Steps for Donning and Doffing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Doffing PPE (Removing PPE)

General Guidelines

• Location: Doffing should occur at least two meters away from the patient, resident, or client.
• Preferred Location: Near the doorway.

Steps for Doffing PPE

1. Remove Gloves

   • First Glove:
     • Grasp the outside edge of the glove.
     • Peel away from the hand (glove-to-glove technique).
   • Second Glove:
     • Slide one or two fingers under the cuff of the remaining glove.
     • Peel away from the hand (skin-to-skin technique).
   • Disposal: Discard in a regular waste receptacle.
   • Hand Hygiene: Perform using alcohol-based hand rub, rubbing hands for at least 15 seconds.

2. Remove Gown

   • Unfasten the neck tie and waist tie.
   • Slide two fingers under the cuff of the gown.
   • Pull hand into the gown.
   • Use the covered hand to grab the other sleeve and pull it over the hand.
   • Roll the gown away from your body into a bundle.
   • Avoid: Self-contamination and contaminating the environment.
   • Disposal: Discard the gown.
   • Hand Hygiene: Perform again.

3. Remove Eye Protection

   • Grasp the headband of the face shield.
   • Gently pull the face shield away from the face.
   • Disposal: Discard.

4. Remove Mask

   • Grasp the elastic straps behind both ears.
   • Pull forward while bending forward to allow the mask to fall away from the face.
   • Disposal: Discard.

5. Final Hand Hygiene

   • Perform hand hygiene.
   • If hands are visibly soiled or clinically indicated, use soap and water at a dedicated hand hygiene sink to clean hands.

Important Note

• Always ensure hands are clean after removing any PPE to prevent contamination.