How to put on and take off PPE (donning and doffing)

Why the order matters

PPE only protects you if it stays between you and the contamination. Most self-contamination happens while taking PPE off, when contaminated gloves or gown fronts touch your skin, face or clothes.

Putting PPE on (donning)

Put PPE on in a clean area before you start the task:

1. Clean your hands.
2. Put on a gown or apron.
3. Put on a mask, fitting it over your nose and under your chin.
4. Put on eye protection such as goggles or a face shield.
5. Put on gloves last, pulling them over the gown cuffs.

Taking PPE off (doffing)

Remove PPE at the doorway or in an anteroom, touching only the clean parts:

1. Remove gloves, peeling them off inside out, and clean your hands.
2. Remove the gown or apron by untying it and rolling it away from your body, touching only the inside.
3. Clean your hands.
4. Remove eye protection by the arms or headband.
5. Remove the mask by the ties or ear loops without touching the front.
6. Clean your hands again.

Always follow your workplace's procedure and any signage on the door — some settings use slightly different sequences.

Common mistakes

• Adjusting a mask or glasses with gloved hands.
• Wearing the same gloves between people or tasks.
• Skipping hand hygiene between removal steps.