SPD Decontam PPE: Risk Validated | PPE Update Required

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
Highest splash-risk area: 2nd sink : flush and brush process. This task requires the highest level of eye and face protection.
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
Face shields are supplemental protection and must be used with primary eye protection (goggles) when splash risk exists not just as a standalone substitute.
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
Preferred Recommendation: Option B is the preferred operational model. It simplifies compliance in a fast-moving decontamination workflow.
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
Key Conclusion: This is not primarily a budget decision. It is a decision about sustained compliance, operational simplicity, and whether reusable PPE can be reliably cleaned, stored, and maintained in this environment.
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.
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