Proper Use and Removal of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

Proper surgical mask or respirator use and removal include the following:

• Prior to putting on PPE, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer to reduce the possibility of inadvertent contact between contaminated hands and mucous membranes.
• Follow the surgical mask or respirator manufacturer’s fitting instructions to ensure proper fit and usage.
• If worn in the presence of infectious persons, a surgical mask or respirator may become contaminated with infectious material; therefore, avoid touching the outside of the device to help prevent contamination of hands.
• Once worn in the presence of a patient with an infectious disease, the surgical mask or disposable N95 respirator should be removed and appropriately discarded.

PPE must be removed in the proper sequence to avoid contamination

1. Because the gloves are considered the most contaminated piece of PPE, remove them first. Do not touch the outside of gloves with your bare hands during removal. If you contaminate your hands during the removal process, wash them before continuing.
2. The eye protection should be removed next because it is more cumbersome and might interfere with removal of the mask. Remember that it may be contaminated because droplets may have landed on it or you may have touched it by mistake while wearing your PPE. Remove eye protection by touching only the ear pieces or head band at the side of your head to lift away from your face. Discard it or deposit it into the soap and water container for washing later.
3. The gown is next; remember that the front is contaminated. Untie the back, then slip your hands under the gown at the neck and shoulders and peel it away from your body. Grasp cuffs one at a time by slipping your fingers underneath and then pull each arm out of the gown. Holding the gown at the shoulders, fold the outside contaminated part so that it is inside and then discard the gown. Then wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
4. Surgical masks or N95 respirators may be contaminated because droplets may have landed on them or you may have touched your face by mistake while wearing your PPE. Touch only the ties or straps at the back of your head. Slowly remove the straps, taking care that the respirator does not contaminate your bare skin or clothing.
5. Dispose of used PPE in a plastic lined trash can or a plastic bag. Seal the plastic bag for later disposal. Hold the bag by the outside and avoid any rush of air as you seal it.
6. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or a hand sanitizer immediately after PPE removal.