Guide to Donning and Doffing PPE Safely: Step-by-Step Instructions

Vitalcare Cleaning Services Ltd | www.vitalcare.co.ke | info@vitalcare.co.ke

Proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential for preventing the spread of infections, especially in healthcare environments. At Vitalcare, we train all our staff to don (put on) and doff (remove) PPE the right way protecting both themselves and patients.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure maximum protection and minimal contamination.

✅ Before You Start

• Tie back long hair

• Remove jewelry and personal items

• Perform hand hygiene with soap or alcohol-based sanitizer

• Inspect PPE for damage

👕 Step-by-Step: How to Don PPE (Put On)

1. Gown

• Select the right size

• Put arms through sleeves

• Fasten at neck and waist

• Ensure full coverage of torso and arms

2. Mask or Respirator

• Secure over nose and mouth

• Fit snugly under the chin

• Press nosepiece to fit (if applicable)

• Perform a fit check (especially for N95 respirators)

3. Goggles or Face Shield

• Position over eyes or face

• Adjust to fit comfortably and securely

4. Gloves

• Extend to cover wrist of gown

• Make sure there’s no gap between glove and gown

✅ You are now fully protected. Do not touch your face or adjust PPE once it is on.

🚫 Step-by-Step: How to Doff PPE (Remove)

Important: Assume all PPE is contaminated. Remove slowly and carefully to avoid contact with your skin, clothes, or surroundings.

1. Gloves

• Grasp outside of one glove at the wrist

• Peel away from hand, turning it inside out

• Hold it in the gloved hand

• Slide fingers under the wrist of the remaining glove and peel off

• Dispose safely

2. Gown

• Unfasten ties without touching outside

• Pull gown away from body, turning inside out

• Roll it into a bundle and discard

3. Goggles/Face Shield

• Remove from the back or strap area

• Do not touch the front

• Place in designated disinfecting area or discard

4. Mask or Respirator

• Remove by straps (bottom first, then top)

• Do not touch front of the mask

• Discard appropriately

5. Hand Hygiene

• Immediately wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitizer

🧼 Additional Tips

• Always change PPE between patients or procedures

• Never reuse disposable PPE

• Store reusable PPE (e.g., goggles) in a clean area

• Train and supervise new staff regularly

📞 Need PPE Training for Your Healthcare or Cleaning Team?

Vitalcare provides professional training on infection prevention, PPE use, and healthcare cleaning protocols across Kenya.

📧 info@vitalcare.co.ke
📱 0720 981 198
🌐 www.vitalcare.co.ke