1 HANDWASHING AND DONNING AND DOFFING OF PPEs

• Hand hygiene includes handwashing with water and soap and the use of alcohol-based sanitizers
• Alcohol-based sanitizers are used when hands are not visibly contaminated
• Steps for using alcohol-based sanitizers:

  • Spread sanitizer over cleansing area (whole hand including the wrist area)
  • Rub space between fingers with several rubbing motions, including fingertips
  • Continue until alcohol runs dry (15 seconds is enough)
• Handwashing involves using antimicrobial soap, paper towels, running water, and a waste container
• Antimicrobial soap is the most important property used in handwashing for healthcare facilities
• It is not recommended to use personal face towels or handkerchiefs to dry hands
• Handwashing procedure:

  • Stand a few inches in front of the sink
  • Turn on faucet and place hands in running water
  • Use soap and work up lather
  • Scrub for at least 15 to 20 seconds, ensuring all surfaces are scrubbed
  • Rinse hands from the wrist downward to fingertips
  • Dry hands using paper towel
  • Use paper towel to close the faucet
• Proper removal of gloves involves pinching the wrist part of one glove with the opposite hand and pulling it inside-out and off the hand
• Donning of PPE:

  • Gown should be worn first
  • Mask should be worn next
  • Gloves should be worn last
• Doffing of PPE:

  • Gloves should be removed first
  • Gown should be removed next, from the shoulders toward the hand
  • Mask should be removed last, holding only the string
• Note: Goggles, respirators, and face shields are worn after the mask but before the gloves. Gloves are always worn last
• Donning means putting
• Doffing means removing
• PPE stands for personal protective equipment