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Infection Prevention, and Control Guidelines for Primary Care Physicians

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Personal Protective Equipment

• Follow These Steps to Put On / Take Off Personal Protective Equipment

Introduction:

The use of specialized clothing or equipment referred to as personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn by an employee for protection against infectious materials. 

Purchasing Considerations:

Gloves:

• Substitute non-latex products whenever possible
• Provide non-latex gloves for all staff with documented latex allergies
• Packages of disposable medical gloves that carry the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) symbol have been tested by CGSB and demonstrated sufficient barrier protection

Masks:

• Purchase fluid resistant masks that have eye shield attached

Best Practices:

Gloves:

• Must be used to reduce the risk of health care workers (HCW) exposure to blood, moist body substances, mucous membranes or non-intact skin
• Gloves must be changed between patients, and after certain activities with the same patient
• Gloves are not a substitute for hand hygiene
• Hands can become contaminated through glove defects or during glove removal
• Hands must be washed upon glove removal
• A vinyl exam glove is appropriate for regular use, and provides adequate protection
• A nitrile exam glove may be used when performing tasks that require prolonged exposure to blood, body fluids or chemicals
• A sterile glove is appropriate when performing sterile procedures

Gowns:

• Long-sleeved water resistant gowns serve to protect the forearms and clothing of the HCW from splashing and soiling from body substances. Gowns are recommended during routine patient care activities in which this is likely to occur.

Masks:

• Masks should be worn where appropriate to protect the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth during procedures and patients care activities likely to generate splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions or excretions
  
  
• There is no published data on the length of time the mask is effective for the wearer. Health Canada recommends masks should be changed if they become moist or wet, interfere with breathing, are damaged, or visibly soiled.
  
  
• Surgical masks are worn to protect the HCW from acquisition of infections transmitted by large respiratory droplets (e.g. influenza, strep throat)
  
  
• Surgical masks may be used by patients who are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness
  
  
• N95 respirators are used to protect the HCW from acquiring infections transmitted by small airborne particles, <5 μm (e.g. chicken pox, measles, tuberculosis). Ensure the staff have been fit-tested.

Eye Protection:

• Goggles or face shields should be worn where appropriate to protect the mucous membranes of the eyes, during procedures and patients care activities likely to generate splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions or excretions
  
  
• Eye glasses should not be considered adequate for eye protection

References:

Health Canada Infection Control Guidelines (1999),  Routine Practices and Additional Precautions for Preventing the Transmission of Infection in Health Care, Volume 25 S4.

Provincial Infectious Disease Advisory Committee (2006) Preventing Febrile Respiratory Illnesses.