Developing a Personal Protective Equipment Selection Matrix for Preventing Occupational Exposure to Ebola Virus

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Infectious Disease Control
• Public Health Preparedness

Background:

• The 2014 Ebola outbreak necessitated the development of protective measures for US workers.
• Ongoing outbreaks, like the one in the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlight the persistent risk to healthcare workers.
• Over 70 healthcare workers have been infected in the current outbreak, underscoring the need for effective infection prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the personal protective equipment (PPE) selection matrix developed by OSHA.
• To provide guidance for employers on protecting workers from Ebola virus exposure.
• To facilitate preparedness for current and future Ebola outbreaks in the US.

Main Methods:

• The article details the information sources and decision-making process used to create the PPE matrix.
• It outlines the matrix's application across various sectors, including healthcare, laboratories, and waste handling.
• The development process considered diverse job tasks and potential exposure scenarios.

Main Results:

• The PPE matrix offers recommendations for various job tasks where workers may encounter the Ebola virus.
• It addresses a range of occupational settings, from clinical care to transportation.
• The matrix aims to standardize and improve worker protection during outbreak events.

Conclusions:

• The PPE matrix is a vital tool for enhancing worker safety during Ebola outbreaks.
• Challenges in matrix formulation included aligning stakeholder views and balancing protection with feasibility.
• These considerations are critical for preparedness against Ebola and other emerging infectious diseases.