Personal Protective Equipment

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Personal protective equipment (PPE), is considered a special equipment clothing you wear for protection against hazards. PPE prevents blood or OPIMs (other potentially infectious materials) from passing through to or contacting your clothes or your body.

​Common personal protective equipment (PPE) includes:

• Gloves
• Gowns
• Aprons
• Face masks

Some tips for PPE:

• You must be sure to remove PPE before leaving the work area.
• Keep gloves in easy reach of areas where they may be needed. This includes the playground, diaper changing area, kitchen or eating area, and more.
• Be prepared! If you are prepared with materials and procedures, your PPE will be even more beneficial.
• Wash your hands often. This is the best way to protect yourself!

More information can be found at ​"Questions About Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), U.S. Food and Drug Administration"

Aprons
​Aprons or another water proof covering should be worn when serving food, changing diapers and soiled clothes, and in the infant room at all times. This is a great protection in the classroom from runny noses, tearful hugs and infants who may have a dirty diaper while sitting on your lap. Keep a few aprons on hand just in case.  

Face Masks 
​Face masks should be available if needed. This one is difficult as it might scare the children, and getting a child to wear one might be problematic. If you are sick, stay home. If a child is sick, he or she should stay home. But often we find out too late and the child has already been part of the classroom and has interacted with classmates.  

Eye Protection 
​Eye protection is very helpful. Sneezes, coughs and rubbing your eyes with contaminated fingers can cause infection.  We touch our faces over 200 times a day without noticing we are doing it. There are some who get non-prescription eye glasses for this very reason. 

​Small Plastic Bags 
Small plastic bags should also be kept in your fanny pack. Used tissue can be placed inside rather than contaminate the other items you are carrying. Zip lock bags work well for a child that is vomiting. They can be sealed and discarded easily. 

Optional Resources for Further Study

• Because I Care, I Wash My Hands - Curriculum Resources from College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences​
• Diaper-Changing Steps for Childcare Settings, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website
• ​Diaper Changing Procedures Poster​

Course Navigation Menu

1. Course Agenda
​2. Purposes for Protection
3. Bloodborne Pathogens
4. Transmission of Germs
5. Hepatitis B
6. Hepatitis C
7. Hepatitis (1/5)
8. HIV
9. HIV/AIDS Awareness (2/5)

10. Bloodborne Risks 
11. Bloodborne Pathogens (3/5)
12.  Standard Precautions
13. Proper Handwashing
14. Personal Protective Equipment
15. Gloves
16. Personal Protective Gear (PPE)
17. Cleaning
18. Sanitizing versus Disinfecting

19. Using Bleach-Water
20. Disinfecting, Sanitizing, Cleaning
21. Cleaning up Bodily Fluids
22. Safety Considerations
23. Universal & Standard Precautions (4/5)
24. Reactions to Exposure
25. Reviewing Bloodborne Pathogens
26. Final Quiz
Parking Lot