PPE

Question 1

When should you wash your hands?

Answer 1

The ‘Five moments for Hand Washing’ (World Health Organisation, 2009) are listed below:
* Before touching a patient
* Before a clean/aseptic procedure
* After body fluid exposure risk
* After touching a patient
* After touching patient surroundings

Question 2

When should ABHR be used?

Answer 2

Alcohol based hand rub (ABHR)

The steps to perform hand hygiene using alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) are the same as when performing hand washing.

ABHR is useful for performing hand hygiene when sinks are not readily available or when hands may be contaminated but are not visibly soiled. It can be used when entering or leaving a ward/clinical or patient area or following hand washing, for example, when performing an aseptic technique, to provide a further cleansing and residual effect.
Please note: ABHR used alone is not effective against spore-forming bacteria such as Clostridium difficile or common causes of viral gastrointestinal upset, such as Norovirus. In cases of suspected/confirmed spore forming organisms or GI viral upset, hand hygiene using water and non-antimicrobial soap should be undertaken.

Question 3

How should you wash your hands?

Answer 3

1). Wet hands with water;
2). Apply enough soap to cover all hand surfaces;
3).Rub hands palm to palm;
4). Right palm over left dorsum with interlaced fingers and vice versa;
5). Palm to palm with fingers interlaced;
6). Backs of fingers to opposing palms with fingers interlocked;
7). Rotational rubbing of left thumb clasped in right palm and vice versa;
8). Rotational rubbing, backwards and forwards with clasped fingers of right hand in left palm and vice versa;
9). Rinse hands with water;
10). Dry hands thoroughly with a single use towel;
11). Use towel to turn off faucet;
12). Your hands are now safe.

Question 4

How do you use handrub (ABHR?) ?

Answer 4

1). Apply a palmful of the product in a cupped hand, covering all surfaces
2). Rub hands palm to palm;
3). Right palm over left dorsum with interlaced fingers and vice versa;
4). Palm to palm with fingers interlaced;
5). Backs of fingers to opposing palms with fingers interlocked
6). Rotational rubbing of left thumb clasped in right palm and vice versa;
7). Rotational rubbing, backwards and forwards with clasped fingers of right hand in left palm and vice versa;
8). Once dry, your hands are safe.

Question 5

What is the order PPE should be put on?

Answer 5

The order for putting on PPE is: Apron or Gown, Mask (if not already worn), Eye Protection (where required) and Gloves. Please see donning guide overleaf.

Question 6

What order should PPE be removed in?

Answer 6

The order for removing PPE is: Gloves, Apron or Gown, Eye Protection, Mask.

Key doffing technique issues:
* Only handle inside edges of gloves
* Hand hygiene between steps of doffing
* Gently fold apron/ gown inwards towards most heavily contaminated area
* Do not rip mask off abruptly, untie bottom ties first, then top ties.
* If wearing eye protection, do not allow droplets from visor or mask to drop downward onto
clothing over the neck or upper chest
* Use soap and water for final hand hygiene step.