In the midst of the Sars outbreak, there is great concern that our health-care workers are well protected. Thus the present drive to make sure that we are adequately provided with protective apparel. In a sense, I am extremely touched by the concern and sympathy for us frontline staff working in the hospitals. However, it is critically important that the right equipment is provided for the task. The OSHA (Occupation Safety and Health Administration) manual in the United States, states clearly that in the selection of protective clothing, 'Overprotection as well as underprotection can be hazardous and should be avoided'. It should be appreciated that protective gowns are not new in the hospital setting. Similarly, the concern for infection control dates back even before the days of Florence Nightingale. Through years of experience and refinement, we have developed gowns that are well suited for hospital work and are based on solid principles of infection control. The front is always considered the dirty area and that is why gowns for use in the hospital tie up at the back. If they are removed in the correct way, you can simply flip off the entire gown without touching the dirty area in front. Protective gowns in the hospital, like surgical gowns, are often loose enough to allow the ease of movement needed in medical procedures. Then it must not be stuffy, for sweating is a definite infection risk. I have concerns regarding the Barrierman coverall. It is without question a well-manufactured garment. However, it is an outfit well suited for general fieldwork. Thus the Barrierman is comparatively tight-fitting and includes a pair of trousers. It is apparent that this will enhance the mobility of the user, but such mobility is really not needed in a hospital ward. On the other hand, the comparatively tight design makes the un-gowning process more difficult, especially getting out of the trousers. One should appreciate that any clumsy movement in un-gowning can result in contamination of the wearer. Unlike hospital gowns, the zip is right in front, which is the dirty area. It is impossible to un-gown without touching this 'dirty' front area. Many who have worn it found it rather stuffy and as stated earlier, a sweaty body is without doubt an infectious risk. The Barrierman's makers also clearly state that it is flammable, which may be a concern in some clinical areas. Perhaps it is even more important to appreciate that we in the hospital have considered these problems and have designed devices and processes well suited for our work. In Queen Mary Hospital, after over 300 patients were admitted to our cohort wards, we have relied on the basics of infection control. The two most critical measures are to wear an appropriate mask and always wash hands after every patient contact. Other protective garments are our usual hospital gowns, caps, latex gloves and goggles when needed, especially when attending to Sars patients. In high-risk procedures, we will use face shields. With these measures, we have up till now, recorded no infections among our staff. Without doubt we have been fortunate, but I sincerely believe that our 'back to the basics' approach in infection control has played an important role. W H SETO, Chief of Service, Microbiology, and Infection Control Officer, Queen Mary Hospital Editor's Note: The Barrierman protective suit is used by medical staff in hospitals across Hong Kong and is distributed in large quantities by the Hospital Authority. The SCMP launched Project Shield to provide an opportunity for the community to express their heartfelt thanks to the medical staff who place their health at risk in the care of the sick with Sars and any other illness. The SCMP intends to provide medical workers, on behalf of our readers who have responded so readily to this cause, with whatever protective garments, visors, masks or other product they require. The items provided will be detailed to our readers as they are delivered to medical workers.