Proper Removal of PPE: The Correct Order & Important Steps to Follow

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a regular part of life for many industries. This is especially true when it comes to medical facilities, dentist offices, long-term care facilities, and similar locations. However, it’s a good idea for everyone to learn about the correct disposal and removal of PPE because you never know when you’ll be in a situation that requires you to have this knowledge. For most of us, PPE refers to gloves and masks, so that’s what we’re going to focus on here.

Here are some crucial steps to follow for the correct order of PPE removal and disposal.

Removing Gloves

If you are required to wear gloves on a regular basis, it’s only safe to learn how to remove them properly. This is also known as doffing your PPE. Here are some important steps to take:

1. Grasp the outside of the glove near your wrist but don’t make contact with your skin.
2. Peel the glove down like a banana, turning it inside out.
3. Hold the first glove in your gloved hand, then slide your bare fingers inside the glove you’re still wearing on the inside of your wrist.
4. Peel the second glove down, turning it inside out so the first glove is inside the second.
5. Dispose of the gloves in a proper PPE disposal bin and then immediately wash your hands.

Removing Masks

Mask wearing has become an important safety consideration in just about every public setting, so everyone should know how to remove them properly. Naturally, using a mask that fits properly makes a big difference, so make sure it covers your nose and mouth and there are no big gaps on the sides that could potentially increase the risk of infection.

1. The first step is to untie the loops behind your ear if you had them tied, or simply slide them over your ear for other types of masks.
2. Be sure to only handle the loops or ties and don’t touch the actual mask with your bare hands.
3. Fold the mask in two, so the outside corners are touching.
4. Dispose of the mask in a proper PPE disposal bin (disposable mask) or place the mask in the wash (reusable mask)
5. Wash your hands right away and be careful not to touch your eyes, ears, nose, or mouth.

Important note: If you’re using a reusable mask is important to wash it regularly and dry it completely before using it again

Disposing of Masks and Gloves

Just by visiting a shopping center or going for a walk on city streets, it’s plain to see that many people aren’t particularly concerned with how they dispose of their PPE. Discarded masks and the occasional pair of gloves have become a common sight but this is not the proper way to dispose of PPE. For safety and general hygiene, follow these steps:

1. Once removed, wrap your gloves and mask in a piece of tissue or paper towel then place it all in a separate plastic bag.
2. Throw the plastic bag that contains the mask and gloves in a garbage bin. If you are in a public facility that has a marked PPE disposal bin, that is where you should throw your mask and gloves.
3. Discarded masks and gloves should not be put into regular recycling bins because they may be contaminated with COVID-19.

In the workplace, having clearly marked bins will make it easier for employees and visitors to know where to dispose of their PPE so you can keep everyone safe. The best course of action for everyone involved is to assume your bare hands are contaminated every time you remove PPE until they have been properly washed and sanitized.

Learn More About Sanitary Removal of PPE From The Experts

To learn more about PPE or any other protective measures relating to COVID-19 get in touch with us at CanGard today.