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The infection A2Z web series:
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Resources
Click here to view Policy for Glove Selection, Management of Latex Sensitisation, written by Occupational Health Specialist, Graham Johnson (RN, SPOH, FETC).
Click here to view web links
Click here to view references
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is used in addition to normal clothing (i.e. uniforms/work clothes) to protect both yourself and your patient from the risks of cross infection. PPE may also be required for contact with hazardous chemicals and some pharmaceuticals. PPE includes items such as gloves, aprons, masks, goggles and visors. In certain situations, it may also include hats and footwear.
You should always select PPE following an assessment of the risk of transmission of micro-organisms to the patient, and the risk of contamination of your clothing and skin by the patient's blood, body fluids, secretions and excretions. You should wear PPE for the specific task or episode of care and then remove and dispose of it. Remember that PPE is a not a substitute for safe systems of work.
Infection control guidelines outlining standard principles for using PPE include the epic guidelines (2001) and the NICE clinical guidelines (2003). You should also refer to the ICNA guidelines Protective clothing: Principles and guidance and A comprehensive glove choice (both published in 2003) for more detailed information. The guidelines are based on current available evidence and apply to all healthcare workers. They are underpinned by the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and more recent legislation: The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1992), Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations (HSE 1992) and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations (2002).
The guidelines state that you should select PPE on the basis of a risk assessment. Some other key points to note from the guidelines are outlined below.
Gloves
Gloves are classed as medical devices.
Gloves acceptable to healthcare workers and conforming to European Community (CE) standards must be available.
Do not use powdered gloves or polythene gloves for healthcare activities.
Document any sensitivity to natural rubber latex in patients, carers and healthcare workers; alternatives to natural rubber latex gloves must be available (refer to Medical Device Alert DB 9601 for more information).
Do not wear gloves unnecessarily, as prolonged or indiscriminate use may cause adverse reactions and skin sensitivity.
Ensure your gloves are appropriate for the task.
Wear gloves for invasive procedures, contact with sterile sites, non-intact skin or mucous membranes, all activities assessed as carrying a risk of exposure to blood or body fluids, and when handling sharp or contaminated instruments.
Gloves are single use items. Put them on immediately before an episode of patient contact and remove them as soon as the activity is finished. Change gloves between different patients and between different tasks in the same patient.
Dispose of gloves as clinical waste.
Decontaminate hands after removing gloves.
Aprons and gowns
- Wear a disposable plastic apron when there is a risk that your clothing or uniform may become exposed to blood, body fluids, secretions or excretions (except sweat).
- Wear a full body, fluid repellent gown when there is a risk of extensive splashing of blood, body fluids, secretions or excretions (except sweat) onto your skin and dispose after use.
- Plastic aprons should be worn as single use items for one procedure or episode of patient care and then discarded and disposed of as clinical waste.
Routine use of gowns is not recommended in general or clinical areas. If used they it should be for a single procedure or episode of patient care.
Facial protection
- Wear a face mask and eye protection (e.g. goggles, visor, face-shield) where there is a risk of blood, body fluids, secretions or excretions splashing into your face and eyes.
- Use specialised respiratory protective equipment (e.g. a particulate filter mask) when clinically indicated (e.g. for patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and severely immunocompromised patients at increased risk of infection).
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and refer to your local policies.
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This content is not intended nor does it replace individual professional advice. Please contact a healthcare professional or seek advice from NHS Direct (0845 46 47) NHS Direct Wales (0845 46 47) or NHS 24 in Scotland (08454 24 24 24).
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last reviewed 01 March 2005
last updated 23 March 2005
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