IPC6 Use personal protective equipment to prevent the spread of infection

Overview:

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is an essential health and safety measure to protect healthcare workers and their patients/clients. In this competence, personal protective equipment refers to gloves, aprons, gowns, overalls, masks, goggles and face shields used to minimise the risks of infection. The competence applies to all health and social care settings, including community and domiciliary settings, and ambulance vehicles. A risk assessment is required in order to decide which PPE is appropriate for a particular activity, and local policies will specify the PPE that healthcare workers should use.
Users of this competence will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies.

Keywords: Infection, infection control, protective equipment, PPE, protective clothing, health and safety