Source
r/policeuk•
PinkPrimate

Infection Control

General Discussion

Someone asked me to share my "not today, Satan" list of products for keeping uniform/kit/self moderately less germy, so I thought I'd post it here in case anyone finds it useful.

Obviously I know you can't wear masks on duty, but that's a really good one if you do need to at some point.

And yes I'm on a mobile, I'll edit this to look nice later but viruses wait for no woman.

Clinell CAHW100 Antimicrobial Hand Wipes, Sachets (Pack of 100) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006H4R4D4/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_4t6vEbSXS65TV

Clinell Universal Sanitising Wipes 40 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002P3P7I0/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_apa_i_xw6vEbA4054P1

Antibacterial Wipes for Computers/Touchscreen Electronics, EOTW Laptop Wipes Pre Moistened, Screen Wipes for ipad/Monitor Laptop/Phone/Tablet PC/Computer/Cleaning Kits Pack of 240 + Cleaning Cloth https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07K88MWHW/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_apa_i_jy6vEbB4P30HQ

Purell® Hand Sanitizer Gel 60ml Pump Bottle - Travel Size https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/174195692772

Dettol Spray and Wear Fabric Clothes Freshener Spray, Fresh Cotton Scent, 250 ml https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07TVJ58MF/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_nH6vEbYR2MG3K 

Dettol All-in-One Disinfectant Spray Crisp Linen, 400 ml, Pack of 3 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B019XR8FBQ/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_tJ6vEbMYNQ4RY

Dettol Antibacterial Laundry Cleanser Liquid Additive, Fresh Cotton, Multipack of 4 x 1.5 Litre https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00FQHNDFG/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_8K6vEbKH6HF65

Touchflex Blue Nitrile Powder Free Disposable Gloves - Latex Free - Boxed x100 (Medium) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XP7K37V/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_0N6vEbM0YHDRG 

Hypaclens Emergency Sterile Eyewash Pods - 20ml (Pack of 25) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004DP9X06/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_EO6vEbXNGHSTP 

NRS Healthcare Disposable Aprons - Pack of 100 Aprons https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00FRGIS56/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_tP6vEb25D21SW

FFP3 Mask https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/254508576606

Respro Techno Mask
(DACC and HEPA filter) https://www.wiggle.co.uk/respro-techno-anti-pollution-mask/

Posted Feb 27, 2020, 11:45 AM UTC · edited

3831
renalmedic:tbl: HEMS•

I'm not sure that mask is going to do anything for you in terms of infection prevention. Get an FFP3.

15
PinkPrimateOP:tbl: The Duty Officer at Home•

That's just my cycling mask, it's been signed off the infection control bods here but FFP3 masks are cheaper, they just look way more medical. We're trying to avoid that as much as possible as our risk factor isn't spectacularly high!

9
Rossday276:unverified: Police Officer (unverified)•

Get on a CBRN course and get the job to buy you a £2000 airtight suit

7
Red1123:verified: Police Officer (verified)•

I'm in a pool for the next CBRN course. Get me on it!

3
Rossday276:unverified: Police Officer (unverified)•

Really good course, right up my street call up for all the sus packages I can depending on what force your in look at DVI aswell good course to pair with CBRN another interesting one

4
cyclinghedgehogCivilian•

Probably some sort of eye wear too.

5
PinkPrimateOP:tbl: The Duty Officer at Home•

It does depend what you're dealing with but that's a good idea. The saline pods are great for rinsing your eyes if someone gets bodily fluids in your face (also CS, always carry a pod on your belt) but prevention is better than cure.

7
[deleted]•

[deleted]

1
invinciblehamster:verified: Police Officer (verified)•

You shouldn't really be using liquids with CS, a fan or good breeze works better.

0
PinkPrimateOP:tbl: The Duty Officer at Home•

Strangely enough there was an actual study conducted on this using saline irrigation or blown air. The conclusion was that they're equally effective.

The reason I suggest the saline pods is because they're easier to wear on your belt than a fan, you can use them quickly if you need to jump back into the fray, you can use them in case of acid or any other substances and saline is pretty handy in a lot of situations.

Almost any other liquid, except milk, especially water, is instant agony with CS though!

2
AsgardyO:unverified-staff: Police Staff (unverified)•

A good list! Thought it might be a good idea to add that a visit to your SOCO/CSI unit could get you some of this kit while on duty if you find yourself needing something and would rather not go without!

Due to the nature of CSI work we have all of what was listed above (and then some) in stock - I am sure a visit and a polite ask could convince your local CSI/SOCO to part with some anti-contamination gear on an as need basis 👍

5
PinkPrimateOP:tbl: The Duty Officer at Home•

Brace yourself!

