption: 1 technician per shift, 2 shifts per day, 365 days per year = 730 PPE sets per year.
Disposable PPE
- ~$2.56 per set
- ~$1,869 per year
- ~$5,600 over 3 years
- Simple & no cleaning burden
- Higher recurring cost
Reusable PPE
- ~$52 per initial set; ~$104 for 2 staff
- ~$32 per year in visor replacements
- ~$250–$330 over 3 years
- Much lower cost
- Requires cleaning, storage, and staff accountability
Leadership Action Required
Decision Needed from SPD Leadership
01
Approve PPE Removal
Authorize removal of non-ANSI clinical splash PPE from SPD Decontamination.
02
Select PPE Standard
Choose between SDS-based flexible approach or standardized goggles model.
03
Select PPE Model
Decide between disposable, reusable, or hybrid PPE procurement approach.
04
Approve Staff Communication
Authorize staff communication plan and point-of-use PPE task matrix for decontam.