2.1 Risk assess a range of situations and select and use personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate to the risk and situation

This guide will help you answer 2.1 Risk assess a range of situations and select and use personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate to the risk and situation.

Risk assessments are vital in health and social care settings. They help identify potential hazards that could cause harm to workers, service users, or visitors. Once risks are understood, measures can be put in place to manage or minimise them effectively, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Personal Protective Equipment is clothing or gear designed to protect individuals from hazards. Examples include gloves, masks, aprons, goggles, face shields, or specialised footwear. These items create a barrier between the worker and the risk, reducing the chance of injury or illness.

Understanding Risk Assessments

Risk assessments involve systematically examining a setting, task, or activity to identify potential threats to health and safety. The five main steps are:

1. Identify the hazards: Look for anything that could cause harm. This could include biological risks like bacteria, viruses, or bodily fluids; physical risks such as sharp objects; or chemical risks like cleaning solutions.
2. Identify who might be harmed: Consider everyone who might interact with the hazard. This includes workers, service users, visitors, and contractors.
3. Assess the likelihood and severity: Evaluate how likely it is that harm will happen and how severe the consequences could be. Hazards with a high likelihood and serious outcome need urgent action.
4. Control the risks: Decide what measures can reduce the danger. This might involve changing procedures, improving equipment, or using PPE.
5. Review regularly: Risks can change over time. Regular assessments help ensure safety measures are still effective.

Risk assessments can be written or visual checks. They may need more detail in higher-risk situations.

Common Risks in Health and Social Care

Workers face different risks depending on their role. Common hazards include:

• Infections: Viruses like flu or COVID-19, bacteria such as MRSA, or bloodborne diseases like hepatitis.
• Bodily fluids: Exposure to urine, faeces, saliva, or vomit can carry infection.
• Sharp objects: Needles or broken glass can cause injury and lead to contact with infectious substances.
• Falls or trips: Uneven flooring, cluttered workspaces, or wet surfaces can lead to accidents.
• Chemical exposure: Strong cleaning products can irritate skin or cause breathing issues.
• Violence or aggression: Challenging behaviour from service users can result in physical harm or emotional stress.

Selecting PPE Based on Risk

Workers need to select PPE that matches the identified hazard and risk level. Choosing the right PPE involves understanding its purpose and ensuring it provides appropriate levels of protection.

Types of PPE

Different types of PPE are suitable for specific situations. Examples include:

1. Gloves: Protect against contamination from bodily fluids or chemicals. They must be the right size and material for the task (latex-free options are available to prevent allergic reactions).
2. Masks: Prevent inhaling airborne particles. Surgical masks or FFP2/FFP3 respirators are commonly used. FFP masks offer higher protection against aerosols.
3. Aprons: Disposable plastic aprons protect clothing from contamination, particularly in personal care tasks or cleaning activities.
4. Gowns: Provide full-body protection in high-risk situations, such as during medical procedures involving high exposure to body fluids.
5. Goggles or face shields: Protect eyes from splashes, especially during cleaning, handling chemicals, or specific medical procedures.
6. Footwear: Anti-slip shoes protect workers from trips or falls. Rubber boots may be needed when cleaning large spillages.

Matching PPE to the Situation

Here are examples of how PPE choices might differ depending on risks:

Example 1: Cleaning up bodily fluids

Hazard: Contact with fluids like urine or vomit.
Risk: Infection or irritation.
PPE: Gloves, apron, and anti-slip footwear if spills are large. Goggles may be used if splashing is likely.

Example 2: Providing personal care to a service user

Hazard: Exposure to blood or saliva.
Risk: Transmission of diseases such as hepatitis or HIV.
PPE: Gloves, apron, mask (if aerosols), and possibly goggles for procedures like wound care.

Example 3: Handling an aggressive patient

Hazard: Risk of physical harm or contact with saliva during biting or spitting.
Risk: Injury or infection spread.
PPE: Gloves where appropriate, face shield or mask where spitting is a concern.

Example 4: Using strong cleaning chemicals

Hazard: Chemicals that could cause burns or breathing irritation.
Risk: Skin damage or respiratory issues.
PPE: Gloves, goggles, and mask for fumes.

Storage and Maintenance of PPE

PPE must be kept in good condition to remain effective. Workers should inspect items before use to check for damage. Disposable items like gloves or surgical masks should be discarded after one use, while reusable items (e.g., goggles) need cleaning and proper storage.

PPE should be stored in a clean, dry area. Containers or racks help organise items for easy access.

Responsibilities of Workers

Using PPE is a shared responsibility. Workers must wear or use PPE properly and follow organisational policies. Training helps ensure items are worn correctly. Employers must provide PPE free of charge, check that it meets required safety standards, and provide guidance on usage.

Workers should report faulty PPE immediately and avoid using damaged items. Records need keeping where necessary, especially if PPE use is linked to legal compliance (e.g., handling hazardous chemicals).

Benefits and Limitations of PPE

PPE protects workers, but it isn’t perfect. Over-reliance can cause problems if basic safety procedures aren’t followed.

Benefits

• Reduces risk of infection and injury.
• Provides reassurance to workers and service users.
• Sets clear visual boundaries (e.g., gloves signal the worker won’t touch skin directly).

Limitations

• PPE can be restrictive and uncomfortable.
• Overuse can harm the environment (e.g., disposable plastics).
• It doesn’t eliminate risks entirely – safety procedures are still needed.

When PPE Isn’t Enough

Some hazards go beyond what PPE can handle. For example, an overfilled space with trip hazards requires clearing before PPE use starts. Fixing causes of hazards reduces dependency on protective clothing.

Workers should always combine PPE use with risk-reduction strategies like:

• Maintaining cleanliness
• Following safe handling techniques
• Communicating clearly with team members or service users

Legal Context and Guidance

Using PPE correctly supports compliance with UK health and safety laws. These include:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: Employers must protect workers from harm.
• COSHH Regulations (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health): Requires PPE when dealing with chemicals or biological risks.
• PPE Regulations 2022: Employers must assess risks and supply appropriate PPE.

Organisations may have specific policies reflecting these laws. Workers need to follow local procedures while remaining mindful of broader guidelines.

Final Thoughts

Risk assessment and PPE use form a core part of safe practice in health and social care. Workers must approach these tasks thoughtfully to ensure their decisions protect themselves and others effectively. Selecting suitable PPE shows a clear commitment to maintaining safety in challenging settings. By combining risk assessment, the right equipment, and careful practice, professionals minimise harm and safeguard their workplace.