Introduction to Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE is our last line of defense against workplace infections disease exposure risks.  In the clinical environment PPE, within a broader Infection Control process  allows us to provide care to infectious people, while minimizing the risk to ourselves and others.  

With the advent of COVID-19 we are using PPE both within our personal lives, and clinical at a higher rate.  It is critical that we are aware of how to don, doff and wear PPE safely.  This training is intended to assist you in doing so.  

Key Considerations for Infection Control as part of PPE use:

• Hand Hygiene remains a key step
• Long hair should be tied back and not come into contact with PPE at any time
•  Facial hair must not interfere with the effectiveness of PPE
• Cultural or religious coverings must not interfere with PPE effectiveness, and must be laundered daily
• Arms should be bare below the elbows

Specific PPE used will be dependent on the care interaction and risk associated with it (e.g aerosol generating procedures carry a higher risk).

As health professional it is important that we show leadership in the appropriate and quality use of PPE. 

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