COVID-19: donning and doffing PPE in community settings (21)

Donning PPE

Pre-donning requirements:

• Ensure that you are hydrated and have emptied your bladder

• Tie hair back

• Remove jewellery

• Check PPE is the correct size and available

• Perform hand hygiene before putting on PPE – and apply hand gel or rub

Step one: put on your plastic apron, making sure it is tied securely at the back.

Step two: put on your surgical face mask (FFP3 mask if the client has an AGP. If tied, make sure you securely tie it at the crown and nape of your neck. Once it covers the nose make sure it is extended to cover your mouth and chin.

Step three: put on your eye protection if there is a risk of splashing.

Step four: put on your non-sterile gloves.

Step five: you are now ready to enter the client area.

Doffing of PPE

Key facts:

PPE should be removed in an order that minimises the potential for cross-contamination
PPE must be removed before leaving the client’s room/area if possible (apart from your mask)
Your mask must remain on if not soiled and you are wearing it for ‘Sessional use’
Gloves and aprons must be changed between care deliveries

Step one: remove gloves, grasp the outside of the cuff of the glove and peel off, holding the glove in the gloved hand, insert your finger underneath and peel off the second glove.

Step two: perform hand hygiene using alcohol hand gel or rub or soap and water.

Step three: snap or unfasten apron ties at the neck and allow to fall forward, snap waist ties and remove apron ensuring that you do not touch the outer areas of the apron.

Step four: once outside the client’s room remove eye protection if you were wearing it.

Step five: perform hand hygiene using alcohol hand gel or rub, or soap and water.

Step six: remove the surgical mask and replace with a new one if the mask is soiled/damaged.

Step seven: wash your hands with soap and water.

Video guides and further instructions are available here.

Source: PHE guide to donning and doffing