Putting on PPE is often referred to as “donning“.
Taking off PPE is often referred to as “doffing“.
They come from “to do on” as in “don” and “to do off” as in “doff”. The terms can also apply to other clothing and uniforms.
Have you heard the expression “doffing a hat”? This is when a person lifts their hat, usually with a nod, as an expression of recognition, respect, gratitude or simply to say hello.
Back to the serious stuff….
You must follow the instructions for donning and doffing PPE supplied by your employer.
Before putting on PPE, make sure you consult the risk assessment relating to the particular task. You must make sure you understand and follow your organisation`s policy and procedures for using PPE.
You need to be safe, rather than sorry!
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Make sure you have attended to your own needs before putting on PPE and that you will not be unreasonably disturbed.
Make sure…
- You have had a drink.
- You are not likely to need the toilet in the middle of the procedure.
- Your colleagues know where you are and what you are doing.
- You have all the equipment you need before you start.
This creates unnecessary waste and costs. It can be avoided by planning ahead.
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Watch this Public Health England video (6:44) on putting on and removing PPE in health and social care settings.
We highly recommend you watch this video. If you take nothing else away from this course, make sure you watch the video and follow the instructions.
It will save lives!
The correct order for putting on (donning) PPE is very important.
1. Put on (don) plastic apron…
Do this by placing neck loop over head and tying the ties at the back of the waist.
2. Put on (don) the mask…
Do this by placing the elastic loops over the ears or tying the tapes as follows:
- Top tapes above the ears and tied at the crown and lower tapes tied at the nape of the neck.
- Gently pinch the metal bar at the bridge of the nose to ensure a good fit and extend the lower edge under the chin.
- Change the mask if it becomes soiled or damp.
- Do not touch the body of the mask at any time.
3. Put on (don) eye protection, if needed…
Please note that spectacles do not provide adequate protection if there is danger of eye contamination, for example, from splashing bodily fluids.
4. Put on (don) gloves
Make sure they are the right type and size.
Change gloves if they become damaged or excessively soiled.
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The correct order for taking off (doffing) PPE is equally as important.
1. Gloves…
Grasp the palm area of one glove with the other gloved hand and pull downwards to take off glove, taking care that the outside part of neither glove comes into contact with skin.
Keep the doffed glove in the palm of the gloved hand and put a finger under the top edge of the remaining glove, taking care not to touch the outside part of the glove which is contaminated.
Push the glove down from the inside so that it is turned inside out and containing the other glove.
Put the gloves into the clinical waste bin.
Clean your hands with alcohol hand gel. If not available, use soap and water.
2. Apron…
Break the plastic tie of the apron at the back of the neck and allow the front of the apron to fall forwards then break the tie behind the waist.
Remove the apron by folding it from the inside to outside in avoiding skin contact with the contaminated outside.
3.Eye protection…
Remove eye protection, if used. Lift and pull away from your face.
Perform careful hand hygiene using alcohol hand gel or soap and water.
4. Face mask…
Remove the mask by untying or breaking the tie at the nape of the neck and then at the crown, taking care not to touch the body of the mask at any point.
Take it away from the face and dispose of straight into clinical waste.
5. Do you wear glasses?
If so, carefully remove them and clean them with alcohol lens wipe before washing your hands. Do not replace them again until you have completed hand hygiene.
6. Hand hygiene (yes again!)…
Perform careful hand hygiene again with soap and water.
There will be a local procedure in place about this.
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