5 Types of PPE in Healthcare
Personal protective equipment (PPE) helps reduce the risk of infection and exposure to hazardous substances in healthcare settings. The equipment needed depends on the task, the person receiving care and the likely route of exposure. A risk assessment and local infection prevention guidance should always inform the choice of PPE.
PPE works alongside other precautions, such as hand hygiene, cleaning and safe disposal of clinical waste; it does not replace them. Here are five commonly used types of PPE in healthcare.
Gloves
Disposable gloves protect hands when contact with blood, bodily fluids, contaminated items or certain chemicals is anticipated. They should be selected for the task and changed between patients and between different care activities where necessary.
Gloves are not a substitute for hand hygiene. Hands should be cleaned before putting gloves on and after removing them. Gloves should also be removed safely to avoid transferring contamination to the skin or nearby surfaces.
Aprons and gowns
Disposable plastic aprons are commonly worn to protect clothing and skin during tasks where splashes or contact with bodily fluids may occur. A fluid-resistant gown may be needed when there is a greater risk of contamination or when more of the body needs protection.
Aprons and gowns should be changed between patients or procedures as required by local guidance. Reusable items must be handled and laundered according to the organisation’s procedures.
Surgical masks
A surgical mask can help protect the wearer’s nose and mouth from splashes and droplets. It may also help reduce the spread of infection from the wearer to others. Surgical masks are not designed to provide the same close-fitting respiratory protection as a respirator.
The mask should cover the nose and mouth and be worn in line with current guidance. It should be replaced if it becomes wet, damaged or contaminated, and removed without touching the front.
Respirators
Respirators, such as FFP3 masks, are designed to filter airborne particles and provide a close-fitting seal. They may be required for certain procedures or when caring for patients with infections that can spread through the air, depending on current national and local guidance.
Anyone required to wear a tight-fitting respirator must be fit-tested for the specific make and model. A fit check should be carried out each time it is put on, and facial hair can prevent an effective seal. Staff should follow their workplace’s respiratory protection procedures.
Eye and face protection
Goggles or a face visor help protect the eyes and face from splashes or sprays. They may be worn with a mask or respirator when a procedure creates a risk of exposure to bodily fluids or other hazardous material.
Reusable eye protection should be cleaned and disinfected according to the manufacturer’s instructions and workplace policy. Disposable items should be discarded safely after use.
Choosing and using PPE safely
The right PPE depends on the task and the assessed risk; wearing more equipment than necessary is not always safer and can interfere with care. Staff should receive training in selecting, putting on and removing PPE, since incorrect removal can lead to contamination.
Always follow current UK guidance and your healthcare organisation’s infection prevention and control procedures. Clean hands at the appropriate points, dispose of single-use PPE safely, and report damaged or unsuitable equipment.
Essential PPE Guidelines: 6 Tips for Using 5 Types of Protective Equipment in Healthcare
- Choose gloves suited to the task and change them between patients.
- Wear a disposable apron or gown when clothing may be exposed to fluids.
- Use a surgical mask for droplet precautions; use a respirator when required for airborne risks.
- Fit-check a respirator each time you put it on.
- Wear goggles or safety glasses to protect your eyes from splashes.
- Use a face shield for added face protection, and clean or discard it as instructed.
Choose gloves suited to the task and change them between patients.
Choose gloves that are appropriate for the task, taking account of the level of exposure and any relevant clinical or chemical risks. Change them between patients and whenever moving from a contaminated task to a clean one, and clean your hands before putting them on and after removing them.
Wear a disposable apron or gown when clothing may be exposed to fluids.
Wear a disposable apron or gown when a care task could expose clothing or skin to blood, bodily fluids or other contaminants. Choose the level of coverage according to the risk: an apron may be suitable for routine tasks, while a fluid-resistant gown may be needed if splashing is more likely or greater coverage is required. Change it between patients or tasks as appropriate, remove it carefully to avoid spreading contamination, and clean your hands afterwards.
Use a surgical mask for droplet precautions; use a respirator when required for airborne risks.
For droplet precautions, wear a surgical mask when recommended by the care setting’s infection prevention guidance. If there is a risk of airborne infection, use a suitable respirator when required; it should be fit-tested and worn in line with workplace procedures.
Fit-check a respirator each time you put it on.
Fit-check a respirator each time you put it on
After putting on a tight-fitting respirator, carry out a fit check every time to make sure air is not leaking around the edges. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, usually by covering the respirator and breathing in and out to check that it seals closely to your face. A fit check does not replace formal fit testing, which must be completed for the specific respirator model. If you detect a leak, adjust the respirator and check again; if you cannot achieve a seal, do not enter the area and seek advice in line with your workplace procedure.
Wear goggles or safety glasses to protect your eyes from splashes.
Wear goggles or safety glasses when care activities could cause blood, bodily fluids or other hazardous substances to splash into your eyes. Choose eye protection that fits comfortably and provides suitable coverage, and wear it alongside other PPE required for the task. After use, remove it carefully without touching the front; clean and disinfect reusable eyewear according to workplace guidance, or dispose of single-use items safely.
Use a face shield for added face protection, and clean or discard it as instructed.
A face shield can provide added protection for the eyes and face from splashes or sprays, but it should be used alongside any other PPE required for the task. After use, remove it carefully and either clean and disinfect a reusable shield or discard a single-use one, following the manufacturer’s instructions and your workplace procedures.