Properly donning and doffing personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial for preventing contamination, maintaining safety, and ensuring that protective barriers perform effectively. Whether in healthcare, manufacturing, or laboratory settings, understanding the correct order of wearing and removing PPE can reduce the risk of infection or chemical exposure.
What Is PPE and Why Order Matters
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) refers to gear such as gloves, gowns, masks, respirators, goggles, and face shields that protect workers from hazards.
However, using PPE incorrectly — especially putting it on or taking it off in the wrong sequence — can increase the risk of cross-contamination.
The correct order of donning and doffing PPE ensures:
Maximum protection against exposure.
Contaminants remain on the outside of equipment.
Safe disposal of used PPE without self-contamination.
The Correct Order for Donning PPE (Putting It On)
Follow these steps before entering a contaminated or high-risk area:
Perform Hand Hygiene
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
Put On the Gown or Coverall
Ensure full coverage of torso, arms, and legs. Fasten ties or zippers securely.
Wear the Mask or Respirator
For medical use: surgical mask or N95 respirator.
For industrial use: full-face or half-mask respirator.
Make sure the fit is tight, with no air leakage around the nose or chin.
Put On Goggles or Face Shield
Protect eyes and face from splashes or airborne particles. Adjust for comfort and full visibility.
Don Gloves
Gloves should cover the cuffs of the gown for complete protection.
If double-gloving, the second pair should be pulled over the gown cuff.
Tip: Perform a quick fit check — bend, move, and stretch to ensure no part of the body is exposed.
The Correct Order for Doffing PPE (Taking It Off)
Removing PPE is a high-risk process because the outer surfaces are potentially contaminated. Take your time and avoid touching your face.
Remove Gloves
Grasp the outside of one glove and peel it away. Hold it with the gloved hand, then slide fingers under the wrist of the other glove to remove it without touching the outside.
Remove Gown or Coverall
Unfasten ties or unzip carefully. Pull the gown away from your body, turning it inside out as you remove it. Dispose of properly.
Perform Hand Hygiene
Clean your hands immediately after removing gloves and gown.
Remove Goggles or Face Shield
Handle by the headband or earpieces only. Avoid touching the front surface.
Remove Mask or Respirator
Hold by straps only.
Do not touch the mask front.
Dispose of it or place it in a clean storage bag if reusable.
Final Hand Hygiene
Wash or sanitize hands thoroughly to complete the process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Touching contaminated PPE surfaces with bare hands.
Rushing the doffing process.
Reusing single-use PPE without proper disinfection.
Forgetting to perform hand hygiene between steps.
You can visualize the entire sequence using this recommended flow:
Step Donning (Put On) Doffing (Take Off)
1 Hand Hygiene Gloves
2 Gown Gown
3 Mask/Respirator Hand Hygiene
4 Goggles/Face Shield Goggles/Face Shield
5 Gloves Mask/Respirator
6 — Hand Hygiene
Maintaining PPE Safety and Compliance
Always follow your organization’s PPE protocol or CDC/WHO guidelines.
Store clean PPE in a dry, designated area.
Dispose of contaminated gear in biohazard waste containers.
Train employees regularly to refresh safe PPE handling skills.