
The sequence for removing PPE is crucial because it helps prevent the spread of pathogens and contaminants.
Removing PPE in the wrong order can lead to cross-contamination, which is a major concern in healthcare and other high-risk environments.
For example, if you remove your gloves first and then your gown, you can transfer bacteria from your gloves to your skin, making you more susceptible to infection.
The correct sequence helps minimize this risk by removing outer layers first, such as gowns and aprons, and then inner layers like gloves and masks.
If this caught your attention, see: Why Is Personal Protective Equipment Important
Importance of PPE Removal Sequence
The sequence for removing PPE is crucial to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Improper removal can lead to health care workers becoming infected, as seen in the case of 15 health care workers in Toronto who contracted SARS despite wearing protective gear.
Removing gloves first is a key step in the correct sequence. This is because gloves are generally the most contaminated part of the isolation garb, according to Linda Chiarello, RN, MS, of CDC's Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Why Are Electronic Health Records Important

The gloves should be discarded after removal, and hand hygiene should be performed immediately after removing all PPE. This helps prevent the spread of disease and keeps health care workers safe.
Here is the correct sequence for removing PPE:
- Gloves
- Goggles/Face shield
- Gown/Suit
- Mask/Respirator
Remember, sequence is important, and following the correct steps can make all the difference in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
Why It Matters
It's crucial to follow the proper PPE removal sequence to avoid becoming infected with diseases like SARS. In 2003, about 15 health care workers in Toronto became infected with SARS despite wearing protective gear.
Improper use of PPE can lead to infections, so it's essential to follow the correct steps. The CDC guide emphasizes the need for good work practices while wearing PPE.
Health care workers need to remove their gloves first and discard them, as they are the most contaminated part of the isolation garb. Gloves should be removed before any other PPE to prevent the spread of infection.
For more insights, see: Most Important Metrics Builders Need to Keep Track of

Removing the goggles next is important, as they can also be contaminated. Handling goggles by touching the earpieces or headband is recommended.
The gown should be untied and handled from the inside to prevent touching contaminated surfaces. This step is crucial in preventing the spread of infection.
Performing hand hygiene immediately after removing all PPE is essential to prevent the spread of infection. This step should not be skipped under any circumstances.
Consequences of Incorrect Sequence
Removing your PPE in the correct sequence is crucial to prevent cross-contamination and maintain the effectiveness of your gear. Not doing so can lead to serious consequences.
If you touch the outside of your PPE with bare hands while removing it, you'll defeat the purpose of your PPE. This is a common mistake that can have serious consequences.
To avoid this, it's essential to remove your PPE in the correct order. The correct sequence is: gloves, goggles/face shield, gown/suit, and mask/respirator.
Here's a quick reminder of the correct sequence:
- Gloves
- Goggles/Face shield
- Gown/Suit
- Mask/Respirator
Not all types of PPE work both ways, so be sure to use the process that's most effective for your level of PPE.
Proper Doffing Procedures

Proper doffing procedures are critical for minimizing the risk of accidental cross-contamination. Taking off PPE should be a careful and deliberate process.
To establish proper doffing procedures, find a safe place to remove PPE, such as inside the patient's room. This is especially important for gloves and gowns, which should be doffed before exiting the room.
A safe place to remove PPE can be anywhere, but it's crucial to avoid touching any contaminated surfaces while wearing the PPE. Performing hand hygiene throughout the process, especially after removing gloves, is vital.
Here are the steps for doffing PPE:
- Carefully remove gloves, avoiding contact between the outside of the gloves and your un-gloved hands.
- Sanitize hands for 20 seconds.
- Remove gown or suit, starting at the shoulders and rolling it down over your arms and away from the body.
- Re-sanitize hands before exiting the patient's room or immediately after.
- Remove face shield, goggles or other eye protection, and place them in a designated container for reprocessing or an appropriate waste receptacle.
- Remove face mask or respirator, avoiding contact with the external front surface.
- Discard face mask or respirator in an appropriate waste receptacle.
- Re-sanitize hands after doffing the last PPE.
Hand Washing
Hand washing is a crucial step in the doffing process. It's essential to wash your hands thoroughly to remove any accidental traces of hazardous materials.
You should wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds after doffing your PPE. This is a critical step to prevent cross-contamination.
Sanitizing your hands is a vital part of the doffing process. You'll need to perform hand hygiene throughout the process, especially after removing gloves.
A different take: Why Is Hands on Learning Important

