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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Policy

{{org_field_name}}

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide clear and comprehensive guidance to all staff of {{org_field_name}} on the correct, safe, and effective use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while delivering care and support within client organisations. PPE is essential to protect staff, service users, and others from the risk of infection, contamination, and exposure to hazardous substances or bodily fluids during care activities. This policy aims to ensure that all staff understand when and how to use PPE in line with the latest legislation, national guidelines, and best practice. It supports the duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2022, The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, and the CQC Fundamental Standards.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All registered nurses, healthcare assistants (HCAs), senior carers, and temporary workers employed or engaged by {{org_field_name}} under zero-hours or flexible contracts
• Directors, administrative staff, and support staff involved in staff placement, supervision, and compliance monitoring
• All agency workers undertaking temporary placements in client organisations, including care homes, nursing homes, and other health and social care settings

3. Related Policies

• Infection Prevention and Control Policy
• Health and Safety Policy
• Incident and Accident Reporting Policy
• Safeguarding Adults and Children Policy
• Communication and Record-Keeping Policy
• Code of Conduct
• Training and Development Policy

4. Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} is committed to ensuring that all staff follow safe, effective, and lawful practices regarding the use of PPE to prevent the spread of infections and protect themselves and others from harm. All agency staff must:

• Use PPE correctly and consistently according to the care task, level of risk, and local policy
• Recognise that PPE is one element of standard infection prevention and control measures
• Comply with client-specific policies and risk assessments relating to PPE use
• Report concerns about the availability, suitability, or safe use of PPE immediately
  The correct use of PPE is essential to prevent harm, promote public confidence, and meet regulatory requirements.

5. Responsibilities

Director
The Director will:

• Ensure that this policy is implemented, monitored, and reviewed at least annually
• Ensure that all staff are provided with PPE training during induction and through regular refresher sessions
• Maintain systems for monitoring the use of PPE through audits and incident reports
• Promote a culture of safety and infection prevention throughout the organisation
• Investigate concerns, incidents, or breaches relating to PPE and take appropriate action
• Ensure that agency staff understand their responsibility to follow the PPE policy of both {{org_field_name}} and the client organisation

All Agency Staff
All agency staff are responsible for:

• Using PPE as directed by this policy, client procedures, and risk assessments
• Understanding the appropriate type and use of PPE for different tasks
• Ensuring that PPE is correctly fitted, worn, removed, and disposed of
• Reporting defective or insufficient PPE immediately to the client and to {{org_field_name}}
• Adhering to infection prevention and control practices alongside PPE use
• Engaging in relevant training and supervision sessions relating to PPE

6. Types of PPE Commonly Used

Staff are expected to be familiar with and competent in the use of the following types of PPE:

• Disposable gloves
• Disposable plastic aprons
• Fluid-resistant surgical masks
• Filtering facepiece respirators (e.g., FFP2/FFP3) where required by risk assessment
• Eye protection (goggles or face shields)
• Disposable gowns
• Shoe covers (when specifically indicated by client protocols)
  All PPE must be fit for purpose, CE marked, and comply with current legislation.

7. When PPE Must Be Used

PPE must be worn when:

• There is a risk of exposure to blood, bodily fluids, secretions, excretions, or contaminated items
• Delivering personal care or undertaking clinical procedures
• Handling clinical waste or laundry
• Managing suspected or confirmed infections (e.g., COVID-19, norovirus, MRSA, C. difficile)
• Directed by client-specific risk assessments or infection control policies
  Staff must follow the client organisation’s specific protocols regarding outbreak management, cohorting, and escalation of PPE use during infectious episodes.

8. Principles of PPE Use

All staff must follow these principles:

• Choose PPE appropriate for the task and risk assessment
• Perform hand hygiene before and after PPE use
• Ensure PPE fits correctly and is comfortable
• Change PPE between each task and between each service user
• Never reuse single-use PPE
• Dispose of PPE safely following client waste disposal protocols
• Remove PPE safely to prevent self-contamination, following the recommended sequence

9. Donning and Doffing PPE

Donning

• Perform hand hygiene
• Put on apron
• Put on mask or respirator
• Put on eye protection (if required)
• Put on gloves

Doffing

• Remove gloves safely
• Remove apron by breaking the neck and waist ties
• Remove eye protection
• Remove mask or respirator last
• Perform hand hygiene immediately after removing each item where appropriate and at the end of the doffing process

All staff must be trained and competent in donning and doffing procedures to reduce cross-contamination risks.

10. Fit Testing

Where the use of respirators (FFP2/FFP3) is required, staff must not use these unless they have undergone appropriate fit testing to ensure the effectiveness of the mask. {{org_field_name}} will ensure that any staff expected to use such PPE receive appropriate training and assessment either directly or through client organisations.

11. PPE Supply and Availability

{{org_field_name}} expects client organisations to provide the necessary PPE required for tasks within their premises. Agency staff must:

• Check that suitable PPE is available at the start of each shift
• Report immediately to the senior person on duty if PPE is not available, defective, or inappropriate
• Contact {{org_field_name}} if PPE shortages or quality issues are not resolved locally
• Not deliver care without appropriate PPE when required

The Director will escalate unresolved PPE concerns to the client organisation’s management and ensure that staff are not placed at risk.

12. Training

All staff must receive:

• PPE and infection control training during induction
• Annual refresher training
• Additional training following incidents, audits, or changes in national guidance
  Training will include:
• Types and purposes of PPE
• Correct use, donning, and doffing
• Disposal of PPE
• Hand hygiene
• Client-specific procedures

13. Record Keeping

{{org_field_name}} will maintain records of:

• Staff attendance at PPE training
• Incident reports involving PPE
• Supervision and appraisal discussions addressing PPE use
• Communication and escalation of PPE concerns
  Records will be kept securely and used to monitor and improve PPE compliance.

14. Audit and Monitoring

The Director will:

• Conduct audits of incident reports and staff feedback related to PPE
• Review training compliance rates
• Analyse audit data to identify patterns or areas for improvement
• Implement corrective actions and share learning with all staff
• Liaise with client organisations to share findings where appropriate

15. Incident Reporting

All PPE-related incidents must be reported to:

• The client organisation, following their procedures
• {{org_field_name}} via the Incident and Accident Reporting Policy
  Incidents include but are not limited to:
• PPE shortages
• Incorrect use of PPE
• Cross-contamination concerns
• PPE-related injuries (e.g., allergic reactions, skin damage)

16. Supporting Staff

Staff involved in PPE-related incidents or experiencing challenges must:

• Be supported by the Director through supervision and training
• Be offered additional learning opportunities if required
• Be involved in reflective practice discussions to learn from incidents
• Be protected from blame if raising concerns about PPE or infection control

17. Compliance with Client Procedures

While on assignment, agency staff must adhere to the client’s infection control and PPE policies. Where there is any uncertainty or discrepancy, staff should:

• Seek clarification from the client’s infection control lead
• Contact {{org_field_name}} for further guidance
• Prioritise safety and report any concerns promptly

18. Director’s Oversight

The Director will:

• Lead on policy implementation, monitoring, and review
• Ensure compliance with national guidelines and legislative requirements
• Ensure effective communication of PPE requirements to all staff
• Support staff in understanding and applying safe PPE practices
• Take necessary actions to resolve concerns and improve practice

19. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Director or earlier if required due to legislative changes, emerging risks, or incident trends.

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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.