What is the correct order for removing personal protective equipment (PPE)?

The correct order for removing personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial to minimizing the risk of contamination and ensuring safety after working in potentially hazardous environments. The appropriate sequence is to first carefully remove the gown and gloves, ensuring that the exterior surfaces do not contact the skin. Following this, performing hand hygiene eliminates any pathogens that may be on the hands, providing an initial layer of protection.

Next, the goggles or face shield are removed. This step is important because it helps prevent any potential splashes that may have contaminated the eyewear from coming into contact with the face. Finally, the mask or respirator is taken off, as this comes into direct contact with the face and respiratory tract. Completing the process, hand hygiene is performed again after removing the mask to ensure all potential contaminants are cleared away.

This order emphasizes both the prevention of self-contamination and the reduction of risk for the environment following the use of PPE.