What Is The PPE Order Of Donning?

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Understanding the Donning Order of PPE

The PPE order of donning is the specific sequence for putting on protective gear like gowns, masks, goggles, and gloves. This process ensures you’re fully shielded from workplace risks, such as infectious diseases or hazardous materials. Following the correct order prevents gaps in protection and keeps you, your colleagues, and others safe.
This guide is designed for:
  • Nurses and doctors are working with patients.
  • Construction workers handling dust or chemicals.
  • Lab technicians dealing with biohazards.
  • Emergency responders need fast, reliable protection.

Step-by-Step Donning Order of PPE

Below, we break down each step with detailed instructions, reasons for its importance, and practical tips to ensure you follow the PPE order of donning correctly every time. Practice these steps to stay safe, compliant, and confident in any high-risk setting.

01

Clean Your Hands Thoroughly

Start by washing your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, covering all surfaces, including between fingers, under nails, and up to your wrists. If soap isn’t available, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, applying enough to cover your hands and rubbing until dry (about 20 seconds). Ensure your hands are completely dry before proceeding, as moisture can reduce glove effectiveness or cause irritation.
correct doffing PPE order
PPE order of donning

02

Slip on a Protective Gown

Select a clean, undamaged gown that fits your body comfortably without being too tight or loose. Slide your arms into the sleeves, then fasten the ties or snaps at the neck and waist securely. Ensure the gown covers your torso, arms, and legs (depending on the gown type) without gaps. If the gown has thumb loops, use them to keep the sleeves in place.

03

Secure a Mask or Respirator

Choose a mask or respirator appropriate for your task (e.g., surgical mask for droplet protection, N95 respirator for airborne particles). Place it over your nose and mouth, ensuring full coverage from the bridge of your nose to under your chin. Secure it with ties, loops, or straps, adjusting for a snug fit. For respirators, perform a fit check: cover the respirator with your hands, inhale to check for leaks, and exhale to ensure no air escapes around the edges.
PPE order of donning
PPE order of donning

04

Add Eye Protection

Select clean goggles or a face shield that fits comfortably over your eyes (and glasses, if applicable). Position the eye protection to cover your eyes fully, adjusting straps or frames for a secure fit. Ensure the goggles or shield sit close to your face without pinching or slipping during movement.

05

Pull on Gloves

Choose clean, properly sized gloves (e.g., nitrile, latex, or vinyl) that match your task’s requirements. Slide gloves over your hands, pulling them up to overlap the gown cuffs by at least an inch. Ensure no skin is exposed between the gloves and gown. Flex your hands to confirm the gloves fit snugly without restricting movement.
PPE order of donning

Common Errors in the PPE Donning and How to Fix Them

Mistakes in the PPE donning can weaken your protection against hazards like germs, chemicals, or debris, putting you and others at risk. Even experienced professionals can make errors when rushed or distracted. Below, we outline five frequent mistakes in the PPE order of donning, explain why they happen, and provide practical solutions to ensure you follow the correct sequence every time.

Skipping Hand Hygiene and Contaminating Gloves

  • Always perform hand hygiene with soap and water for 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Make hand hygiene stations easily accessible at donning areas
  • Use visual reminders and checklists to reinforce this step
  • Train staff that gloves have microscopic holes, making clean hands essential

Fastening Gown Loosely and Leaving Gaps at the Back

  • Ensure gowns fully wrap around the back and are properly secured at neck and waist

  • Provide gowns in multiple sizes to achieve proper fit

  • Train workers to have a colleague check the back closure for gaps

  • Consider gowns with better-fitting designs around the neck and wrists

Wearing the Mask Upside Down or Under the Chin

  • Provide clear visual instructions showing correct mask orientation

  • Train workers to identify the top of the mask (usually has a metal nose bridge)

  • Ensure masks fit snugly from nose to below the chin

  • Perform user seal checks to verify proper fit

Using Regular Eyeglasses Instead of Proper Goggles

  • Educate workers that regular glasses have gaps along the sides

  • Provide proper safety goggles or face shields that cover the entire eye area

  • Ensure eye protection is cleaned and disinfected after each use

  • Consider prescription safety glasses as an alternative for workers who need vision correction

