Visors and goggles (eye protection), headwear and footwear

Visors and goggles (eye protection), headwear
and footwear
CHOOSING Goggles should protect you against splashes to your eyes. They should wrap
around the eye area to ensure side areas are protected.
Visors may be worn instead of a mask and goggle combination when there is a high risk
of splattering or spray of blood or other body fluids.
USING
• Visors/goggles should be worn to protect the eyes whenever there is a risk of splashing
to the face. They should be removed when no longer required.
• Visors/goggles should be worn during aerosol generating procedures (intubation, oro/
nasopharyngeal suctioning, tracheostomy care, chest physiotherapy, bronchoscopy/
cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
• Visors/goggles should be worn by all theatre staff directly participating in an invasive
procedure where there is a risk of splashing to the face.
• Torn or otherwise damaged face protection should not be used and should be removed
immediately (safety permitting) if this occurs during a procedure.
REMOVI N G Remove goggles/visors promptly after use, avoiding contact with most likely
contaminated areas, e.g. the front surface. This should be done by handling the straps/ear
loops/goggle legs only (manufacturers’ instructions should be followed).
HEADWARE Theatre hats should be worn in theatres, sterile services departments and
clean rooms. They should cover the hair entirely and should be changed between sessions
or if contaminated with blood or body fluids.
FOOTWARE Footwear should be clean and well maintained. It should support and
cover the whole foot to protect from dropped sharps and blood/body fluid spillages.
Footwear dedicated to a specific clinical area, such as theatre, should be removed before
leaving that area.
Summary of when to use PPE
The guidance contained within Table 1 is not exhaustive; it offers examples of common care
activities where blood/other body fluid exposure may occur and protection must be worn.
As standard, a risk assessment must be undertaken to consider the risks of blood/other
body fluid exposure prior to activities. For further information refer to your local infection
control team/policy.
Table 1 Summary of when to use PPE
Activity
Aprons/gowns
(depending on
significant splashing/
exposure)
Face, eye, mouth
protection
(surgical masks,
goggles) Gloves
Contact with intact skin – no
visible blood/ body fluids, rashes
Not required Not required Not required
Sterile procedures Required Risk assessment Required
Contact with wounds, skin lesions Required Risk assessment Required
Managing spillages of urine and
faeces
Required Risk assessment Required
Potential exposure to blood/other
body fluids, e.g. performing
suctioning, cleaning up spillages,
taking specimens
Required Risk assessment Required
Venepuncture/cannulation Required Not required Required
Vaginal examination Required Not required Required
Applying topical creams, etc. Not required Not required Required
Touching patients with unknown
skin rash
Risk assessment Not required Required
Emptyichanging urinary catheter
bags, urinals, bedpans, etc.
Required Risk assessment Required
Handling specimens Required Not required Required
Handling used instruments Required Not required Required
Using disinfectants, cleaning
agents
Required Risk assessment Required
General cleaning of clinical
areas and equipment
Risk assessment Not required Risk
assessment
Bed making, dressing patients Risk assessment Not required Risk
assessment
Oral care Risk assessment Risk assessment Required
Feeding patient Required Not required Risk
assessment
Handling waste Risk assessment Risk assessment Required