7.2 Explain the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when supporting monitoring activity

This guide will help you answer 7.2 Explain the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when supporting monitoring activity.

Personal protective equipment, or PPE, means the clothing and equipment worn by health and social care workers to prevent the spread of infection and protect both staff and individuals from harm. The law requires employers to provide PPE and for staff to use it correctly to avoid contact with body fluids, hazardous substances and infectious agents.

When supporting monitoring activities such as taking blood pressure, recording temperature, checking wounds, or collecting samples, PPE acts as a barrier between the worker and any possible hazards. Using the correct PPE reduces the risk of cross-infection between workers and individuals.

Why PPE Is Needed in Monitoring Activities

Monitoring activities often involve close or direct contact with people. This can expose workers to sweat, saliva, blood, urine, or other body fluids. Some people may carry infections without any signs or symptoms. Protective equipment prevents unintentional spread of infection during tasks.

PPE use when supporting monitoring activity also plays a role in:

• Safeguarding workers from infections
• Preventing transmission of infection to vulnerable individuals
• Meeting legal obligations under regulations such as The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002
• Reducing the risk of contamination to equipment, the environment and other people

Types of PPE Used in Monitoring Activities

Different PPE is suitable for different tasks. The type needed depends on the risk of exposure while carrying out each specific monitoring activity.

Common PPE items include:

• Disposable gloves
• Plastic aprons
• Surgical masks
• Face shields or goggles
• Disposable gowns
• Shoe covers

Gloves

Gloves are the most frequently used item of PPE in monitoring activities. They protect your hands from contact with body fluids and reduce the risk of transferring pathogens. Single-use disposable gloves must be worn when:

• Taking blood samples
• Handling urine or faeces
• Dressing wounds
• Cleaning equipment after contact with body fluids
• Removing soiled bedding

Gloves must be changed between each person and after tasks that have a risk of contamination. Never reuse disposable gloves.

Aprons

Plastic aprons protect clothes and skin from splashes or spills. They are particularly useful for activities such as:

• Recording temperature with an in-ear thermometer
• Supporting people during personal care
• Assisting with wound care
• Collecting samples

Aprons are single-use. You must remove and dispose of them after each use to prevent spread of infection.

Masks and Face Shields

Surgical masks and eye protection protect against droplets or airborne particles. You may need these when supporting monitoring activities if there is a risk of splashing to the face. For example:

• Taking respiratory samples
• Assisting with oral care or mouth swabs
• Operating in crowded areas during an outbreak

Masks should fit well and cover both nose and mouth.

Face shields or goggles protect eyes from splashes or sprays.

Gowns and Shoe Covers

More substantial PPE, such as gowns or shoe covers, is only needed for activities with a high risk of contamination. For general monitoring activities, these are rarely required unless specifically indicated by a risk assessment.

Selecting PPE for the Task

Using PPE correctly starts with assessing which items are needed. Suitability depends on:

• The nature of the monitoring activity
• The possible route of infection or exposure
• The person’s condition (e.g., infection status)
• Organisational policies and risk assessments
• Guidance from bodies like Public Health England or the NHS

You must never use more PPE than needed, as this causes unnecessary waste and discomfort. Only use what is needed to manage the risk.

Examples:

• Glove use when collecting urine samples
• Gloves and apron when checking or dressing a wound
• Gloves, apron, and face mask when working with someone known to have an infection spread by droplets

Correct Use of PPE

To protect yourself and others, you must use PPE as instructed.

Key steps include:

• Wash hands before and after wearing PPE
• Put PPE on before contact with the person or equipment
• Take care not to touch the external (contaminated) surfaces
• Use each PPE item only once and for one person
• Remove PPE in the correct order (e.g., gloves first, then apron), disposing of each item safely
• Wash hands immediately after PPE removal

These actions reduce the risk of contaminating hands, sleeves, or face when taking off PPE.

PPE and Infection Control

PPE plays a vital part in infection prevention and control. Microorganisms like bacteria and viruses can survive on skin and surfaces. Using PPE such as gloves, aprons, and masks creates a barrier to stop microbes passing from person to person or to the care environment.

Points to remember:

• PPE will not replace good hand hygiene. You must always wash hands after removing PPE.
• Changing PPE between every person and task stops cross-contamination.
• Wearing gloves does not mean you never need to clean your hands.

Following infection control guidelines and using PPE as part of standard precautions protect both service users and workers.

PPE and Standard Precautions

Standard precautions are basic infection prevention practices that all staff must follow for every person, regardless of diagnosis or infection status. PPE is a standard precaution during monitoring activities. This approach assumes that every person may be carrying an infectious agent.

