[Gloves as medical devices or individual protection devices: current regulations and correct use in hospital environments].
BACKGROUND
Hospital work consists of the care and assistance of patients, who therefore constitute another group of individuals besides the workers, which is a completely different situation compared to other workplaces in manufacturing industries.


OBJECTIVE
Health professionals must know how to use the right devices to protect both the patients and themselves. In the case of protection of the hands, health professionals must also know when to use gloves as "individual protection gloves" and when to use gloves as "medical devices", and comply with both Italian and European Community regulations.


RESULTS
The Hospital of Vimercate (Milan) has drawn up technicalprocedures regarding the various types of gloves used in hospitals, which provide health care workers with accurate information on regulations and protocols, prevention guidelines, safety management recommendations, purchasing specifications, quality controls, correct uses of gloves and devices.
Unità Operativa Ospedaliera di Medicina del Lavoro, Ospedale di Desio, Azienda Ospedaliera di Vimercate, Vimercate.
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Maggio
D005932:Gloves, Surgical / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D010564:Personnel, Hospital