An appropriate general guideline when using personal protective equipment (PPE) is to select, wear, and remove it correctly based on the specific hazard, and to perform hand hygiene before putting it on and after taking it off.

Core PPE guidelines

  • Use PPE that matches the hazard (for example, respirators for dangerous vapors, goggles for splash risks, cut‑resistant gloves for sharp objects).
  • Make sure PPE fits properly and is in good condition before use; do not use damaged, torn, or poorly fitting items.
  • Perform hand hygiene with soap and water or sanitizer before donning PPE and immediately after doffing it.

While wearing PPE

  • Keep hands away from your face and avoid adjusting PPE unnecessarily to reduce contamination risk.
  • Do not reuse single‑use items unless they are specifically designed and approved for reuse and have been cleaned according to policy.
  • Do not alter, disable, or remove PPE while still in the hazardous area (for example, lifting a respirator to “take a quick breath”).

After removing PPE

  • Remove PPE in the correct sequence to avoid contaminating skin or clothes (for example, gloves first, then eye protection, then gown, then mask, depending on local protocol).
  • Discard used PPE in appropriate waste containers, or clean and store reusable items according to the manufacturer’s instructions and workplace procedures.
  • Report and replace any PPE that is damaged, expired, or no longer provides the intended level of protection.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.