Do I need to do anything else to protect myself and others in addition to wearing PPE?

 

Yes. PPE is only effective when combined with:

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• Hand hygiene (cleaning your hands regularly and appropriately)

• Respiratory hygiene (“catch it, bin it, kill it”) and avoiding touching your face with your hands

• Following standard infection prevention and control precautions: www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg139

• Correct technique for putting on and taking off PPE

• Safe disposal of used PPE

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Are there circumstances when I should replace my face mask or eye protection before my break?

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Yes. You should discard and replace a face mask and NOT continue to use it in any of the following circumstances:

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• If visibly soiled (e.g. dirty, wet with secretions, body fluids)

• If damp

• If uncomfortable or causing skin irritation

• If difficult to breathe through

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You must decontaminate reusable eye protection after each use and NOT continue to use it in any of the following circumstances:

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• If damaged

• If soiled (e.g. with secretions, body fluids)

• If uncomfortable or causing skin irritation

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When removing and replacing PPE ensure you are 2 metres away from clients and other staff – see video on putting on and removing PPE.

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