Standard precautions include:

• Hand hygiene
• Use of PPE
• Safe disposal of waste
• Cleaning and disinfection of equipment
• Using single-use equipment where possible

PPE fits into this process by providing the correct protection for each situation.

Risks of Not Using PPE

If workers fail to use PPE when supporting monitoring activity, several risks arise:

• Spread of infection to vulnerable service users, staff, and visitors
• Increased sickness absence among staff
• Possibility of outbreaks in care settings
• Legal action or disciplinary action against staff or the organisation
• Damage to the reputation of the service provider

Omitting PPE can have grave consequences for the health, safety, and wellbeing of everyone involved in care.

Safe Disposal of PPE

Once you remove PPE, it may be contaminated and needs careful disposal. Follow your workplace policy for discarding used items. Usually this means:

• Placing single-use PPE in a yellow clinical waste bag
• Never reusing disposable PPE
• Using pedal bins to avoid hand contact with bin lids
• Sealing bags and storing them safely until collection

Correct disposal prevents infection from spreading through waste handling.

Training and Support

Every worker needs training on using PPE. This covers:

• Which type of PPE to use
• When to use it
• The correct way to put on and remove PPE
• How to dispose of PPE safely
• The importance of hand hygiene

Staff must feel confident in raising concerns if supplies of PPE are low or if they think PPE use is not safe or effective.

Worker Responsibilities When Using PPE

Health and social care workers are responsible for:

• Following workplace policies on PPE use
• Carrying out risk assessments before monitoring activities
• Choosing the correct PPE for each task
• Putting on and removing PPE correctly
• Reporting any problems with PPE (such as faulty items or supply issues)
• Washing hands and keeping equipment clean
• Attending training updates

Employers must supply suitable PPE, but workers must use it properly and consistently.

PPE for Individuals’ Safety and Dignity

Using PPE properly keeps people safe but must be done with sensitivity. Some people may feel nervous or distressed seeing workers wear gloves and masks. Workers should explain why PPE is necessary in simple terms. This helps people feel cared for and respected, not frightened.

Key points:

• Speak calmly and explain each action before starting
• Let the person know PPE protects everyone, including them
• Offer reassurance and answer questions when needed
• Give privacy and dignity at all times during monitoring

PPE and Record Keeping

After carrying out monitoring activities, it is good practice to record:

• The type of monitoring activity
• The use of PPE
• Any breach in infection control or difficulties with PPE
• The times when PPE was changed
• Information given to the person being cared for

This creates a clear written account of infection control and protects the worker and the organisation.

When PPE Is Not Needed

Not every monitoring activity requires PPE. If no contact with body fluids or the person’s mucous membranes is likely, only basic hand hygiene may be necessary. For example, observing someone’s breathing from a distance or recording information from a monitoring device may not need gloves or aprons.

A simple risk assessment can help decide what is needed for each situation. Overuse of PPE can waste resources and cause unnecessary anxiety for people being cared for.

Common Barriers to PPE Use

Sometimes, staff may face problems using PPE correctly during monitoring activities. These might include:

• Shortage of supplies
• Discomfort or difficulty with fit
• Time pressures or busy working conditions
• Lack of training or clear instruction

Managers must address barriers by providing regular supplies, accessible training, and support for safe working.

Adapting PPE Use for Special Circumstances

Some service users have allergies (for example, to latex) or particular care needs. Always check for allergies or medical requirements before using gloves or other items. Different gloves made from nitrile or vinyl might be needed if someone has a known allergy.

Care workers should adapt their approach if caring for people with sensory impairments, learning disabilities, or high anxiety levels. Prepare the person in advance and explain actions patiently.

Monitoring and Improving PPE Practice

Organisations and workers should regularly review PPE use and infection control practices. This includes:

• Supervision and spot checks
• Auditing PPE supply and usage
• Asking staff for feedback on PPE
• Reviewing care plans and risk assessments

Continuous improvement helps maintain safe standards for everyone.

Legal and Professional Guidelines

Care workers must follow national and local guidance on PPE use. This includes:

• Public Health England guidelines
• Care Quality Commission regulations
• Employer’s policies and procedures

Failure to meet legal standards puts health and safety at risk and may lead to professional misconduct.

Final Thoughts

Using personal protective equipment when supporting monitoring activities is a basic but key element of safe care. It is not just about rules: it is about protecting people from infection, making workers feel confident, and delivering care that is safe and ethical. Correct PPE use builds trust between individuals, families, and those providing care.

Remember, the right PPE used in the right way means better outcomes for everyone. Every worker plays a part in stopping infection and upholding high-quality care. By following guidance, completing training, and treating people with dignity, workers achieve high standards and keep everyone safe. If ever in doubt, always ask for advice and check the latest policy to make the best, safest choice.