The Promise of Polyester: Criteria to Consider When Selecting Personal Protective Apparel

The relevant fluid transfer management standards (FTMS) are:
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• FTMS 4046-101C: Static Decay: This test measures the time it takes for a highly charged fabric to decrease to within 10 percent of its peak. Less than .01 of a second is ideal; and
• Test Method 76 Surface Resistivity: Dissipative material ranges from 106 to 1011. An ideal surface-resistivity range is 106 to 109.

Unaccommodatingly Unisex.

While not often considered by the PPA manufacturer, the design of the PPA – particularly lab coats – correlates directly to the comfort of the wearer, willingness of the worker to wear PPA as intended and contamination.

With lab coats, unisex styles are a straightforward design but accommodate the shoulder widths and arm lengths of men. Put this same lab coat on most women, and you have baggy shoulders, sleeves that are too long and an uncomfortable fit through the hips and lower body. If the woman is working in a seated position, a straight-cut, unisex lab coat will leave the tops of her legs exposed.

Depending on what percentage of the workforce is female (i.e., more than 50 percent) consider making women’s styles available. With fitted shoulders and shorter arm lengths, a woman’s design provides a comfortable garment that covers the tops of her legs when seated.

Heat It Up

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC; Atlanta, Ga.) recommends medical linens be processed at a 160º F wash temperature for a 25-minute cycle to sterilize and decontaminate the garment. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) frequently follows this standard.

A hot-water wash has the added benefit of breaking up the body oils that come from the skin and yellow the fabric, particularly around the neck area. Hot water also makes the PPA look better and last longer.

The alternative, cold- or warm-water wash PPA, requires the use of bleach and high pH to sterilize the garments and maintain appearance. Using chemicals and high pH substantially reduces the life of the PPA, resulting in high cost per wash and frequent replacement of damaged garments.

Tapered and Fitted

Anyone with an imposing cuff has often rolled it up for quick comfort. This bulk at the wrist or forearm, however, can cause spills during a reach as well as contamination by dragging it across various surfaces. Open cuffs can also usher in contamination. Skin or open wounds are particularly at risk. Tapered sleeves with fitted cuffs for over-gloving minimize the chances for accidents when reaching. Moreover, if arms are raised while handling liquids or powders, the design prevents substrates from contacting skin from the forearm to the elbow.

Along with cumbersome cuffs, exposed and concealed zippers are traps for contamination – particularly when the worker reaches or leans over a work table. Buttons can be sources of contamination. Many do not withstand hot water sterilization over time. Once they come off, buttons are difficult to detect. Stainless steel snaps or closures may be sterilized, stand up to laundry chemicals and be seen by a metal detector.

Many garments are available with or without pockets. A PPA with patch pockets can trap contamination, particularly if gloves get stored inside pockets. Moreover, there is the threat of exposure if the apparel is not fluid-resistant. A side vent design puts the pocket outside hip level on each side of the garment, similar to the pockets in a pair of slacks. Contaminants, including powders or fluids, that contact the front of the garment do not drop into patch pockets.

Conclusion

Choose a PPA manufacturer that can provide test results to back its claims and adapt to the changing needs of contamination control. Since 1990, many manufacturers have all but vacated the U.S. market in favor of offshore production. The result was fewer available styles, reduced size range (particularly with fluid-resistant coats), fewer colors and lead times ranging from three to six months for special orders. Be open to U.S.-based specialty manufacturers and those whose products evolved from extensive testing before market introduction.