The type of personal protective equipment (PPE) needed in outbreak cleaning will depend on the risk assessment.

Consider The Risk

The likelihood of exposure to any blood or body fluid

The volume of blood or body fluid likely to be encountered

The possible route of transmission

The type of exposure that could be possible

PPE prevents contact with infectious agents or body fluids by creating a barrier between the cleaner and the infectious material.

Gloves protect the hands

Gowns or aprons protect the skin and or clothing

Masks and respirators protect the mouth and nose 

Goggles protect the eyes

Face shields protect the entire face

Cleaners must be educated and trained in PPE, including donning and doffing. Adequate supplies of PPE must be readily available for all employees at all times.

PPE Required Depends On The Risk

Infection Control For Cleaning Staff

Avoid touching the face, especially the mouth, nose, and eyes

Cleaners should follow the correct PPE use and the correct way to put on (don) and take off (doff) PPE

Use correct hand hygiene 

On completion of tasks, perform hand hygiene after removing each item of PPE 

Cleaners are to ensure they wear clean clothes daily

PPE In Isolation Rooms 

Ensure the correct transmission-based precautions are identified and PPE is available

Check the PPE is not damaged before use, and remove and replace any PPE that becomes torn or compromised immediately

PPE is effective when it is the correct size and fits

Ensure gloves, gowns, and protective eyewear are removed at the doorway, before leaving the resident's room

Remove the mask outside the room, after the door has been closed

Entering An Outbreak Area

Remove all jewellery below the elbow

Use the alcohol-based hand rub/sanitiser or the nearest designated basin to decontaminate hands

If transmission precautions are in place, or contamination from infective sources is likely, then appropriate PPE must be worn 

Check you are not bringing in extra equipment that may already be present in the isolation area

Leaving An Outbreak Area

Remove PPE and discard it into an appropriate waste container

When transporting the clinical waste, keep PPE on until contents are disposed of, minimising contact with any surfaces

Once PPE is removed, wash hands in the designated hand basin or use the alcohol-based hand rub/sanitiser when exiting the area

NOTE: If the wearing of a mask is required as part of the precautions, it is removed after exiting the room and immediately disposed of.