Bloodborne Pathogens Certification Manual: Protective Gear

PROTECTIVE GEAR - PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

There are many types of protective gear that can be used to shield you from a BBP. Below we have listed several examples of commonly used protective gear that is readily available. The bloodborne pathogens standard plays a crucial role in infection control by setting regulations and requirements to minimize exposure risks.

Infection control measures, such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), are essential to protect healthcare workers from occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

GLOVES

Gloves are considered the minimal and most basic level of protective equipment. There are several types of gloves that can be used to protect you from a BBP. When rendering first aid or addressing a wound, latex medical gloves are most practical to prevent contact with blood and body fluids. It is also crucial to use gloves when handling potentially infectious materials to reduce the risk of exposure to infectious agents. When cleaning a contaminated area, utility gloves are most practical. Unlike disposable gloves such as latex medical gloves, utility gloves can be decontaminated and reused. A special procedure should be implemented when removing latex gloves.

Steps to Removing Latex Gloves

1. Pull the outside of the glove near the wrist area
2. Peel downwards, away from the wrist, turning the glove inside-out
3. Pull the glove away until it is removed from the hand and hold the inside-out glove with the gloved hand
4. With your ungloved hand, slide two fingers under the wrist of the remaining glove. Do not touch the outside of the glove when doing this
5. Peel downwards, away from the wrist, turning the glove inside out
6. Pull the glove down and over the inside-out glove being held in your gloved hand
7. Both gloves should be inside out, one glove inside the other
8. Place gloves in an appropriate bio-hazard receptacle

After removing the gloves, the rescuer should properly dispose of them and wash his/her hands.

CAP AND GOWN

Caps and gowns are most commonly disposable and are used to protect the head and body from BBPs and certain human body fluids. They are also essential for handling other potentially infectious materials, ensuring safety from exposure to OPIM. Caps and gowns may be re-used if non-disposable and properly decontaminated.

GOGGLES AND FACE SHIELDS

Goggles and face shields are used to protect the eyes and face from BBPs present in human blood. They are also essential for handling human body fluids, which should be treated with precautionary measures to prevent contact with bloodborne pathogens. Goggles and face shields may be re-used if properly decontaminated.

FACE MASKS

Face masks are used to protect the face (mostly the nose and mouth) from BBPs and body fluids. Personal protective equipment (PPE), including face masks, plays a crucial role in protecting against bloodborne pathogens (BBPs). Paper face masks are usually disposable and should not be reused.