Pathogens Proper Use
Gloves, gowns, and face shields also help prevent the transmission of pathogens.
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PPE: TYPES AND PROPER USE
Gloves
Gloves should be made of latex, nitrile, rubber, or other water impervious materials. If glove material is thin or flimsy, double gloving can provide an additional layer of protection. The use of disposable latex gloves is required for procedures where bodily fluids are handled. If the employee has cuts, abraded skin, chapped hands, dermatitis, or like conditions, the hands shall be double-gloved. You should always inspect your gloves for tears or punctures before putting them on. If a glove is damaged, don't use it! When taking contaminated gloves off, do so carefully. Make sure you don't touch the outside of the gloves with any bare skin, and be sure to dispose of them in a proper container so that no one else will come in contact with them, either.
Glove Protocol for Category I Personnel
- Disposable single-use latex gloves shall be worn.
- Sterile gloves shall be used to prevent contamination of the employee and to decrease the risk of patient infection when changing dressings or otherwise tending to an open wound.
- Non-sterile gloves shall be used primarily to prevent the contamination of the employee's hands when providing care/services to patient that involves NO body fluid spill.
- Gloves shall be used only once.
- Wash hands after removing gloves.
- Gloves shall be removed before removing mask, but after removal of gown.
Glove Protocol for Category II Personnel
- Disposable single-use latex gloves shall be worn.
- Non-sterile gloves shall be used primarily to prevent the contamination of the employee's hands when providing care/services to patient that involves NO body fluid spill.
- Gloves shall be used only once.
- Wash hands after removing gloves.
- Gloves shall be removed before removing mask, but after removal of gown.
Procedures for Donning Gloves
- Wash hands PRIOR to putting gloves on to prevent contamination of subject.
Procedures for Removing the Gloves
- Using one hand, pull the cuff of the first glove down over the opposite hand turning the glove inside out.
- Discard the glove into a biohazard waste receptacle.
- With the ungloved (clean) hand, reach inside the second glove and pull the cuff down over the opposite hand turning the glove inside out.
- Discard into appropriate biohazard receptacle.
- Wash your hands according to established hand washing procedures.
Always check your gloves for damage before using them.
Masks and Eye Protection (Goggles)
Anytime there is a risk of splashing or vaporization of contaminated fluids, goggles and/or other eye protection should be used to protect your eyes. Again, bloodborne pathogens can be transmitted through the thin membranes of the eyes so it is important to protect them. Splashing could occur while cleaning up a spill, during laboratory procedures, or while providing first aid or medical assistance.
Masks and eye protection (goggles) usually not required for routine care. However, masks and eye protection are required whenever contamination of mucosal membranes (eyes, mouth, or nose) with body fluids is possible.
Some guidelines for using masks and eye protection
- Masks which become splattered must be changed.
- Goggles which become splattered must be washed with soap and water and dried thoroughly before reuse.
- If the employee chooses to wear his/her own personal eye glasses, goggles shall be worn over the glasses.
- Masks are ineffective when moist and shall be replaced if they become moist or contaminated. Masks shall not be lowered around neck and then reused.
Procedures for Donning Masks
- Mask shall be donned prior to gown.
- Remove mask from package or body fluid spill kit.
- Unfold mask
- Place mask on face, ensuring that it covers nose and mouth, and tie.
- Avoid unnecessary handling of the mask.
Procedures for Removing the Mask
- NEVER remove your mask during a procedure.
- Wash hands.
- Untie mask. Touch strings only when moving mask away from face.
- Discard into appropriate biohazard receptacle.
- Wash hands before leaving area.
Gowns
Gowns may be worn to protect your clothing and to keep blood or other contaminated fluids from soaking through to your skin.
Normal clothing that becomes contaminated with blood should be removed as soon as possible because fluids can seep through the cloth to come into contact with skin. Contaminated laundry should be handled as little as possible, and it should be placed in an appropriately labeled bag or container until it is decontaminated, disposed of, or laundered.
Disposable gowns, aprons, or lab coats are required when splashes to skin or clothing, with body fluids, are likely to occur. All gowns shall be made of, or lined with, fluid proof or fluid resistant material, and shall protect all areas of exposed skin.
Procedures for Donning Gowns
- Obtain gown from designated area or body fluid spill kit.
- Put gown on with opening at back, tie string at neck.
- Lap the gown over in back, making sure all clothing is covered.
- Tie at the waist.
Procedures for Removing Gowns
- Untie waist string.
- Wash hands
- Untie neck string.
- Pull sleeves off.
- Pull gown off.
- Fold outside of gown inward and roll in a bundle.
- Dispose of gown in appropriate biohazard waste container.
- Wash hands before leaving area.
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