2.4 Explain the role of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the decontamination process

This guide will help you answer 2.4 Explain the role of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the decontamination process.

PPE keeps you safe while you carry out decontamination tasks in health and social care. It creates a physical barrier between your skin, mouth, eyes, or clothing and anything that might cause harm. This includes germs (such as bacteria or viruses) and chemicals from cleaning or disinfecting agents.

Decontamination involves cleaning, disinfecting, or sterilising surfaces, equipment, and environments to remove or destroy germs. PPE is an important part of this process.

What is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

PPE is any clothing or gear worn to protect against risks at work. In health and social care, this includes:

• Disposable gloves
• Plastic aprons or gowns
• Face masks or shields
• Eye protection, such as goggles or visors
• Shoe covers (in some high-risk areas)

The type of PPE depends on the level of risk during each decontamination task.

Why Use PPE During Decontamination?

Decontamination can put staff and others at risk of exposure. PPE helps protect you from:

• Germs found in body fluids (like blood, vomit, urine, or faeces)
• Infectious particles on contaminated surfaces
• Droplets or splashes that may reach your eyes, mouth, or nose
• Chemicals in cleaning or disinfecting products that can cause burns, breathing problems, or allergic reactions

Using PPE reduces the risk of catching or passing on infections during cleaning.

When to Wear PPE

Wear PPE every time you carry out tasks involving:

• The removal or cleaning of bodily fluids, such as spills of blood or faeces
• The use of chemicals, especially disinfecting agents
• High contact with contaminated equipment or surfaces
• Decontamination in isolation rooms or during an outbreak

PPE is always worn as part of the infection prevention and control (IPC) policy in your workplace.

How PPE Supports Safe Decontamination

PPE acts as a line of defence during the cleaning and disinfection process. Here is how each item helps:

Gloves

• Protect your hands from germs and harsh chemicals.
• Prevents small cuts or broken skin from becoming a route for infection.
• Allow for safer handling of soiled items, waste, and sharp objects.
• Should be changed if torn or after each cleaning task.

Aprons or Gowns

• Shield clothing and skin from accidental spillages or splashes.
• Stop cross-contamination between areas (for instance, from a bathroom to a bedroom).
• Should be disposable (single-use) and changed between tasks.

Eye Protection

• Goggles or face shields stop droplets or sprays from reaching your eyes.
• Important for cleaning tasks at eye level, handling strong chemicals, or deep cleaning after a spill.

Face Masks and Respirators

• Protect your nose and mouth from inhaling harmful particles or droplets.
• Needed during cleaning that may create splashes (such as toilet cleaning) or during outbreaks of airborne illness.

Shoe Covers

• Used less often, but may be required during a significant outbreak or deep cleaning.
• Prevent contamination of footwear and limit the spread of germs across areas.

Proper Use of PPE

Wearing PPE is not enough on its own. You must use it properly:

• Put on PPE before entering the area to be cleaned.
• Remove and dispose of PPE in the correct order to avoid spreading contamination.
• Never touch your face while wearing contaminated PPE.
• Discard single-use PPE after each task—never reuse disposable items.
• Wash hands thoroughly before and after using PPE.

The Order for Putting On and Removing PPE

Getting the order right helps reduce the chances of transferring germs.

Putting On PPE (Donning):

1. Wash or clean hands.
2. Put on apron or gown.
3. Put on mask or face protection (if needed).
4. Put on eye protection, like goggles or visor (if needed).
5. Put on disposable gloves last.

Removing PPE (Doffing):

PPE may become highly contaminated during decontamination, so take care:

1. Remove gloves (inside out, avoiding touching the outside).
2. Clean hands with sanitiser or wash if possible.
3. Remove apron or gown, avoiding contact with your clothing.
4. Remove eye protection and face mask by touching only the straps or arms.
5. Clean hands again.

Dispose of all PPE in the correct waste stream, such as clinical or hazardous waste.

Legal and Organisational Responsibilities

PPE use is required under The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations. Your employer must provide suitable PPE and training. You are responsible for:

• Wearing PPE as instructed
• Reporting faults or shortages
• Using PPE only for its intended purpose
• Following workplace infection control policies

Not using PPE may put you, colleagues, and people receiving care at risk.

PPE and the Wider Infection Control Process

While PPE is vital, it does not replace other measures. It should be used alongside:

• Good hand hygiene
• Safe cleaning practices
• Proper waste disposal
• Decontamination of reusable equipment
• Adherence to up-to-date infection control guidance

Combining PPE use with these steps creates multiple layers of protection during decontamination.

Challenges When Using PPE

PPE can feel uncomfortable or hot during long cleaning sessions. Some tasks may need more than one type of PPE, which can restrict movement or visibility. Still, never skip PPE to save time or effort. Speak up if you need a replacement, or if the equipment does not fit well.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistakes with PPE are common but preventable. Watch out for these issues:

• Putting on gloves before an apron: Always put gloves on last, so they are not contaminated by adjusting other items.
• Wearing the same PPE in more than one area: PPE is single-use for each task to avoid cross-contamination.
• Reusing PPE: Disposable PPE must never be cleaned and reused.
• Touching your face or phone with gloved hands: Gloves carry germs. Avoid touching anything that does not need to be cleaned.
• Not washing hands after removing PPE: Hand hygiene is vital for complete protection.

Regular training and practice help you avoid these mistakes.

PPE and Communication

PPE can make communication with people receiving care harder. Masks and visors might muffle your voice or hide your facial expressions. Take extra time to explain what you are doing and why you need to wear PPE. This helps reduce fear and confusion for others.

Checking and Replacing PPE

Always inspect PPE before use for any signs of damage. Gloves should be free from tears, masks should fit securely, and aprons should cover your clothing completely. Replace PPE straight away if it becomes damaged or visibly soiled during your shift.

Final Thoughts

PPE is a central part of the decontamination process in health and social care. It protects you and others from infection and chemical harm. Knowing when and how to use PPE gives you confidence and helps maintain a safe, clean environment for everyone. By following proper procedures and workplace policy, you become an important part of infection control and prevention.