WITH the increasing scarcity of surgical masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) during this COVID-19 crisis, sometimes we need to improvise to get by. As they say: Necessity is really the mother of invention.
Before we start, I have to say that I am not a doctor, nor am I in the medical profession so I cannot 100 percent attribute the effectiveness of these do-it-yourself PPEs. However, these DIY equipment are the same currently being distributed by volunteers to some local health frontliners amid the shortage of surgical masks.
Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as “PPE,” are equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that can cause serious illnesses or infections. Personal protective equipment may include items such as gloves, safety glasses, face-shields, coveralls, vests, and full body suits.
A shortage of masks? You can improvise by making your own reusable face shields. Follow the steps below.
Materials:
* 15 mil Acetate Plastic
* Foam
* Gromet set (hole maker and lock) size: SE26
* 1” thick Magic tape (Velcro)
* 1” thick Garter
* Cutter
* Scissors
* Thread and needle
* Ruler
* Marker
A. Shield
1. Cut a sheet of acetate plastic with size 13.5” x 9.5” (or size that will best cover your face). Cut the edges curve.
2. Using the Gromet hole make, place a hole on the left and right side of the acetate.
From the side, 0.5” while 2.25” from top.
3. Attach the gromet lock.
4. Cut foam to 10” x 1”. Stick double adhesive tape on one side.
5. Attach the foam to the acetate with approximate distance of 1.75” from each side and 1” from the top.
6. See pattern for the recommended measurements.
B. Strap
1. Cut garter to 22.5” length.
2. Sew 4” length of magic tape rough side on both ends.
3. Find the center and sew 8.25” of magic tape soft side.
C. Assembled Face Shield
1. With the magic tape facing you, insert the end of the strap on each hole of the shield.
2. To secure the shield on your face, attach the rough side of the magic tape to the soft side.
3. Adjust the strap to fit.
To clean your reusable face-shield, follow the instructions below:
(a) Shield and foam – wipe with alcohol or disinfectant.
(b) Strap – Soak in water with detergent./PN
