{{org_field_logo}}

{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

---

Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} provides a safe, hygienic, and compliant working environment for all staff and the people we support through the appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE is a crucial component of infection prevention and control, helping to protect individuals from the transmission of infectious agents. This policy aligns with the Health and Social Care Standards, National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM), and Care Inspectorate Scotland regulations.

{{org_field_name}} is committed to:

• Protecting the health and safety of people we support, staff, and visitors.
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and best practices related to infection prevention.
• Providing adequate training and guidance on the correct selection, use, and disposal of PPE.
• Ensuring PPE is readily available, properly stored, and regularly restocked.
• Monitoring adherence to PPE protocols and addressing any non-compliance.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all individuals within {{org_field_name}}, including:

• Care staff who provide direct support to individuals in their homes.
• Office-based staff who may handle infectious materials or interact with care workers.
• Management and supervisors responsible for implementing and overseeing PPE usage.
• Visitors, contractors, and external professionals entering service users’ homes who must adhere to PPE requirements.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy ensures compliance with:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – duty of care for all employees and service users.
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 – managing exposure to biological hazards.
• Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 – ensuring appropriate PPE is provided and used effectively.
• Scottish Government and NHS Scotland Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Guidance.
• Care Inspectorate Scotland regulations for home care providers.

4. PPE Provision and Management

PPE Provided by {{org_field_name}}

To ensure the safety of staff and people we support, the following PPE is made available as required:

• Disposable gloves – used for personal care, cleaning, and handling bodily fluids.
• Disposable aprons – worn during tasks where clothing contamination is possible.
• Face masks – Type IIR fluid-resistant surgical masks provided for infection control.
• Eye protection (goggles or visors) – used when there is a risk of splashing from bodily fluids.
• Hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes – for supplementary hand hygiene and surface disinfection.
• Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) – such as FFP3 masks for high-risk scenarios involving aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs).

Storage and Accessibility

• PPE must be stored in designated clean areas, away from contamination sources.
• Staff must have immediate access to PPE at all times when providing care.
• Emergency PPE supplies will be kept for unforeseen shortages or infection outbreaks.
• PPE must be checked daily for availability, cleanliness, and expiration.
• PPE can be collected by staff from our office

PPE Supply Chain and Monitoring

• A PPE inventory log will be maintained to track stock levels.
• Regular audits will be conducted to prevent shortages or expired stock.
• Expired or damaged PPE must be disposed of appropriately and replaced immediately.
• PPE orders will be placed in advance to avoid supply disruptions.
• The Registered manager is responsible for ordering PPE

5. Correct Use of PPE

When to Wear PPE

PPE must be worn in situations that pose a risk of exposure to infection. Specific PPE use includes:

• Gloves: Required when providing personal care, handling waste, or performing cleaning tasks.
• Aprons: Worn when performing tasks that may result in contamination of clothing.
• Face Masks: Used in close contact care situations and during infectious disease outbreaks.
• Eye Protection: Necessary when splashes of bodily fluids are anticipated.
• FFP3 Masks and Respiratory Protection: Worn when dealing with airborne infections or performing AGPs.

How to Put On PPE Correctly

1. Perform hand hygiene by washing hands or using sanitiser.
2. Put on apron, ensuring full body coverage.
3. Secure face mask over the nose and mouth.
4. Put on eye protection (if required).
5. Wear gloves, ensuring they fully cover the wrists.

How to Remove PPE Safely

1. Remove gloves first, avoiding contact with contaminated surfaces.
2. Remove apron by rolling it inward to trap contaminants.
3. Remove eye protection, handling only the headband or arms.
4. Remove face mask, avoiding contact with the front surface.
5. Perform hand hygiene immediately after PPE removal.

6. Training and Competency in PPE Use

{{org_field_name}} ensures that all staff:

• Receive comprehensive PPE training during induction and annual Infection Control courses.
• Are competency assessed on PPE donning and doffing techniques.
• Stay informed about updated infection prevention guidance from regulatory bodies.
• Have access to supervision and support to address PPE-related concerns.

7. Infection Prevention and Control Measures

To reinforce PPE usage, staff must also adhere to additional infection prevention and control measures, including:

• Strict hand hygiene practices before and after PPE use.
• Regular cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces.
• Ensuring proper ventilation when providing care in enclosed spaces.
• Reporting PPE breaches or contamination incidents immediately.

8. Safe Disposal of PPE

• Used PPE must be disposed of in designated clinical waste bags.
• Waste must be handled in accordance with local authority disposal regulations.
• Reusable PPE (e.g., goggles) must be disinfected after each use following manufacturer guidelines.

9. Risk Management and Contingency Planning

• PPE risk assessments will be conducted periodically to identify and address potential risks.
• Emergency PPE reserves will be available for pandemic responses or supply chain disruptions.
• Staff must report PPE shortages or inadequacies to management immediately.
• Non-compliance with PPE policies will be addressed through corrective actions and retraining.

10. Compliance and Monitoring

{{org_field_name}} maintains strict oversight of PPE usage by:

• Conducting regular inspections and spot checks.
• Reviewing incident reports related to PPE breaches.
• Addressing staff concerns and feedback on PPE effectiveness.
• Collaborating with Care Inspectorate inspectors to maintain compliance with best practices.

11. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

• Infection Prevention and Control Policy.
• Health and Safety Policy.
• Staff Training and Development Policy.
• Risk Assessment and Management Policy.

12. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if required by changes in legislation, best practice guidelines, or operational requirements.

---

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}}{{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.