i work in the NHS and have to wear a gown and gloves - you use your discetion at times, i dont wear face or eye protection, im not at that end of risk
Aprons and Gowns
When to wear and how to choose an apron/gown
The use of disposable plastic aprons are indicated for a wide array of activities within care
settings including “clean” and “ dirty” tasks. They must be worn when close contact with the
patient, materials or equipment are anticipated, and when there is a risk that clothing may be
contaminated with pathogenic micro-organisms or blood, body fluids, secretions or excretions,
with the exception of perspiration. “Summary guide to the use of personal protective equipment”
contains fuller details.
Aprons/gowns should be appropriate for use, fit for purpose and should avoid any interference
during procedures. Colour-coded aprons are often used for specific tasks and/or in specific areas
(e.g. when handling or serving food within a clinical area). Never reuse or wash single-use
disposable aprons/gowns.
There are many types of gowns available and the most appropriate should be considered
following local risk assessment, often involving in the first instance Infection Control staff,
Occupational Health services and Procurement departments.
A full-body fluid-repellant gown should be worn, rather than a plastic apron, when there is a risk
of significant splashing of blood, body fluids, secretions or excretions (with the exception of
perspiration), onto skin or clothing, or for other reasons if indicated by risk assessment.
When to change an apron/gown and how to remove and dispose of it
Aprons/gowns should be changed between patients/clients/procedures. It may be necessary to
change aprons/gowns between tasks on the same patient/client to prevent unnecessary cross-
contamination. Remove aprons/gowns immediatel
y once a task is finished. Never wear them
while moving to a different patient/client/area.
Torn or otherwise damaged aprons/gowns should not be used and should be removed
immediately (safety permitting) if this occurs during a procedure.
Remove aprons/gowns carefully to avoid contact
with the most likely contaminated areas (e.g.
the front surface), and prevent contamination of clothes under them. The outer contaminated
side of the apron/gown should be turned inward, rolled into a ball and then the item should be
discarded immediately, as clinical waste, into appropriate receptacles according to local disposal
of waste policies. Never place used aprons/gowns on environmental surfaces. See attached
“Putting on and Removing PPE”
Face, mouth/eye protection, e.g. surgical masks/goggles
Standard Infection Control Precautions
Clinical Governance
V3 November 2010
13
How to choose the correct protection and when and how to wear it
Face masks and eye protection must be worn where there is a risk of blood, body fluids,
secretions or excretions splashing into the
face and eyes. “Summary guide to the use of
personal protective equipment” contains further details.
Well fitting, fit for purpose, comfortable protection is important to ensure adequate protection.
Manufacturers’ instructions should be adhered to while donning face protection to ensure the
most appropriate fit/protection. Surgical masks should always fit comfortably, covering the mouth
and nose. When not in use for protection, they should be removed and not worn around the
neck.
Goggles should provide adequate protection when the risk of splashing is present, e.g. those
used must ‘wrap around’ the eye area to ensure side areas are protected. Face shields/visors
should be considered, in place of a surgical mask and/or goggles, where there is a higher risk of
splattering/aerosolisation of blood/other body fluids.
Face protection should not be touched while being worn and should be removed immediately
following a procedure. Face protection should be changed between patients/clients/procedures.
It may be necessary to change between tasks on the same patient/client to prevent unnecessary
cross-contamination. Remove PPE immediately once you have finished the task, these should
never be worn while moving to a different patient/client/area. See attached “Putting on and
Removing PPE”
Risk assessments will dictate the need for other types
of masks, e.g. particulate filter masks, and
should be carried out in conjunction with Trust infection control staff. These masks must be
correctly fitted and staff must be trained in their use.
If surgical masks become wet or soiled they should be changed in order to ensure continued
protection from splashes/splattering to the mouth and nose. The efficacy of surgical masks in
providing protection against airborne/droplet infections rather than from splashes of blood/other
body fluids is the subject of continuing debate, as is the length of time they can be worn for.
Torn or otherwise damaged face protection should not be used and should be removed
immediately (safety permitting) if this occurs during a procedure.
