What to check when buying protective equipment in Canada
Le 2021-08-29
The role of personal protective equipment or PPE is to protect you against various risks of contamination or injury. We therefore suggest that you discover the various points to check before purchasing these devices in order to ensure their effectiveness.
Here are some examples of protective equipment frequently used in the medical field, but also on a daily basis, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Nitrile gloves protect your skin against various harmful substances or bacteria you may be exposed to. They must be comfortable and damage resistant in order to limit tears or punctures which could increase the risk of contamination.
Masks can have a dual protective function. On the one hand, they represent a barrier that prevents bacteria, viruses, liquids or other harmful substances from reaching your body through your mouth or nose. On the other hand, they limit the risk of contagion to those around you in the event that you suffer from any disease. There are several models that stand out for the levels of protection they offer, including the medical mask or the simple protective mask.
Visors are facial equipment designed to protect your entire face against possible splashes of risky substances or projections of particles. They also prevent you from infecting those around you.
Check the following criteria to make sure your PPE provides you with maximum protection.
In Canada, PPE is subject to strict standards. The ANSI (American National Standards Institute), for example, defines standards for tear, puncture and abrasion resistance of gloves depending on their uses. Face protectors are also categorized according to the level of protection they offer. Therefore, we recommend that you inform yourself about the regulations to be observed before purchasing a device.
Protective gear also needs to be comfortable when you wear it. For example, check whether you can perform your usual movements, whether you can breathe, whether the fastening or fastening accessories bother you, or whether the visibility remains good despite wearing the visor. The level of comfort can vary considerably between brands, so take the time to try a few products before making a choice.
Equipment that is too large or too small does not protect you effectively and does not allow you to work comfortably. It is therefore important to make sure that the mask, gloves, or even the visor are suitable for your size before proceeding with the purchase. We also note that there are generally models for children.
Before buying protective equipment in Canada, check to see if it meets the standards that are in force in the country, depending on the uses for which you intend it. Then make sure it is comfortable and fit for your size. Finally, you can do price comparisons to find the best deals. At Impact Santé+ we offer quality products at reasonable cost. Explore our collection of PPE by visiting our online store.
