PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment. It refers to clothing, equipment, or other devices worn by individuals to protect themselves from potential hazards, such as chemical spills, biohazards, or other dangerous materials.
Examples of PPE include:
- Nitrile Gloves: to protect the hands from cuts, chemicals, and other hazards
- Respirators: to protect the lungs from inhaling harmful particles
- Eye wear or face shields: to protect the eyes from flying debris or splashes
- Boots or shoes: to protect the feet from slips, trips, and falling objects
- Tyvek Suits: to protect the skin and clothes from harmful substances
When putting on PPE, aka. donning, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and to follow the proper sequence to ensure maximum protection. The steps for putting on PPE may vary depending on the specific equipment, but here is a general guideline:
- Start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Put on your Tyvek suit over your shoes if possible. Make sure everything fits properly and provides full coverage of your body.
- Put on your respirator or other respiratory protection, making sure it is properly sealed to your face and adjusted for a comfortable fit.
- Put on your goggles or face shield, making sure they fit properly and provide full coverage of your eyes.
- Put on your gloves or other hand protection, making sure they fit properly and are free of holes or tears.
- Once you have put on all the PPE, check for proper fit and function, and make any necessary adjustments.
When taking off PPE, aka. doffing, follow these steps to ensure no contamination.
- Start by removing your Tyvek suit, being careful not to touch the inside of the clothing with your hands. Fold the clothing carefully and place it in a designated container for decontamination or disposal.
- Remove your gloves or other hand protection, being careful not to touch the inside of the gloves with your hands. Hold the gloves by the cuff and carefully peel them off, turning them inside out as you remove them. Place them in a designated container for decontamination or disposal.
- Remove your goggles or face shield and place them in a designated container for decontamination or disposal.
- Remove your respirator or other respiratory protection and place it in a designated container for decontamination or disposal.
- Remove your boots or shoes and place them in a designated container for decontamination or disposal.
- After removing all PPE, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Here is a helpful video to show you the proper steps.
If you have any questions or need clarification, please contact us at [email protected].