Please note, all projects listed on www.GetUsPPE.org have been reviewed and approved by medical professionals, including the Open Source COVID19 Medical Supplies (OSCMS) Review Team (more info), and medical professionals from hospitals across the U.S.

Please review the following guidelines:

• We suggest you contact the location that you are planning to donate at, BEFORE you embark upon a project. Many hospital locations may not be currently accepting made items, or may be unfamiliar with what you are referring to. Here’s a helpful script that you can refer to when explaining what you are trying to do, and another script that you can print out and include, when you drop off your donations. Please try to keep your calls brief, as we want medical professionals to be where they are needed and not on the phone with talkative makers.

• As a maker you are responsible for procuring your own equipment and materials.

• First and foremost, please do not attempt to make any PPE if you or someone in your household is sick. Even if you have a small tickle in your throat, please do not make any PPE if you think you, or someone that you are exposed to may be sick.

• If you can, please segregate the tools and equipment that you will be using to make the PPE in your space away from people, pets, bathrooms, or food preparation surfaces.

• There is still debate about how long the virus survives on hard industrial surfaces, but it is currently estimated that COVID-19 can live on hard industrial surfaces (metal, plastic, and glass) for up to 3 days. If you have access to sanitizing solutions, including diluted bleach, 70% alcohol solution, or products like Star-San or Odo-Ban, please disinfect your tools and equipment before and after each item is made. You can also let packed items sit for 3 days before distributing, as another mechanism to reduce the risk of transmission.

  • For 3D printing:

    • If the machine is clean, the plastic is heated up enough to be considered clean once the print is finished.

    • Do not attempt to sterilize the finished part; just drop in a clear bag with gloves or tongs and set aside.

    • Many sterilization solutions will damage PLA, and off-the-shelf isopropyl alcohol is not concentrated enough to clean the parts

  • For sewing:

    • Store similar to N95s (allowing the mask to hang in a designated area or placed in a paper bag and labeled – with one mask per paper bag). 

    • Launder after each use. 

• Act as if you were infected by the COVID-19 virus. Wear a face mask and a fresh pair of gloves when collecting each piece of PPE. Store the PPE immediately in a sealable bag.

• Do not store the entire stock you’ve made in one place to minimize the risk of cross contamination.

• Please note any modifications that are recommended to the original design. As you know, making is iterative, and our lead makers and designers are working hard with medical professionals to refine the design to meet the evolving needs of our healthcare workers. Please do check back to the site between batches to make sure you’re using the most current version of the design!

• Please note that these are not FDA-regulated medical devices, and have not been manufactured to the same degree of sterility as face masks or other items that directly interface with mucous membranes. GetUSPPE and all of its related affiliates and partners make no claims regarding the safety and efficacy of the PPE in preventing any disease or illness, including, but not limited to COVID-19. 

• In utilizing the designs provided on www.GetUSPPE.org/makers, you are voluntarily electing to make the objects described. As such, by participating in this effort, you are releasing, waiving, and discharging releases from any and all liability, claims  demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by any individual or organization, while participating in these activities. 

• Please click here for sample phone scripts for calling hospitals and shipping items.

• Thank you for your contributions!