PPE Selection Guidelines

The following table is designed to help you select the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for typical work tasks that may involve a risk of exposure to blood or OPIM. However, these guidelines are general recommendations since PPE requirements can vary depending on the job task or exposure situation.

Made Available by Department and Used by Employees
M = Mandatory, A = As Appropriate
Typical Task Hand Washing Gloves Gown Safety Eyewear* Face Mask** Face Shield*** Shoe Covers
Handling blood/OPIM-soiled equipment, dressings, and bandages M M A A A A A
Treating medical emergencies M M A M A A A
Drawing blood for laboratory tests M M A A A A A

Use of sharps

M M A A A A A

Routine dressing changes

M M A A A A A

Cleaning-up spills of blood/OPIM

M M A M A A A

Giving injections

M A A A A A A

* Safety eyewear should include either chemical splash goggles or ANSI-approved safety glasses with solid side shields.

** Facemask may include one- or two-strap facemasks designed to protect the mouth and mucous membranes from possible splashes.

*** Eye protection must be used in conjunction with face shields. DO NOT wear a face shield without appropriate eye protection.