⚕️Care Handbook

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE provides a barrier between you and infectious agents. Using the right PPE, in the correct way, at the right time is essential to protect yourself, your colleagues, and the people you care for.

Remember: PPE is the last line of defence, not the first. Hand hygiene, safe working practices, and environmental cleanliness are more important. PPE must be used correctly — incorrect use can increase the risk of infection transmission. CQC inspectors observe whether staff select, don, and doff PPE correctly.

When to Use Each Type of PPE

The type of PPE required depends on the task and the level of risk. Always perform a risk assessment and select PPE appropriate to the situation. The table below provides general guidance for common care home activities.

Disposable Aprons / Gowns

When to use: When there is a risk of clothing contamination with blood, body fluids, secretions, or excretions. Essential for personal care, toileting, wound care, and cleaning tasks.

Key Points:

  • Change between residents and between tasks
  • Aprons are single-use — dispose of after each task
  • Ensure the apron covers your clothing fully
  • Tie at the back of the waist; do not touch the outside when removing

Gloves

When to use: When there is a risk of exposure to blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, or contaminated items. Also required for invasive procedures and when handling clinical waste.

Key Points:

  • Gloves are single-use — change between residents and between tasks
  • Gloves are NOT a substitute for hand hygiene — wash or sanitise hands after removing gloves
  • Select the correct size — ill-fitting gloves increase the risk of tears and reduce dexterity
  • Use powder-free, low-protein nitrile gloves (reduces allergy risk)
  • Do not wash or reuse disposable gloves

Surgical Masks (Type IIR)

When to use: When there is a risk of splash or spray of blood, body fluids, secretions, or excretions. Required during outbreak situations and when caring for residents with respiratory infections.

Key Points:

  • Type IIR fluid-repellent masks are recommended for care homes
  • Ensure a close fit — mould the nose piece and check the seal
  • Do not touch the front of the mask during wear or removal
  • Change the mask if it becomes damp, damaged, or soiled
  • Single-use — dispose of after each episode of care

Eye Protection (Goggles / Face Shields)

When to use: When there is a risk of splash or spray of blood, body fluids, or chemicals to the eyes. Required during aerosol-generating procedures and some wound care.

Key Points:

  • Goggles provide a seal around the eyes; face shields cover the face
  • Can be single-use or reusable (follow manufacturer's instructions for decontamination)
  • Prescription glasses are NOT adequate eye protection
  • Adjust to fit before starting the task

Donning (Putting On) Sequence

The order in which you put on PPE matters. If you put items on in the wrong order, you may contaminate clean items. Always perform hand hygiene before touching any PPE.

1

Perform hand hygiene

Wash or sanitise hands before touching any PPE

2

Put on apron or gown

Tie at the back of the waist. Ensure it covers your clothing fully

3

Put on surgical mask

Place over nose, mouth, and chin. Mould the nose piece. Check fit

4

Put on eye protection (if required)

Goggles or face shield — adjust to fit comfortably

5

Put on gloves

Extend gloves over the cuffs of the gown or apron

Doffing (Taking Off) Sequence

The doffing sequence is critical — this is when you are most at risk of contaminating yourself. Touch ONLY the inside or fastenings of PPE items, never the contaminated outer surface. Perform hand hygiene between each step.

1

Remove gloves

Grasp the outside of one glove with the opposite gloved hand. Peel off. Hold removed glove in gloved hand. Slide fingers of un-gloved hand under the remaining glove at the wrist. Peel off over the first glove. Dispose of safely

2

Perform hand hygiene

Wash or sanitise hands immediately after removing gloves

3

Remove apron or gown

Unfasten ties. Pull away from neck and shoulders, touching the inside only. Roll into a bundle and dispose of

4

Perform hand hygiene

Wash or sanitise hands after removing apron/gown

5

Remove eye protection

Handle by head band or ear pieces only. Place in designated area for reprocessing or disposal

6

Perform hand hygiene

Wash or sanitise hands after removing eye protection

7

Remove mask

Handle by ties or elastic bands only — do not touch the front. Pull away from face and dispose of

8

Perform hand hygiene

Wash or sanitise hands — this is the most critical step

Critical: The most common mistake is failing to perform hand hygiene between doffing steps. Hand hygiene must be performed after removing gloves, after removing the apron/gown, and after removing the mask. The final hand hygiene step is the most critical of all.

Quick Reference: PPE by Task

TaskApronGlovesMaskEye Protection
Personal care / Toileting✓✓✓*—
Wound care (non-splash)✓✓——
Wound care (splash risk)✓✓✓✓
Food preparation / Serving—✓✓*—
Handling clinical waste✓✓✓*—
Cleaning / Disinfection✓✓✓*✓*
Caring for resident with respiratory infection✓✓✓✓*
Body fluid spillage management✓✓✓✓

* Based on risk assessment / outbreak situation

Further Reading

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Important Notice

Care Handbook is a guidance resource only. It does not replace your organisation's policies, formal training, or current CQC standards. Always follow your employer's specific procedures and consult your line manager or the relevant professional body if you are unsure. PPE requirements may change during outbreaks — follow your organisation's current outbreak management plan.