Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is an essential part of infection prevention and control in health and social care. It protects both workers and individuals receiving care from harmful exposure to infection, hazardous substances, and cross-contamination.

This free PPE online course provides a complete introduction to PPE, including when and how to use it correctly, the different types available, and how PPE fits within wider infection control procedures. You’ll also explore the legal responsibilities of care providers and employees when it comes to using PPE safely and effectively.

Why Take This eLearning Course?

Whether you work in a care home, community setting, or healthcare environment, understanding how to use PPE correctly is vital for maintaining safety and compliance. This course is designed to ensure you know how to protect yourself and others while meeting UK legal and professional standards.

Here’s why this course is important:

• Improve infection control: Learn how PPE prevents the spread of infections, including COVID-19 and other communicable diseases.
• Stay compliant: Understand your legal responsibilities under UK regulations such as the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH).
• Promote safety and confidence: Learn correct donning and doffing techniques, avoid common mistakes, and stay up to date with current PPE standards.
• Be prepared: Discover what to do if PPE is unavailable, damaged, or unsuitable for a particular task.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Health and Social Care – Course Content Outline

Module 1: Understanding the Basics of PPE
Learners will explore what Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is, its purpose, and how it contributes to safety in health and social care environments. The module covers the legal framework governing PPE use in the UK, including employer and employee duties under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended 2022). Learners will understand why PPE is considered the last line of defence in risk control.

Module 2: Risk Assessment for PPE
This module explains the importance of risk assessment in identifying when and what type of PPE is required. Learners will examine how to recognise hazards, evaluate exposure risks, and select suitable PPE accordingly. The module also outlines the role of competent risk assessments in ensuring that PPE choices meet both health and safety and infection prevention standards.

Module 3: Types of PPE
Learners will review the most common types of PPE used in health and social care, including gloves, aprons, masks, gowns, visors, and face shields. The module explores their specific uses, limitations, and correct selection based on identified hazards. It also highlights how appropriate PPE helps protect both staff and people who use services from harm.

Module 4: Proper Use of PPE
This practical module focuses on the correct procedures for donning (putting on) and doffing (removing) PPE to prevent cross-contamination. Learners will identify common mistakes—such as touching contaminated surfaces or reusing single-use items—and learn how to avoid them. The module also covers the importance of fit testing and training to ensure PPE provides full protection.

Module 5: Infection Control and PPE
Learners will understand how PPE fits within broader infection prevention and control measures. The module covers how PPE helps reduce the spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, and reinforces the importance of combining PPE use with hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and safe working practices.

Module 6: Maintenance and Disposal of PPE
This module outlines the correct procedures for storing, maintaining, inspecting, and disposing of PPE safely. Learners will explore how to check for damage or contamination, when to replace equipment, and how to segregate waste in compliance with infection control and environmental regulations.

Module 7: Employee Responsibilities
Learners will examine their own responsibilities in ensuring PPE is used properly and effectively. The module covers the duty to report damaged or missing PPE, follow organisational procedures, and adhere to signage and communication protocols. Learners will also understand the shared responsibility between staff and employers in maintaining safe working environments.

Module 8: Challenges and Solutions in PPE Use
This module explores common challenges such as PPE shortages, damaged or ill-fitting equipment, and evolving guidance during emergencies. Learners will discuss practical solutions for managing these challenges, including communication, contingency planning, and adherence to updated health and safety regulations.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Define Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and explain its purpose in health and social care.
• Understand the legal framework and employer/employee responsibilities relating to PPE use in the UK.
• Identify and assess hazards and risks to determine appropriate PPE selection.
• Recognise the different types of PPE (e.g. gloves, aprons, masks, goggles, and face shields) and their specific uses.
• Demonstrate correct procedures for donning and doffing PPE, following best practice and infection control standards.
• Understand how PPE supports infection prevention and control (IPC) alongside hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene.
• Follow correct procedures for PPE storage, maintenance, and disposal.
• Take appropriate action if PPE is damaged, unavailable, or ineffective.
• Recognise the importance of ongoing training and communication in promoting safe PPE use.

Target Audience

This course is ideal for:

• Health and social care workers
• Nurses, care assistants, and domiciliary carers
• Managers and team leaders in care settings
• Volunteers, students, and agency staff working in care environments

No prior knowledge is required — this course is suitable for both new staff and experienced professionals seeking a refresher.

FAQ

How long does the course take?
This course usually takes 1–2 hours to complete, depending on your pace and experience.

Do I need any previous training?
No. This course is suitable for all staff working in or entering a health or social care environment.

Is the course relevant to my role?
Yes. PPE is required across all health and social care roles — from care assistants and nurses to domestic staff and volunteers.

Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. You’ll receive a digital certificate confirming you’ve completed PPE training in line with current UK standards.

Is this course CPD accredited?
Our courses are in the process of CPD accreditation. Your certificate can still be used as evidence of professional learning.

Can I access the course anytime?
Yes. It’s completely self-paced, allowing you to learn at your own convenience.

Using PPE correctly can save lives. It’s not just about following rules — it’s about protecting yourself, your colleagues, and the people you care for. In health and social care, proper PPE use reduces infection risks, supports compliance with national standards, and builds trust between workers and service users.

This course equips you with the practical skills and knowledge to use PPE safely, confidently, and responsibly.

Enrol on the PPE in Health and Social Care Training Course today.

Learn how to protect yourself and others through safe, effective, and compliant PPE use.