2
spankeyfishCivilian•

Some coronavirus patients have developed conjunctivitis which means that it can potentially enter your body via your eyes. A dust mask probably isn't going to cut it. Ideally you want a full face mask with P3, P3R, P100, N100 or R100 filters. They all stop the same particulates (the US x100 standard is slightly stricter on filtration efficiency than the EU P3 standard) it's just that the P3R/R100/P100 versions will resist oil mist whereas the others don't. There's a range of filters that meet those specs but fully enclosed ones like the 3M 6035 are the best for this situation as it prevents the possibility of touching the filter medium where the virus particles are trapped.

Advantages:

  • Readily available. While everybody has been frantically buying cheap surgical masks and N95 dust masks, which are probably better at stopping the wearer from spreading germs than catching them, the much more effective option has been ignored.
  • Provides the best protection (that's practically possible, unless you want to carry a scuba tank) against people vindictively sneezing in your face.
  • When the outbreak is over, it's great for DIY. Want to do some woodwork without getting wooden snot? Sorted. Need to sand down the paintwork but don't like the thought of pneumoconiosis? You're covered. Want to paint a room? Throw some A1 or A2 filters on it and you won't even be able to smell the paint.

Disadvantages:

  • Makes you look quite dystopian.
  • They're sized so you need to make sure you're buying the right size.
  • Vendor lock-in. Most manufacturers design filter fittings to only work with their own filters i.e. 3M filters for 3M masks, Sundstrom filters for Sundstrom masks.
  • They can get uncomfortable and you'll get condensation inside the mouth/nose part.
  • Will not work over facial hair as this prevents it sealing against your face. The bits of your face that it touches must be clean shaven. Powered respirators will usually work over facial hair but good ones cost £500+ and are more weight to carry.
  • Valved respirators (including the disposable masks) don't stop you from spewing germs out into the environment.
5
Red1123:verified: Police Officer (verified)•

Anybody know if any of their forces are starting to put anything in place? WHO are literally telling the world to take more action, and the virus is on the edge of becoming a pandemic, and yet in Scotland we've got one lousy fucking intranet message saying to wash your hands...That's it.

Have any forces got any plans to deal with the potential for hundreds of cases? I certainly haven't seen anything to suggest it.

3
multijoy:verified: Bifftective Constable (verified) •

There’s not a great deal that we, the police, can do. Practice good hygiene, wash your hands and try not to get coughed on.

If it becomes a public order matter or we’re expected to start enforcing quarantine then you’ll probably see the messaging change.

3
[deleted]•

[deleted]

3
Red1123:verified: Police Officer (verified)•

Nice. Certainly no word of any gold meetings up here yet. I'd imagine the response will be changing in the next week with the increase of cases coming home.

2
Broad8-15:verified: Magnums are fine (verified)•

Apparently we’ve bulk ordered hand gel but as everyone is buying it it’s out of stock and it’ll be a while before we get it.

1
JECGizzle:unverified: Ex-Police/Retired (unverified)•

Obviously it's not usually practicable when you're out and about, but I think it is absolutely not well-known enough that water and soap is best

See, for example https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-hand-sanitizer.html

1
PinkPrimateOP:tbl: The Duty Officer at Home•

Good luck using that on your vest.

3
JECGizzle:unverified: Ex-Police/Retired (unverified)•

Smh...

1
PinkPrimateOP:tbl: The Duty Officer at Home•

I post a list of things to help you keep germs off yourself and disinfect your kit and you tell me it's better to wash your hands, not sure what sort of response you expected tbh. Of course washing your hands is ideal, but you can't clean your phone with soap and water.

2
JECGizzle:unverified: Ex-Police/Retired (unverified)•

Your list was helpful; I was trying to add in another helpful comment in the spirit of this subreddit because actually I don't think it's that well known that soap and water trumps hand sanitizer in terms of infection control etc, that's all! I acknowledged the limitations re practicability accordingly

2
wlsbCivilian•

They were adding a tangent. They said they know you can't take it with you.

0
[deleted]•

[deleted]

-10
PinkPrimateOP:tbl: The Duty Officer at Home•

Madame. We've covered that, but thanks.

4
[deleted]•

[deleted]

-17
PinkPrimateOP:tbl: The Duty Officer at Home•

Ah Reddit, where people infer snarky attitudes for absolutely no reason whatsoever.

10
Eodyr:unverified: Trainee Constable (unverified)•

Doubly funny considering their top comment was condescending af.

8