Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Healthcare Settings

Personal Protective Equipment Definition “specialized clothing or equipment worn by an employee for protection against infectious materials” (OSHA) PPE Use in Healthcare Settings

Different Situations Require Different PPE Factors Influencing PPE Selection: Environmental exposure: touch vs spray vs large amounts of fluids Is the PPE appropriate for the job? Is the PPE the right size? PPE Use in Healthcare Settings

PPE for Standard Precautions (1) Gloves – Use when touching blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, contaminated items; for touching mucus membranes and nonintact skin Gowns – Use during procedures and patient care activities when contact of clothing/ exposed skin with blood/body fluids, secretions, or excretions is anticipated PPE Use in Healthcare Settings

PPE for Standard Precautions (2) Mask and goggles or a face shield – Use during patient care activities to prevent being splashed in the fact by blood and body fluids. PPE Use in Healthcare Settings

How to Don(Put on) Gloves Put on gloves last Select correct type and size Insert hands into gloves PPE Use in Healthcare Settings

How to Safely Use Gloves Keep gloved hands away from face Remove gloves if they become torn- Wash hands before putting on new gloves Limit surfaces and items touched to prevent contamination PPE Use in Healthcare Settings

How to Remove Gloves (1) Grasp outside edge near wrist Peel away from hand, turning glove inside-out Hold in opposite gloved hand PPE Use in Healthcare Settings

How to Remove Gloves (2) Slide ungloved finger under the wrist of the remaining glove Peel off from inside, creating a bag for both gloves Discard PPE Use in Healthcare Settings

Hand Hygiene Wash hands immediately after removing gloves Use soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub PPE Use in Healthcare Settings *