Sometimes you’re going to find yourself in a situation that requires you to keep your workspace sterilized from cross-contamination. In these cases, one of the most common routes for contaminants to invade is through workers’ shoes. For this reason, it’s necessary to have elastic shoe covers on hand at all times because shoe covers reduce contamination within your workplace.

The Right Cover for the Job

Not all shoe covers are designed to prevent the spread of contamination; some are designed to protect the floor from becoming scuffed as a result of your shoes. Those scuff-protection covers easily rip and can absorb harmful materials that you’re trying to contain.

What is the Best Material To Prevent Contamination?

Covers constructed out of polypropylene (PP) are best suited for maintaining sterile environments. PP shoe covers are also durable enough to be cleaned and reused for future use if contaminants can be safely scrubbed off.

Make Sure You Have Appropriate Footwear

Shoe covers work best when the proper shoe is used. Typically, in working environments that require shoe covers, open-toed shoes and sandals are not ideal. Having shoes that can easily absorb liquids also isn’t recommended because there’s still an opening where your shoe is exposed. Combine your cover with shoes that cannot absorb liquids.

Make Sure You are Changing Them

It can be easy to forget that you’re wearing a cover on your shoe, which can result in you or other workers unintentionally tracking in contaminant into sterile environments.

Have Dispensing and Disposal Bins Clearly Marked

Have clearly labeled signs in between areas where contamination is a risk factor. This will ensure that workers won’t forget they’re wearing covers and that they need to change them out. Providing a cover dispenser and a disposal bin at these sites will also give them no excuse not to change out their covers.

Always Practice Contamination Safety

Knowing how shoe covers reduce contamination within your workplace keeps everyone safe and prevents work-related incidents as a result of cross-contamination. Always have shoe covers and other necessary personal protective equipment on hand wherever the need arises.