Outbreaks require a combination of personal protective equipment (PPE) for transmission-based precautions depending on the route of transmission of the infectious agent involved.  

PPE May Include

PPE In Isolation Rooms 

Identify correct transmission-based precautions and ensure appropriate PPE is available

Check for damaged PPE before use, and remove and replace any PPE that becomes torn or compromised immediately

Ensure PPE is the correct size and fits

Ensure employees and visitors keep 'contaminated' and 'clean' areas separate to prevent cross-contamination from occurring

Remove gloves, gowns, and protective eyewear at the doorway before leaving the infectious room or area

Remove masks outside the infectious room after the door has been closed

Limit or eliminate movement of the infectious resident outside of the isolation area; if residents are required to go out of the isolation area, ensure they wear appropriate PPE, and minimise contact with surfaces

Entering An Outbreak Area

Remove all jewellery below the elbow

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

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

Check to reduce doubling up on equipment that may already be present in the isolation area

Leaving An Outbreak Area

Remove PPE and discard it in a hazardous waste bin before leaving the room (except for masks)

Sanitise hands outside the area/room then remove the mask outside the room/area and dispose of it in the designated waste

When transporting clinical waste (e.g., human tissue, body fluids), keep PPE on until contents are disposed of, minimising contact with any surfaces

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