4.4 Demonstrate the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and when to use it

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used to protect individuals from harm. In care settings, PPE is often used to prevent harm that could be caused by the spread of infection. As well as protecting the care worker from coming into contact with pathogens that may be carried by the individual they are supporting, it also protects the individual from any pathogens the care worker may transmit.

Examples of PPE include:

• Disposable gloves – prevents pathogens from being transmitted via touch
• Disposable aprons – prevents pathogens from coming into contact with clothing
• Facemasks – prevents pathogens from entering and exiting an individual’s mouth and nose

PPE should be used in adherence to the manufacturer’s instructions and your employer’s agreed ways of working. Your employer must provide free-of-charge any PPE that you require to carry out your role. You should be able to demonstrate how to don, remove and dispose of any PPE that you use.