Personal Protective Equipment

Central Community College

Personal Protective Equipment Policy

Area: Medical Assisting Task/Function: PPE Requirements

Date: January 3, 2000

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required for all faculty, staff,

students, and visitors. PPE policies are for the protection of the individual.

It is critical to your safety that proper PPE is used. Failure to do so is a

serious violation of approved College safety practices.

A. Eye Protection Required:

1. Safety glasses with side shields are required by both instructors and students whenever a possibility of exposure to body fluids exists, i.e. removal of a drain or tubing in which body fluids are accessed.

a. Each student is required to purchase approved safety glasses.

b. Prescription glasses are typically not safety glasses. Prescription safety glasses with side shields or protective eyewear worn over non-safety glasses are required.

2. The college will provide eye wash stations.

B. Hand Protection Required:

1. Each student is required to purchase latex gloves. Students who are sensitive to latex should purchase non-latex gloves.

2. Gloves are used to protect both the student and patient.

a. If any rips or tears occur, wash hands with soap and warm water.

b. A new pair of gloves should be put on.

c. A new pair of gloves should be used for each patient.

d. Wash hands between patients.

3. The outside of the protective gloves should be treated as a contaminated area.

a. Never put hands close to mouth, nose, or eyes while wearing protective gloves.

b. Always remove gloves and wash hands before going from one patient to another, on break, or eating.

C. Foot Protection Required:

1. Each student should purchase a sturdy white shoe designed for long periods of standing.

2. White shoes are a required part of the professional dress code. This will allow for easy visibility of any blood that might splatter on the shoes that would require proper disinfecting.

D. Hearing Protection Required: NA

No type of hearing protection is required as a standard in this program. Instructors will always be aware of any situations that might occur requiring hearing protection.

E. Body and Leg/Arm Protection Required:

1. Each student may be required to purchase a proper facemask as specified by the instructor. A facemask is required to protect the student from patient particles and blood. Affiliated clinical sites will have these available for use.

2. Each student is required to have a hepatitis B vaccination series, at the expense of the student, prior to working with actual patients.

3. Each student is required to purchase and wear a lab coat.

4. Students are required to do the laundering of their lab coat.

F. Respiratory Protection Required: NA

No type of respiratory protection is required as a standard in this program. Instructors will always be aware of any situations that might occur requiring respiratory protection.

General Safety Precautions

1. Do not lean on or against equipment.

2. Avoid horseplay in the lab area at all times.

3. Get first aid immediately for any injury. All accidents will be reported as soon as possible to an instructor. This includes all accidents, no matter how slight the injury.

4. Any exposure to blood or other body fluids should be reported immediately to an instructor.

5. Proper procedures and safety precautions are always required to prevent a laceration from an instrument or other “sharps” object.

6. Do not use any equipment unless properly trained and have been authorized by an instructor.

7. Have a thorough understanding of the potential hazards and proper procedures to prevent exposure to

blood or other body fluids.

8. Treat all fluids from a patient as contaminated waste.

9. Be familiar with the terms “Universal Precautions” and “Body Substance Isolation” and consistently

practice.

Clothing and Personal Protective Equipment

1. A lab coat is required to be worn.

2. A facemask and safety glasses are required to protect the student from patient particles and blood.

3. Comfortable shoes should be worn.

4. White shoes are required. This allows for easy visibility of any blood that might splatter on the shoes.

5. Latex gloves should be worn when working with a patient. New gloves should be used for each

patient.

Housekeeping

1. Aisles should be kept clear at all times to avoid tripping or other hazards.

2. Adequate and convenient storage facilities for supplies and equipment are essential, since neatness invites safety and helps keep the items available and in good condition.

3. Working on wet surfaces can cause a severe slipping hazard. When walking on wet surfaces, walk slower and take smaller steps. All spills or wet areas should be cleaned promptly to avoid slipping.

2. First aid kits should be adequately stocked and conveniently located throughout campus.

3. The phone number of the first aid responders and the ambulance service should be kept by the telephone and on the inside of each first aid kit’s cover in case of emergencies.