Healthcare PPE: Usage and Disposal

• PPE is specialized clothing/equipment worn by employees, protecting them from infectious materials and improving safety.
• Employers must provide appropriate PPE for all employees.
• Employers must ensure the correct disposal of PPE.
• Employers must ensure reusable PPE is properly cleaned, laundered, repaired, and stored.

PPE Used in Healthcare

• Gloves are used to protect hands.
• Gowns/Aprons are used to protect skin and clothing.
• Face masks are used to protect the mouth and nose.
• Respirators are used to protect the respiratory tract from airborne infectious agents.
• Goggles are used to protect the eyes.
• Face shields are used to protect the face, mouth, nose, and eyes.
• Head and shoe covers can be used.

Influencing Factors on PPE Selection

• Type of exposure anticipated, such as splash/spray versus touch and the category of isolation precautions.
• Durability and appropriateness for the required task.
• Correct fit and application.

Correct Order to Put On PPE

• Perform proper hand hygiene using soap and water, or alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Put on gown.
• Put on mask or respirator.
• Put on goggles or face shield.
• Put on gloves.

Correct Order to Remove PPE

• Remove gloves.
• Remove goggles or face shield.
• Remove gown.
• Remove mask/respirator.
• Perform proper hand hygiene using soap and water, or alcohol-based sanitizer.

Properties of Gloves

• Gloves protect hands.
• Gloves are made of materials such as vinyl, latex, or nitrile, but never wool.
• Gloves can be sterile or non-sterile.
• Gloves come in one or two pairs.
• Gloves can be single-use or reusable.

Dos and Don'ts of Glove Usage

• Work from "clean to dirty" areas.
• Limit opportunities for "touch contamination" to protect oneself and others.
• Avoid touching the face or adjusting PPE with contaminated gloves.
• Avoid touching environmental surfaces unless necessary during patient care.
• Frequently change gloves as needed.
• Discard used gloves in the appropriate waste container.
• Never wash or reuse disposable gloves.

Properties of Gowns and Aprons

• Three factors influencing gown/apron selection for PPE: purpose of use for isolation, material, and cleanliness.
• Reusable or disposable material is a factor.
• Resistance to fluid penetration is a factor.
• Clean versus sterile requirements influence type needed.

Properties of Face Protection

• Masks protect the nose and mouth.
• Masks should fully cover the nose and mouth and prevent fluid penetration.
• Goggles protect the eyes.
• Goggles should fit snugly over and around the eyes.
• Personal glasses are not a substitute for goggles.
• Face shields protect the face, nose, mouth, and eyes.
• Face shields should cover the forehead, extend below the chin, and wrap around the side of the face.

General PPE Procedures

• Put on PPE before contact with the patient, generally before entering a room.
• Use PPE carefully to avoid spreading contamination.
• Remove and discard PPE carefully, either at the doorway or immediately outside the patient room, but remove respirators outside of the room.
• Immediately perform proper hand hygiene.

Removal of PPE

• Remove PPE at doorway before leaving a patient room if only gloves are worn.
• Remove masks outside the room after the door has been closed.
• Ensure that proper hand hygiene facilities are available (sinks or alcohol-based hand sanitizers) after removing PPE.