Occupational safety in the treatment of COVID-19 patients: Relevant laws and regulations for the treating personnel

Abstract

The intensive medical care of COVID-19 patients presents the deployed personnel with as yet unknown challenges. For example, protective equipment is now being extensively used, which was otherwise only used in selected situations. Working in such an environment is to be evaluated differently under the aspect of occupational safety than other patient care, especially as more than 1900 suspected cases of a SARS-CoV-19 occupational disease were reported among healthcare workers in Germany. Even in a pandemic, the legal requirements remain valid and personal protective equipment (PPE) has to comply with given standards. The use of FFP3 masks is required in aerosol-forming situations, such as endotracheal intubation or bronchoscopy. In contrast to surgical face masks, there is a maximum wearing time for FFPs masks. Furthermore, in a pandemic there is a basic danger of PPE shortage and recycling of face masks is under discussion. Therefore, usage of non-EU certified PPE may come into effect but this has to follow the requirements defined by European regulations. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the currently relevant rules and regulations in Germany.