Friday, October 27, 2023, 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM CDT

6V. Selection and Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Recent infectious disease outbreaks highlighted the need for the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The guidance on use of appropriate PPE varies greatly and can often be contradicting and therefore confusing to the end user. Furthermore, availability of different PPE often varies depending on the situation and location. Selection of appropriate PPE should be based on a comprehensive risk assessment that takes in consideration the different hazards present, as well as the procedures/activities to be conducted. Often times, locations where PPE is needed vary as well, from a well-controlled laboratory environment to collection room or a field location, and even in a patient room setting. Each of these situations require staff to be able to perform a comprehensive risk assessment, often in a fast-evolving situation and with a minimal understanding of specifications associated with different PPE components available to them. This course will provide overview of different PPE options available; specifications associated with each option, and address a risk assessment process for selection of appropriate PPE for different environments. The examples will include some of the most common issues and considerations when selecting PPE such as supply chain issues as well as strategies to address behavioral concerns that may arise. In groups, participants will develop risk assessment for different scenarios, present their risk assessment to the class, and evaluate each other’s PPE selection based on their risk assessment. Instructors will guide participants through the process by providing critical feedback on the PPE features and selection process as they progress. The course will go through an effective risk assessment process which is critical for proper selection of appropriate PPE. The course is intended for those who want to be able to lead or aid in the selection of appropriate PPE in order to enhance both biosafety and biosecurity at their institution.

Objectives:

• Summarize the range of issues that must be considered when selecting appropriate PPE, including human behavior
• Develop strategies for selecting appropriate PPE based on a comprehensive risk assessment process
• Recognize the value of selection and use of appropriate PPE in promoting behavioral compliance, biosafety and biosecurity best practices

Suggested Background: None
Target Audience: All Safety Professionals, Animal Caretakers, Laboratory Workers
Audience Level: Basic
Course Length: 4 hours (one 4-hour live session with a 30-minute break)

This webinar will be one 4-hour webinar sessions on Friday, October 27, 2023, 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM (CDT) with a 30-minute break. For the webinar, you should plan on logging in at 10:45 am (CDT) on August 29. You are required to attend the webinar session, complete the pre-course and post course assessments, and complete the evaluation in order to receive the completion certificate through the ABSA International Training Site. The link in the invitation will be unique to the user and cannot be shared.

This course has been approved for 0.5 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.^® Program. This course is approved for 4.0 P.A.C.E.^® contact hours.

ABSA Members: $390 USD (post 9/4 – $440)
Nonmembers: $490 USD (post 9/4 – $540)

To obtain the ABSA member rate, the participant will need to be an ABSA member in the year in which the training is offered. Course fees include: course handouts, access to the ABSA International training site, and 4-hours of interactive instruction from a well-respected subject matter experts.

Confirmed, paid participants will be sent detailed information regarding the course approximately one week prior to the course. Substitutions allowed with notice by 9/29/2023. There is a 15% processing fee for cancellations prior to 9/29/2023. Cancellations between 9/29/2023 and 10/6/2023 will be refunded at 50% of the course fee. No refunds after 10/6/2023.

The links to the various invitations for the course will be unique to the user and cannot be shared. The links are for single, individual use only. If more than one occurrence of an individual’s name is on the attendee list for the webinar through Zoom platform all instances of that person’s name will be removed from the webinar with no refund. The webinar and its associated links are for single, individual use only.