Establishing local manufacture of PPE for healthcare workers in the time of a global pandemic. Issue 2 (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nilasaroya, Anastasia; Kop, Alan Matthew; Collier, Ryan Christopher; Kennedy, Brendan; Kelsey, Lachlan James; Pollard, Faz; Ha, Jennifer Fong; Morrison, David Anthony
• Is Part Of: Heliyon. Volume 9:Issue 2(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- Manufacturing -- Medical device -- Quality control; AS/NZS Australian/New Zealand Standard -- COVID-19 coronavirus disease 2019 -- ENT ear, nose and throat -- HCW healthcare workers -- ISO International Organization for Standardization -- PETG polyethylene terephthalate glycol -- PPE personal protective equipment -- TGA Therapeutic Goods Administration; Research -- Periodicals; Medical sciences -- Periodicals; Natural history -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Earth sciences -- Periodicals; Physical sciences -- Periodicals; 507.2
• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13349
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2405-8440

Abstract

Abstract: A face shield is a secondary personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers (HCW). Worn with the appropriate face masks/respirators, it provides short term barrier protection against potentially infectious droplet particles. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused a spike in demand for PPE, leading to a shortage and risking the safety of HCW. Transport restrictions further challenged the existing PPE supply chain which has been reliant on overseas-based manufacturers. Despite the urgency in demand, PPE must be properly tested for functionality and quality. We describe the establishment of local face shields manufacture in Western Australia to ensure adequate PPE for HCW. Ten thousand face shields for general use (standard) and for ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist use were produced. Materials and design considerations are described, and the face shields were vigorously tested to the relevant Standards to ensure their effectiveness as a protective barrier, including splash and impact resistance. Comparative testing with traditional and other novel face shields was also undertaken. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) licence was obtained to manufacture and supply the face shields as a Class I medical device. The swiftness of process is a credit to collaboration from industry, academia and healthcare. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: COVID-19 pandemic transport restrictions challenged the existing PPE supply chain. Despite urgent demand, it is paramount to properly test PPE as barrier protection. Local manufacture of face shields was established in Western Australia (WA). Scalable production volume would ensure adequate supply for WA, even nationally. The swiftness of process showcased industry, academia and healthcare collaboration.