PE for Infection Control

Infection Prevention & Control

Full Barrier Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) with
N95 Respirator

Donning and doffing of personal protective equipment when using an N95 respirator.

Download a print version of this poster:
Essential Personnel Only: Full Barrier Isolation Required- Full Barrier Personal Protective Equipment with N95 Respirator (PDF: 127KB/1 page)

On this page:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Placement
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Removal

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Placement

Note: If Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) is used, follow facility procedures for applying, removing, and processing equipment. PAPR or tight-fitting goggles should be worn for high-risk aerosol-generating procedures.

Before ENTERING Negative Air Space
Step 1 Put on fluid-resistant gown Insert thumb into thumb hole, if present. Tie securely in back.
Step 2 Put on shoe covers
Step 3 Put on N95 respirator Shape nosepiece to the nose with both index fingers. Place top band on top of head. Place lower band just above neck.
Step 4 Fit-check / Seal-check respirator Place both hands over respirator. Exhale sharply. If air-leaks are detected, re-adjust respirator; exhale sharply again. If leak still present, seek assistance.
Step 5 Put on head cover Contain hair and cover ears.
Step 6 Put on face shield Fully cover the face and forehead.
Step 7 Put on gloves Pull gloves over sleeves to cover wrist. Change gloves: when damaged or heavily contaminated between procedures
After ENTERING Negative Air Space
After entering patient room, keep gloved hands away from face and avoid unnecessary touching of objects or surfaces.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Removal

Note: Discard used items in red bag.

Before LEAVING Negative Air Space
Step 1 Face shield Remove and discard face shield.
Step 2 Head cover Remove and discard head cover.
Step 3 Shoe covers Remove and discard shoe covers.
Step 4 Gown and gloves Grasp shoulders of gown and pull forward. Roll outside of gown inward, folding contaminated outside layer away from your body. Remove gloves while rolling gown off arms; roll gloves into gown. Avoid contaminating hands. Keep hands on clean side of gown. Discard gown and gloves.
Step 5 Hand hygiene Clean hands with antimicrobial soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub.
LEAVE Negative Air Space, CLOSE Door
Step 6 N95 Respirator Front of respirator is contaminated. Handle only the bands. To remove, pull lower band over the head first, then remove upper band. Discard.
Step 7 Hand Hygiene Clean hands with antimicrobial soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub.