00 Overview 01 Background 02 Exposure Control
       Measures
03 PPE: When &
       Where to Use
04 PPE: How to Use 05 Additional Safety
       Measures
06 Beyond PPE 07 Resources

PPE Components

1. Gloves1

Gloves protect against the transfer of infectious agents to the hands during direct contact with patients or their immediate environments. They protect both the patient and the wearer.

There are 2 main types of gloves that you may be provided or asked to use during your clinical rotations:

  1. Examination gloves
  2. Surgical gloves

These gloves are made of latex or nitrile material.

2. Gowns

Gowns help protect health care providers against infectious agents that can land on skin or clothing. They protect HCPs’ clothing and forearms during contact with patients or their immediate environments. They also provide some resistance to water spray.

There are 2 main types of gowns that you may be provided or asked to use during your clinical rotations:

DISPOSABLE REUSABLE
MATERIAL Made of polyproplyene Made of textile/cloth
USAGE Not amenable to reuse as ties and fasteners typically break during removal Can be safely laundered and reused according to routine procedures3
KEY FEATURES

All gowns should:

  • be long-sleeved
  • fasten at the neck and back
  • cover front and back of body, from neck to thigh

3. Masks & Respirators4

There are different types of masks and respirators, and each serves a unique purpose.

There are 3 main types of masks and respirators that you may encounter or be asked to use during your clinical rotations:

medical mask medical mask with visor N95
MEDICAL (PROCEDURE /
SURGICAL MASK)
MEDICAL MASK WITH VISOR N95 RESPIRATOR
PURPOSE
  • Prevent droplets from contaminating the skin and mucous membranes of the nose and mouth of the wearer
  • Protect against the transmission of infectious agents by inhalation of respiratory droplets via the mouth and nose
  • Trap droplets expelled by wearer
Reduces risk of inhaling hazardous airborne particles and aerosols, including infectious agents
USED FOR
  • Exposure to infectious droplets
  • Tasks that involve exposure to blood/body fluids
Protection of face and associated mucous membranes from splashes and sprays of body fluids Used for minimal exposure to infectious droplets or blood and/or body fluids
KEY FEATURES Adhere to professional standards to ensure appropriate protection Adhere to professional standards to ensure appropriate protection Should fit tightly around the nose and mouth of the wearer
Adhere to professional standards to ensure appropriate protection

The B.C. Ministry of Health states the following about Double Masking and Mask Modifications for Medical Masks in Health Care Settings5:

  A Note on Non-Medical Masks:

non-medical mask

Non-medical masks or face coverings are not a substitute for medical masks when required.

If non-medical masks or face coverings are recommended by the Public Health Officer, UBC’s Communicable Disease resources for UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan will reflect current protection advisories for students, faculty, staff and visitors.

4. Eye and Face Protection6

Eye and face protection serve to protect the face and associated mucous membranes from splashes and sprays of body fluids and prevent the risk of self-contamination when touching the face.

References
  1. Government of Canada. Personal protective equipment against COVID-19: Medical gloves. (2020). https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/covid19-industry/medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment/medical-gloves.html.
  2. Government of Canada. Personal protective equipment against COVID-19: Medical gowns. (2020). https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medical-devices/covid19-personal-protective-equipment/gowns.html.
  3. Provincial Support for Using Reusable Gowns for Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Purposes. https://picnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/COVID19_ProvSupportReusableGownsIPAC.pdf.
  4. Government of Canada. Personal protective equipment against COVID-19: Medical masks and respirators. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/covid19-industry/medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment/medical-masks-respirators/overview.html.
  5. B.C. Ministry of Health PICNet Position Statement to Address Double Masking and Mask Modifications for Medical Masks in Health Care Settings. https://picnet.ca/wp-content/uploads/Position-Statement-Double-Masking-Modification-Health-Care-Mar-26-2024_final.pdf.
  6. B.C. Centre for Disease Control – Clinical Resources for Health Professionals: Personal Protective Equipment. http://www.bccdc.ca/health-professionals/clinical-resources/covid-19-care/infection-control/personal-protective-equipment.