Gloves will be necessary in some circumstances but should be worn only when required (Loveday et al. [73], RCN [104], WHO [125]). Non‐sterile disposable gloves are most usefully available packaged in boxes of 100 ambidextrous gloves, in small, medium and large sizes. These boxes should be located close to the point of use, ideally in a fixed dispenser to make removing the gloves from the box as easy as possible. In the past, natural rubber latex was commonly used for these gloves but concerns about latex sensitivity mean that many healthcare organizations have adopted gloves made of alternative materials such as vinyl or nitrile (RCN [104]). All gloves carry a risk of failure, as they may have small holes invisible to the naked eye (Kerr et al. [69], Korniewicz et al. [70]). The removal process may also contaminate the hands so it is essential that hands are decontaminated after the removal of gloves. Whatever the material, these gloves are single use – they should be used for the task for which they are required and then removed and disposed of. They cannot be cleaned and reused for another task (Loveday et al. [73], MHRA [77]).

Single‐use disposable aprons may be obtained either in a box or linked together on a roll. It is important is to ensure that the product is compatible with the dispensers in use and that it meets the requisite standards (i.e. is CE marked). Aprons are normally made of thin polythene and are available in a range of colours. Different coloured aprons can be used to designate staff doing different tasks or working in different areas to give a visible reminder of the risk of cross‐infection. As with disposable gloves, disposable aprons should be used for the task for which they are required and then removed and disposed of (Loveday et al. [73], MHRA [77]).

Non‐sterile long‐sleeved gowns are sometimes required to provide greater coverage of uniforms or clothing, for example when caring for a patient with a highly resistant pathogen. The gown should be put on and done up fully to cover the uniform. Like aprons, they should be used for the task for which they are required and then removed carefully and disposed of, with hands decontaminated afterwards.

Single‐use sterile gloves should be available in any area where their use is anticipated. Sterile gloves are packed as a left‐and‐right pair and are manufactured in a wide range of full and half sizes (similar to shoe sizes) so as to fit closely and provide the best possible compromise between acting as a barrier and allowing the wearer to work normally. Natural rubber latex is one of the best materials for this; however, if latex gloves are used, care must be taken to ensure alternatives are available for patients and staff with sensitivity to latex (RCN [104]).

A sterile, water‐repellent gown is required in addition to sterile gloves to provide ‘maximal barrier precautions’ during surgery and other invasive procedures carrying a high risk of infection, or where infection would have serious consequences to the patient, such as insertion of a central venous catheter.

Face protection includes protection for the eyes and/or the mouth and nose and will be required in any situation where the mucous membranes of the face may be exposed to body fluids. This can be from droplets created during aerosol‐generating procedures, intubation, surgery with power tools or just close proximity (such as during childbirth). Both single‐use and multiple‐use options are available. Goggles are normally sufficient for eye protection as long as they are worn in conjunction with a fluid‐repellent mask. If greater protection is required, or a mask is not worn for any reason, a face‐shield should be used. Face‐shields may also be more appropriate for people who wear glasses. Prescription glasses will often not provide sufficient protection and should not be relied upon (DH [19]).

When dealing with organisms spread by the airborne or droplet routes, a surgical face‐mask or respirator mask will be required. A simple surgical mask will protect the wearer from splashes to the covered area of the face and may impede large droplets. These masks should not be worn for long periods as they can become saturated with water vapour from normal breathing, which will make them permeable.

A respirator mask is a mask that is designed to filter out all but the smallest particles and is usually used to prevent the transmission of respiratory viruses. Masks are available at different grades. Usually the standard FFP3 is accepted in the UK. When using a respirator, a good fit is essential to ensure that there is no leakage around the sides of the mask. Staff who are likely to need to use respirators should be ‘fit tested’ to ensure that they have the correct size. Fit testing is a formal qualitative test usually performed annually to establish that a particular mask fits a particular face. Fit testing is normally carried out by the occupational health department or infection prevention and control team. Facial hair under the edge of the respirator will prevent a proper seal; staff with beards that prevent a proper seal will not be able to work safely if a respirator is required (HSE [61]).

Masks and respirators are usually single use; however, reusable respirators are sometimes required where the mask may need to be worn for a long time or for people whose face shape does not allow a good seal with disposable products (DH [23]). Reusable respirators must be assigned to specific individuals and be cleaned thoroughly every time they are removed.

PPE should be removed in the following sequence to minimize the risks of cross‐contamination and self‐contamination (Loveday et al. [73]):

Hands must be decontaminated following the removal of PPE.