Transcript for film three - Person Protective Equipment

Introduction

Personal protective equipment, or PPE, helps to protect you and others and minimise the risk of infection. PPE includes single use glovesand disposable apron, face protection. Remember, gloves are not a substitute for hand washing

When should you use PPE?

Disposable aprons and gloves should be used when you think there is a risk that clothing will become contaminated with body fluids: urine, vomit, blood or faeces, or if you need to clean equipment. Heavier duty domestic cleaning gloves may be required when using some cleaning materials. You must wear face protection if there is a danger of fluid splashing in your face. Make sure you know where PPE is kept before you need it.

Through the day you will need to assess each task you undertake, and ask yourself if you need to use an apron or gloves or face protection.

You must use a new apron and gloves for each new task and between each person you are caring for.

Where possible, disposable aprons and single use gloves should be kept in wall mounted dispensers or cupboards so that they stay clean and dust free. Do not carry gloves in your pockets.

How to take off your PPE

You must remove and dispose of your PPE so that it minimises the potential for cross-contamination. Remove in the following order: gloves, apron and eye protection. Use the following technique for each item.

Gloves

• Grasp the outside of the glove with the opposite gloved hand; peel off
• Hold the removed glove in the gloved hand
• Slide the fingers of the ungloved hand under the remaining glove at the wrist
• Peel the second glove off over the first glove
• Ensure safe disposal in correct bin according to use

Apron

• Unfasten or break ties
• Touching only the inside of the apron, pull the apron away from neck and shoulders lifting over head, 
• Fold or roll into a bundle
• Ensure safe disposal in correct bin according to use

Eye protection

• Remove by handling only the headband or the sides
• Clean according to use 
• Wash hands

How to dispose of your PPE

• It is important that all contaminated items are disposed of safely in the correct bins with lids.
• All equipment contaminated with blood must be placed in bags identified for "infectious hazardous waste" which should be orange
• All equipment contaminated with urine, faeces or vomit must be placed in offensive waste bags These are yellow with a black stripe or maybe another colour when provided by a contractor specifically for this purpose
• All used equipment that has not been contaminated can be disposed of in black bags

Still screen and voice over

Remember

• Gloves are not a substitute for hand washing
• Wear face protection if there is a danger of splashing
• Wear a new apron and gloves for each new task
• Don't carry gloves in your pocket
• Remove PPE correctly in the following order: gloves, apron, face protection 
• Dispose of PPE safely in the correct coloured bin bag according to use
  

Last reviewed: 22 July 2010