When putting on and taking off personal protective equipment (PPE), it is crucial to follow the correct steps to avoid contamination. Before donning any PPE, proper hand hygiene should be practiced by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. After putting on a disposable gown or apron, gloves should be put on next, followed by a face shield or goggles, a mask, a hair covering if required, and shoe covers if necessary. When removing PPE, hand hygiene should be performed after each piece is removed, starting with the mask, followed by the face shield or goggles, gloves, gown or apron, and finally performing thorough hand hygiene again. By following these steps, the risk of contamination can be significantly reduced, protecting both the individual and others from potential exposure to hazardous materials or infectious agents.
The Correct Way to Put On and Take Off PPE to Avoid Contamination
Putting On PPE
1. Hand Hygiene: Before putting on any personal protective equipment (PPE), it is essential to practice proper hand hygiene. This means washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. Gown/Apron: If necessary, put on a disposable gown or apron before donning other PPE items. Make sure the gown covers all of your clothing and fasten it securely at the back.
3. Gloves: Put on gloves after the gown/apron. It is important to avoid touching the outside of the glove with your bare hands. If possible, use a technique called the "glove sandwich" where you slide one gloved hand into the other glove to pull it on without contaminating the outside.
4. Face Shield/Goggles: Put on a face shield or goggles before the mask to prevent contamination of the mask during adjustments. Secure the straps comfortably but tightly enough to prevent slippage.
5. Mask: Finally, put on a mask, making sure to cover both your nose and mouth. Adjust the mask so that it fits snugly against your face without any gaps.
6. Hair Covering: If required, put on a hair covering such as a cap or hood to ensure that no hair falls into the work area.
7. Shoe Covers: Put on shoe covers if necessary to protect your shoes from contamination.
Taking Off PPE
1. Hand Hygiene: After removing each piece of PPE, perform hand hygiene again to prevent transferring any potential contaminants from the PPE to your skin or other surfaces.
2. Mask: Carefully remove the mask by untying or unhooking it without touching the front part of the mask. Discard the mask immediately into a designated waste receptacle.
3. Face Shield/Goggles: Remove the face shield or goggles by lifting them away from your face without touching the outer surface. Discard them properly according to facility guidelines.
4. Gloves: Remove one glove at a time by pulling it off inside out over itself, being careful not to touch the outer surface with your bare hand. Discard the gloves into a designated waste receptacle.
5. Gown/Apron: Unfasten the gown or apron and carefully remove it without touching the outside of the gown. Fold it inward so that the contaminated outer surface is contained, and dispose of it in a designated waste receptacle.
6. Hand Hygiene: After removing all PPE items, perform thorough hand hygiene again to ensure that any potential contaminants are removed from your hands.
By following these steps for putting on and taking off PPE, you can significantly reduce the risk of contamination and protect yourself and others from potential exposure to hazardous materials or infectious agents.