5.8 Describe the correct procedure for disposal of used PPE

This guide will help you answer 5.8 Describe the correct procedure for disposal of used PPE.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is worn to protect both workers and the people they support from the spread of infection and contamination. Once PPE has been used, it must be thrown away following the correct procedure to keep everyone safe. This process reduces the risk of spreading germs and meets health and safety regulations.

Used PPE can include gloves, masks, aprons, face shields and shoe covers. After these items have been used, they are considered contaminated and must be handled carefully.

Why Correct Disposal is Important

Improper disposal of PPE can cause infections to spread. Germs can remain active on surfaces of PPE for some time after use. If PPE is thrown away in the wrong bin or left in open areas, there is a risk it will contaminate people, surfaces or equipment.

Correct disposal also ensures compliance with workplace policies and UK infection prevention laws, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002).

Steps for Safe Disposal of Used PPE

Follow these steps as part of your workplace infection control procedures.

Step 1: Remove PPE Safely

Removing PPE correctly should happen in a specific order to avoid contamination.

• Gloves are usually removed first by peeling them off from the wrist without touching the outside surface with bare hands
• Aprons are removed by breaking the neck strap, rolling it inwards and downwards without touching the outer surface
• Masks are removed last by handling the straps only, avoiding contact with the front surface

Step 2: Avoid Contact with Skin or Clothing

Used PPE should not touch your bare skin or clean clothing. If contact happens, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water straight away.

Step 3: Use the Correct Waste Container

In health and social care settings, used PPE goes into dedicated waste bins. These are often foot-operated bins lined with clinical waste bags that are distinct in colour, such as orange or yellow, depending on your local waste policy.

This type of waste is known as clinical waste or infectious waste. It must be separated from standard household or office waste.

Step 4: Seal the Waste Bag

Once PPE is placed in the waste bag, tie or seal the bag before removing it from the bin. This stops germs escaping or contaminating other surfaces. Do not overfill the bag as it increases the risk of tearing.

Use the correct tying method laid out by your organisation. This is often the swan-neck method, which helps make the bag secure.

Step 5: Hand Hygiene After Disposal

After disposing of PPE, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

Hand hygiene should be carried out immediately after removal and disposal to remove any contamination picked up during the process.

Waste Collection and Storage

Once PPE waste bags are sealed, they must be stored in a designated area away from public access and food preparation areas.

The storage area should be:

• Secure and covered
• Well-ventilated to prevent odours
• Clean and free from pests

Waste contractors licensed to handle clinical waste will collect it according to the agreed schedule.

Legal and Organisational Requirements

Every health and social care organisation must follow UK law and local council rules for PPE disposal. Workers need to be trained to:

• Recognise different types of waste categories
• Follow infection control policies
• Keep records where required

Failure to follow legal requirements can lead to prosecution, fines and closure of services.

Safe Disposal in Different Care Settings

Care Homes and Domiciliary Care

In residential care homes, PPE disposal points should be located throughout the building to reduce the need to travel far while carrying contaminated items.

In domiciliary care, workers often carry PPE disposal bags to remove waste from the home after providing personal care. This is important because household bins are not suitable for infectious waste.

Hospitals and Clinics

Hospitals have strict zoning for waste disposal. PPE used in high-risk areas, such as isolation wards, is handled separately. Waste is often autoclaved or incinerated by approved methods before final disposal.

Risks of Incorrect Disposal

Not following the correct procedure can cause:

• Spread of infections such as flu, norovirus or COVID-19
• Injury from contact with contaminated surfaces
• Breaches of infection control policy
• Damage to the organisation’s reputation

Workers might also face disciplinary action if they deliberately ignore disposal procedures.

Training and Supervision

All workers should be given training on the correct procedure for PPE disposal. This can include:

• Demonstrations of PPE removal steps
• Practice sessions with supervision
• Checking understanding through assessments

Supervisors should monitor disposal practices, especially with new staff or during outbreaks.

Examples of PPE Disposal Mistakes

These common mistakes should be avoided:

• Throwing PPE in general waste bins
• Leaving used PPE on desks or counters
• Overfilling waste bags
• Carrying unsealed waste bags through public areas

Role of PPE Disposal in Infection Control

PPE disposal is part of a wider infection control process. The chain of infection is broken by removing sources of contamination. This process includes:

• Correct PPE use
• Correct PPE removal
• Correct PPE disposal
• Maintaining hygiene after disposal

By following these steps every time, workers help create a safe environment.

Personal Responsibility

Every worker is personally responsible for the PPE they use. This means handling PPE from start to finish, including disposal.

Do not rely on others to dispose of PPE you have used. If you use it, you must dispose of it correctly.

Environmental Considerations

While PPE disposal focuses on safety, there are environmental concerns about the high volume of single-use PPE waste. Workers can help reduce waste by:

• Using PPE only when needed
• Avoiding unnecessary changes of PPE
• Following workplace policies for re-usable PPE items where safe

Recap of Procedure

To dispose of PPE correctly:

1. Remove PPE carefully in the right order
2. Avoid contact with outer surfaces
3. Place PPE into the correct clinical waste bin
4. Seal the waste bag securely
5. Wash or sanitise your hands straight away

These steps should be followed every single time without exception.

Final Thoughts

Disposal of used PPE in health and social care must be seen as a vital part of infection prevention, not an afterthought. Every worker who puts on PPE must understand that safe removal and disposal protects themselves, their colleagues and the people they support.

By following the correct procedure every time, you play an active role in stopping the spread of infection. Safe PPE disposal is simple, structured and effective, and when it is carried out properly, it keeps care settings safer and more hygienic for everyone involved.