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National Infection Prevention and Control Manual

National Infection Prevention and Control Manual

Appendix 6 - Putting On and Removing PPE

Step by step images for putting on and removing PPE

Use safe work practices to protect yourself and limit the spread of infection

  • Keep hands away from face and PPE being worn.
  • Change gloves when torn or heavily contaminated.
  • Limit surfaces touched in the patient environment.
  • Regularly perform hand hygiene.
  • Always clean hands after removing gloves.

The type of PPE used will vary based on the type of exposure anticipated, and not all items of PPE will be required.

NB Masks and goggles are not routinely recommended for contact precautions. Consider the use of these under standard infection control precautions or if there are other routes of transmission.

Putting on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Perform hand hygiene before putting on PPE. The order for putting on PPE is Apron or Gown, Surgical Mask, Eye Protection (where required) and Gloves.

 

Pull apron over head and fasten at back of waistWearing surgical mask or respiratorEye Protection (Goggles/Face Shield) - Place over face and eyes and adjust to fit.Gloves - Select according to hand size.Extend to cover wrist.

Removing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The order for removing PPE is Gloves, Apron or Gown, Eye Protection, Surgical Mask.

Outside of gloves are contaminated. Grasp the outside of the glove with the opposite gloved hand; peel off.Removing glovesRemove apronGown/Fluid repellent coverallGown/Fluid repellent coverall front and sleeves are contaminated.Unfasten neck, then waist ties.Remove gown or apronHold gown away from body

  • Perform hand hygiene immediately on removal.
  • All PPE should be removed before leaving the area and disposed of as healthcare waste.