Which item is donned first in the proper PPE sequence?

Which item is donned first in the proper PPE sequence?

• A. Gown
• B. Gloves
• C. Mask
• D. Goggles

Answer: (A)

The gown should be worn first because you need a barrier on your skin and clothing before handling any other PPE. Putting on the gown first protects you from exposed skin and provides a clean surface for the rest of the equipment to go over, reducing the chance that contaminated sleeves or garments touch your face or other gear. After the gown, you would don the mask to protect the airways, then eye protection to shield the eyes, and finally gloves, which are worn last to keep your hands protected as you complete the rest of the sequence. If you try to place the mask or goggles first, they’re more easily contaminated when you adjust or pull on the gown.

The gown should be worn first because you need a barrier on your skin and clothing before handling any other PPE. Putting on the gown first protects you from exposed skin and provides a clean surface for the rest of the equipment to go over, reducing the chance that contaminated sleeves or garments touch your face or other gear. After the gown, you would don the mask to protect the airways, then eye protection to shield the eyes, and finally gloves, which are worn last to keep your hands protected as you complete the rest of the sequence. If you try to place the mask or goggles first, they’re more easily contaminated when you adjust or pull on the gown.