Critical Characteristics of Protective Clothing
Other Factors
n addition to the barrier resistance properties and other factors discussed above, there are other critical characteristics of protective clothing that employers and purchasers must use in their decision-making process. These include factors such as compliance with regulatory agencies, durability (abrasion resistance, tensile strength, seam strength), comfort (breathability, air permeability), flammability, electrostatic properties, cost, availability, ergonomics/human factors, and integration with other types of PPE. Of particular importance is how the selected gown or coverall will interface with other items of PPE worn by the individual healthcare worker, including gloves with the sleeve of the gown or coverall and face/eye or respiratory protective equipment with the hood or collar area of the gown or coverall. These interfaces are essential to the individual’s overall protection, because the overall ensemble of PPE provides their protection.
In selecting gowns and coveralls, further consideration should be given to the physical characteristics of the work environment and specific activities of healthcare workers. Different physical conditions where gowns or coveralls are used can compromise their material and properties of seam barriers. Certain actions, including kneeling or leaning on a chair or table contaminated with blood, can result in pressure levels that exceed the levels used in the standard test methods. The gowns or coveralls may no longer provide expected levels of protection under these conditions.
