Health and Social Care: what PPE should I be provided with?
GMB is behind you to help make you and your colleagues safe
GMB is behind you to help make you and your colleagues safe
This is a guide only and is based on Government guidelines. Do not use this guidance as a definitive guide to PPE. You and your job need to be properly risk assessed by a competent person to identify:
How the job can be done safely;
What control measures should be introduced; and
What PPE should be provided
You need to decide what you think is needed to make your job safe. GMB is behind you to help make you and your colleagues safe.
Up to 40% of those infected with Covid19 might not show symptoms – in a pandemic situation that means everyone should be treated as a ‘possible Covid19 case’.
1) Work from Home if at all possible, especially if you or someone you live with are pregnant or have underlying health conditions.
2) Stay 2m away from all colleagues and the public, on your way to and from work and at all times during work.
3) If you can’t do either 1 or 2 your employer must provide put protective measures in place. Your risk of Covid19 depends on your work: take our quiz to find out what you need.
4) Adhere to all infection control procedures at work including frequent rigorous hand washing. Time must be allowed for this.
5) Ensure if you are in close proximity- less than 2 meters, to patients or residents going to and from hospital environments that they (the patient or resident) have been issued with a surgical mask if they can tolerate it.
6) Ensure that you are not being called into any workplace meetings where you will be in a crowded room with others
7) Ensure that all shared equipment is wiped down before and after use
Send them home
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Your staff need protection against Covid-19. Provide the following to all:
Because you’re not at home you and all your staff are at risk of contracting Covid19. This virus is killing people and there is no cure against it. The primary way to mitigate this risk is to provide personal protective equipment.
In doing this you are protecting yourself, your colleagues, both your families and the NHS – ensure your employer provides you with the PPE you need.
Your staff are in danger of Covid-19. Provide the following to all:
Because you’re not at home you and all your staff are at risk of contracting Covid19. This virus is killing people and there is no cure against it. The primary way to mitigate this risk is to provide personal protective equipment.
In doing this you are protecting yourself, your colleagues, both your families and the NHS – ensure your employer provides you with the PPE you need.
Role dependent: See updated healthcare guidance from Public Health England table below
Second Tier
Third tier
No PPE
This guidance is not GMB guidance – it is from Government. It’s therefore the minimum level of PPE required. Always get a risk assessment. Always go by what you think you need for your safety.
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Workplace or Role |
GOV GUIDANCE |
|
Aerosol Generating Procedures: Performing or being in the same place as Aerosol Generating Procedures (AGPs) are being performed is the most dangerous environment for workers. The risk of contracting Covid19 is highest here. |
HIGHEST LEVEL |
|
Health and Social Workers in Higher risk acute inpatient care areas with possible or confirmed Covid19 For anyone working in this area in any capacity the highest level of PPE is needed |
HIGHEST LEVEL |
|
Inpatient areas with possible Covid19 patients |
TIER 1 |
|
Health and Social Workers in Emergency department and acute admission areas with possible or confirmed Covid19 |
TIER 1 |
|
Health and social care workers who transfer cases and other duties requiring close contact (Under 1m) of possible or confirmed Covid19 |
TIER 1 |
|
Operating theatres and operative procedures |
HIGHEST LEVEL |
|
Labour ward |
TIER 1(UNLESS AGP) |
|
Ambulance staff, paramedics and first responders |
TIER 1 |
|
Primary care, ambulatory care and other non-emergency outpatient clinical settings (Under 2m) |
TIER 1 |
|
Individual’s home or usual place of residence |
TIER 1 |
|
Community care home, mental health and other overnight resident facilities |
TIER 1 |
|
Pharmacy (under 2m) |
TIER 1 |
|
nasopharyngeal SWABS |
TIER 1 |
|
Care to vulnerable groups undergoing shielding |
TIER 1 |
