5.7 Describe the correct practice in the application and removal of PPE

This guide will help you answer 5.7 Describe the correct practice in the application and removal of PPE.

Personal Protective Equipment, known as PPE, is any clothing or gear designed to protect workers from health and safety risks in the workplace. In health and social care, PPE can include gloves, masks, aprons, gowns, eye protection, hair coverings, and face shields. Correct use is important to prevent the spread of infection and to protect both yourself and the people you care for.

PPE must be applied and removed in a specific way. Doing this properly keeps contamination from spreading to your skin, your clothes, or other surfaces. It is part of standard infection prevention measures in health and social care settings.

Following correct practice involves paying attention to the order you put on items, how they fit, and how you take them off without touching contaminated surfaces.

Preparing to Apply PPE

Before putting on PPE, always prepare yourself and the workspace.

• Wash your hands with soap and water or use an approved alcohol-based hand rub.
• Make sure the PPE is the right size for you.
• Check each item for damage before use. Do not use if worn or torn.
• Have all PPE items ready before caring for the person, so you do not have to leave the area halfway through.

Proper preparation saves time and reduces the risk of contamination.

Applying PPE – Correct Sequence

Putting on PPE in the correct sequence is important to create a full barrier between you and possible hazards.

A common sequence is:

1. Gown or apron – Put this on first to protect your clothing and skin. Fasten ties or straps properly.
2. Mask or respirator – Fit this securely over your nose and mouth. Press the nosepiece to shape around the bridge of the nose. Check seal by exhaling and inhaling gently.
3. Goggles or face shield – Put eye and face protection on after your mask to avoid gaps in coverage.
4. Gloves – Put gloves on last. Pull gloves over the cuff of the gown or apron so the wrist is fully covered.

Key Points for Each PPE Item

Gloves

• Choose disposable gloves suitable for the task, such as nitrile or latex-free.
• Check for holes. If damaged, replace immediately.
• Do not wear the same gloves for different tasks.

Masks

• Fit snugly over face and under chin.
• Do not touch mask once fitted.
• If mask becomes damp, replace it straight away.

Aprons and Gowns

• Disposable aprons protect clothing from spills and splashes.
• Full gowns may be used in high-risk situations.
• Fasten fully to avoid gaps at the back or sides.

Goggles or Face Shields

• Wear if there is a risk of splashing into eyes.
• Adjust straps for comfort without leaving gaps.

While Wearing PPE

PPE should be kept clean and in place while you work. Do not:

• Touch face or adjust PPE unnecessarily.
• Remove PPE temporarily and put it back on later.
• Share PPE with another worker.

Move carefully to avoid tearing or damaging PPE. If PPE becomes damaged or heavily contaminated, leave the task safely and replace it.

Removing PPE – Correct Sequence

Removing PPE requires extra care. PPE will have been exposed to infectious materials. Incorrect removal can contaminate your hands or clothes.

Follow a safe sequence to limit contamination:

1. Gloves – Remove first as they are often the most contaminated. Use glove removal technique: grasp outside of glove with other gloved hand and peel off; hold removed glove in gloved hand; slide fingers under remaining glove at wrist, avoiding outer surface, then peel off over first glove.
2. Goggles or face shield – Remove by handling the strap or arms, avoiding contact with front surfaces.
3. Gown or apron – Unfasten ties carefully. Pull away from neck and shoulders without touching the outside. Fold or roll inside-out before disposal.
4. Mask or respirator – Remove last. Handle by straps, not front surface. Avoid touching face during removal.

Hand Hygiene After PPE Removal

Once PPE is removed, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. This step is important, since microscopic contamination may still occur during removal. If handwashing facilities are not immediately available, use an alcohol-based hand rub until you can wash with water.

Disposal of PPE

PPE is single-use unless clearly marked as reusable by manufacturer instructions. Used PPE should be placed in the correct waste container:

• Clinical waste bags for contaminated materials
• Sharps bins for protective wear containing sharp elements
• Laundry bags for reusable gowns taken for proper cleaning

Never discard PPE in normal waste where it can be accessed by unauthorised people.

Special Considerations

In some care environments, extra PPE steps may be needed, for example when working with people who have a highly contagious illness. Training will explain any extra protective requirements.

Some PPE is specific to certain risks:

• Respirators for airborne hazards such as tuberculosis
• Full visors for tasks with heavy fluid risk
• Heavy-duty gloves for cleaning with strong chemicals

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistakes can lead to infection spread or PPE failure. Avoid:

• Wearing PPE incorrectly fitted
• Touching PPE with unwashed hands
• Removing PPE in the wrong sequence
• Reusing disposable PPE
• Adding unnecessary items that make work harder

Train regularly to stay confident in correct practice.

Role of Organisational Policies

Organisations will have PPE policies and procedures. These may cover:

• Types of PPE provided for different tasks
• Storage and availability
• Waste disposal methods
• PPE replacement schedules

Follow your workplace procedures at all times.

Training and Ongoing Assessment

Correct PPE use is taught during infection prevention training. Workers may be observed and assessed to check competence. This may be part of mandatory training, audited periodically, or assessed during RQF units.

If unsure, ask your line manager or infection control lead for guidance.

Link Between PPE and Infection Control

PPE forms one part of Standard Precautions, alongside:

• Hand hygiene
• Respiratory hygiene
• Safe waste disposal
• Cleaning and disinfection

Combining PPE with these measures offers greater protection.

Legal and Regulatory Requirements

UK health and social care staff must comply with:

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH)
• Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations

These laws require employers to provide suitable PPE and training, and workers to use PPE correctly.

Failing to follow procedures can lead to disciplinary action and pose serious health risks.

Personal Responsibility

Each worker is responsible for using PPE properly. This means:

• Knowing how to apply and remove PPE
• Reporting faulty PPE
• Attending training
• Asking for replacements when stock runs low
• Following the set sequence every time

Work carefully to protect yourself and others.

Practical Tips

• Always have PPE near your work area.
• Check expiry dates for any PPE that has one.
• Practise correct removal techniques during training.
• Wear the right PPE for the job, not more or less than needed.
• Dispose of used PPE immediately after removal.

Final Thoughts

Using PPE correctly is a skill that keeps you, colleagues, and the people you care for safe. Correct application gives you a physical barrier against infection and hazards. Safe removal ensures contamination does not spread after the task is complete. Hand hygiene is part of both processes and should never be skipped.

Health and social care workers are trusted to carry out these practices every day. By following the right sequence, using PPE that fits well, and staying alert to workplace procedures, you reduce risks and maintain a safe environment for all. This care protects not only yourself but everyone around you, supporting high standards of health and safety in your working role.