Here's a quick reminder of the hand washing steps:
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Use warm water and soap for 20 seconds.
- Rinse your hands thoroughly.
- Re-sanitize your hands before exiting the patient's room or immediately after.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that you're removing your PPE safely and effectively. Remember, hand washing is a crucial part of the doffing process.
Proper Doffing Procedures
Proper doffing procedures are crucial for preventing cross-contamination in healthcare facilities and companies handling potential contaminants. To minimize the risk of accidental cross-contamination, workers should take precautions with every point of contact they make.
Find a safe place to remove PPE, ideally while still inside the patient's room, to avoid exposing others to potential contaminants. Healthcare providers should remove gloves and gowns before exiting the room.
Carefully remove gloves by avoiding contact between the outside of the gloves and your un-gloved hands. Sanitize your hands for 20 seconds after removing gloves.
The doffing process involves several steps, including removing the gown or suit, face shield, goggles, face mask, and respirator. Each item should be handled carefully to prevent cross-contamination.
Check this out: Why Is Healthcare Marketing Important
Here's a step-by-step guide to doffing PPE:
1. Remove gloves, sanitizing your hands for 20 seconds.
2. Remove gown or suit, folding or rolling it into a bundle while holding it by the non-contaminated inner surface.
3. Remove face shield, goggles, or other eye protection, placing them in a designated container for reprocessing or an appropriate waste receptacle.
4. Remove face mask or respirator, avoiding contact with the external front surface.
5. Discard face mask or respirator in an appropriate waste receptacle.
6. Re-sanitize your hands for 20 seconds after doffing the last PPE.
Remember, proper hand hygiene is essential throughout the doffing process, especially after removing gloves.
Explore further: Dropbox Remove
PPE Removal Steps
The sequence for removing PPE is crucial to maintain its effectiveness. Not all types of PPE work both ways, so you need to use the process that's most effective for your level of PPE.
To remove your PPE step-by-step, take each piece off in a specific order. Here's the correct order: gloves, goggles/face shield, gown/suit, and mask/respirator.
It's essential to never touch the outside of your PPE with bare hands while removing it, as this will defeat its purpose.
A different take: The Most Important Aspect S of a Company's Business Strategy
Conclusions

Removing personal protective equipment (PPE) in a specific sequence is crucial to prevent the spread of contaminants.
The sequence is important because it helps to prevent skin contact with contaminated clothing and equipment. This is especially true for workers in industries where skin exposure can lead to serious health consequences, such as in the manufacturing of chemicals or handling of hazardous materials.
The correct sequence for removing PPE is gloves, then gowns or coveralls, followed by head and face protection, and finally, eye protection. This sequence is designed to prevent cross-contamination and minimize the risk of exposure.
For example, if a worker removes their gloves first, they risk touching their face or eyes with contaminated hands, which can lead to infection or other health issues.
A unique perspective: Why Is Data Protection Important
Sources
- https://www.tgh.org/news/tgh-health-news/2020/may/donning-and-doffing-of-personal-protective-equipment-ppe
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7157959/
- https://www.buygasmonitors.com/blog/5-best-practices-for-putting-on-and-removing-ppe/
- https://sunlinesupply.com/blog/donning-and-doffing-ppe/
- https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/6096-cdc-guide-to-ppe-remove-gloves-first
Featured Images: pexels.com