Putting on (donning) or taking off (doffing) personal protective equipment (PPE) can be tricky, and even a small error can render it useless instantly. Properly donning PPE is critical, but mastering the correct doffing sequence is even more crucial. Skipping the right steps during donning or doffing can lead to contamination, not just for you, but potentially for your environment too.
While clinicians undergo extensive training in these procedures, many people using PPE for the first time may feel unsure. To help, here’s a guideline based on recommendations from the CDC, detailing the steps for both putting on and removing your PPE.
This sequence is available in both English and Spanish. Additionally, there’s a video demonstration showing these techniques step-by-step.
In the video, the clinician sanitized her hands mid-doffing. While this isn’t strictly necessary at home, it’s a good habit, especially if you tend to roll your gown down your arms while removing it.
Different Supplies, Different Techniques
If you’re working with just a mask and gloves:
- Remove your gloves first,
- then take off your mask (as shown in the video),
- and finally, wash your hands.
For added safety, it’s ideal to sanitize your hands before removing your mask. Remember to wash your hands again after taking off the mask.
If you have a mask, goggles or a face shield, and gloves:
- Take off your gloves,
- remove your goggles or face shield,
- then remove your mask,
- and finish by washing your hands.
If you’re without gloves, don’t worry. Even without them, your hands are treated as contaminated during the doffing process. Follow the same steps, simply skipping the glove removal.
Key Reminders
Hand hygiene is absolutely vital. Always sanitize your hands both before and after using PPE.
Another important tip is to avoid touching your face. A mask won’t protect you if your hands are contaminated and you absentmindedly touch your face. Once your mask is properly fitted, resist the urge to touch it.
If you need to wear an N95 mask and have a beard, it might be worth considering shaving. Facial hair can break the seal, reducing the mask's effectiveness. With a surgical or procedure mask, however, facial hair isn’t a concern.
Once you’re back inside, follow the doffing steps meticulously. Anything that has touched the outside of your PPE should be considered contaminated.
And remember, practice makes perfect. The more you handle PPE, the more comfortable and confident you'll become in following these protocols safely.
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