Pulling Gloves on Too Late or Too Early, Leaving Wrists Exposed

  • Always put gloves on last in the donning sequence

  • Ensure gloves extend over the gown cuff to eliminate gaps

  • Provide gloves in appropriate sizes to ensure proper wrist coverage

  • Train workers to check for skin exposure between the gloves and the gown

Failing to Properly Inspect PPE Seal and Fit

  • Mandate seal checks for all respirators every time they’re donned

  • Train workers to perform positive and negative pressure seal checks

  • Inspect all PPE items for damage, tears, or defects before use

  • Provide properly sized PPE and conduct regular fit testing for respirators

Frequently Asked Questions About Donning PPE

Got questions about the PPE order of donning? Below, we answer five common queries to help you understand and apply this critical safety process. Whether you’re a healthcare worker, construction professional, lab technician, or first responder, these answers provide clear, practical guidance to ensure you wear PPE correctly and stay safe. Use our free resources to master the PPE order of donning and boost your confidence in any high-risk workplace.

How long should the donning PPE take to complete?

The PPE order of donning typically takes 1-2 minutes with practice. Hand hygiene requires 20-30 seconds, while putting on a gown, mask, goggles, and gloves each takes about 15-30 seconds. Rushing can lead to mistakes, so focus on accuracy. With regular training, you can don PPE quickly without compromising safety. In emergencies, like for paramedics, practicing the PPE order of donning builds speed. Use a clean, organized area to streamline the process and ensure all gear is ready before starting.

What should I do if I make a mistake during the donning order of PPE?

If you make a mistake in the PPE order of donning, stop and correct it immediately to avoid exposure. For example, if you put on gloves before the gown, remove the gloves, wash your hands, and restart the sequence. In high-risk settings like hospitals, ask a colleague to check your PPE. Mistakes happen, but fixing them promptly ensures safety. Practice the PPE order of donning regularly to reduce errors, and keep our downloadable guide nearby for quick reference in case of uncertainty.

How can I train my team to follow the sequence for donning ppe correctly?

To train your team on the PPE order of donning, use hands-on practice sessions with our free checklist and video tutorial. Schedule regular drills to build familiarity, especially for new hires. Set up a clean training area with all PPE items and guide your team through each step: hand hygiene, gown, mask, goggles, gloves. Encourage questions and use our quiz to test knowledge. Involve supervisors to reinforce compliance with workplace rules, ensuring everyone masters the PPE order of donning for safety and confidence.

Can I modify the PPE order of donning for specific tasks?

The PPE order of donning (hand hygiene, gown, mask, goggles, gloves) should generally stay the same to ensure full protection. However, specific tasks may require extra gear, like hard hats in construction. Add these items after the core sequence, ensuring they don’t disrupt the protective barrier. Always follow workplace guidelines for task-specific PPE. Consult your supervisor to adapt the PPE order of donning safely, and use our checklist to maintain the correct sequence while incorporating additional equipment.

What should I do if PPE is unavailable during the donning PPE?

If a piece of PPE is unavailable during the PPE order of donning, do not proceed without full protection. For example, if goggles are missing, consult your supervisor for alternatives, like a face shield, or delay the task until proper gear is available. Using incomplete PPE risks exposure to hazards like germs or chemicals. Check your workplace’s PPE inventory regularly to avoid shortages. Our free checklist can help you plan the PPE order of donning and identify required items in advance, ensuring safety and compliance.

How can I remember the proper PPE order of donning?

To remember the PPE order of donning (hand hygiene, gown, mask, goggles, gloves), use a mnemonic like “Hands, Gown, Mask, Eyes, Gloves” (H-G-M-E-G). Practice the sequence in a calm setting to build familiarity. Visualize each step as building a protective shield, starting with clean hands and ending with sealed gloves. Write the steps on a small card to carry during shifts, or use our free checklist as a reminder. Regular practice and our video tutorial help make the PPE order of donning stick, ensuring safety in any workplace.
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