4. PPE Flashcards
When would you wear gloves?
When there is possibility of contamination.
Contact with mucous membranes.
Handling contaminated items.
Protect vulnerable patients - low immunity.
When should you change gloves?
Between patients.
Between dirty and clean tasks on the same patient.
If perforation or leakage occurs.
After contact with cleaning chemicals.
What are the 5 types of gloves?
Latex, nitrile, neoprene - good for manual dexterity, used in dentistry
Vinyl - low contamination risk e.g. cleaning
Plastic - not clinical, handling food
When would you wear an apron?
Whenever you might be exposed to blood or body fluid.
Reduces risk of uniform being splashed.
Changed between patients.
What is the purpose of goggles/masks?
To protect eyes and face as blood-borne viruses can enter the body via mucous membranes of the eyes and mouth.
Protects you from chemicals.
When would you wear goggles/mask?
When there is risk of splashing or aerosols reaching eyes/nose/mouth
What is the purpose of footwear?
Supports and covers the foot
Protects against spillage and from potential injury from dropped sharps
What is ideal footwear?
Non-slip, clean & well maintained
NOT CROCS
What should you do when your clothes are contaminated?
Change your clothes stat and wash them
How should you treat contaminated skin?
Was with soap and water
Report all contamination incidents
How should you treat occupational exposure?
Risk of blood-borne virus
Encourage bleeding and wash with soap and water
Report/document
Follow local policies
What is the purpose of PPE?
To reduce the transmission of infection from patient to HCW and HCW to patient.
Legal responsibility of the employer to supply it.
