PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

 

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

A.       Gloves

Disposable (single use) gloves shall be readily available in patient care and specimen handling areas.

1.  Gloves must be worn for

•    Anticipated contact with moist body substances, mucous membranes, tissue and non-intact skin of all patients.

•    Contact with surfaces and articles visibly soiled /contaminated by body substances.

•    Performing venipuncture and other vascular access procedures (IV Starts, phlebotomy & in-line blood draws & in-line medication)

•    Handling specimens when contamination of hand is anticipated.

2.  Don gloves at bedside, immediately prior to task.

3.  Replace torn, punctured or otherwise damaged gloves as soon as patient safety permits.

4.  Remove and discard gloves after each individual task involving body substance contact, before leaving the bedside.

5.  Wash hands as soon as possible after glove removal or removal of other protective equipment. Gloves are not to be washed or decontaminated for reuse (exception: utility gloves)

6.  Caution: Gloves do not provide protection from needle sticks or other puncture wounds caused by sharp objects. Use extreme caution when handling needles, scalpels, etc.

7.  Gloves should not be worn

•    Away from the bedside or lab bench

•    At the nursing station

•    To handle charts, clean linen, clean equipment or patient care supplies

•    In hallways or elevators.

 

B.       Masks, Eye Protection and Face Shields

Wear masks in combination with eye protection devices (goggles or glasses with side shields) or chin-length face shields during procedures that are likely to generate droplets, spray or splash of body substances to prevent exposure to mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes. Masks are also worn to protect personnel from the transmission of infectious droplets during close contact with the symptomatic patient.

Situations that may increase risk of splash/splatter include the following

1.  Trauma care

2.  Surgery or delivery of newborn

3.  Intubation/ suctioning /extubation (including code situations)

4.  Bronchoscopy / Endoscopy

5.  Emptying bedpans / suction canisters into hopper/toilet

6.  Code blue

7.  Patient care of coughing patient with suspected infectious etiology

C.       Aprons, Gowns, and Other Protective Body Clothing

The appropriate type of garment shall be based on the task and the degree of exposure anticipated. Gowns are worn to prevent contamination of clothing and protect the skin of personnel from blood/body fluid exposure.

1.  Wear plastic aprons or gowns during patient care procedures that are likely to soil clothing with body substances.

2.  Wear lab coats in laboratory settings.

3.  Remove protective body clothing before leaving the immediate work area.

4.  In surgical areas, additional protective attire may include surgical caps or hoods and shoe covers or boots.