PPE and homecare workers

Personal protective equipment (PPE) describes items such as aprons, gloves, fluid repellent surgical masks and goggles.

The government has produced guidance for homecare workers on using PPE. It recommends that homecare workers, including Personal Assistants (PAs), use PPE regardless of whether the client has any symptoms of Covid-19. The type of PPE required will depend on the tasks being carrying out and if the social distancing rules can be maintained.

If you are likely to be within 2 metres of your client and carrying out direct personal care or domestic duties, it is recommended that you use the following:

disposable gloves (vinyl or nitrile)
disposable plastic apron
fluid-repellent surgical mask (Type IIR)
eye protection (where there is a risk of contact with body fluids)

If you are likely to be more than 2 metres of your client and carrying out domestic duties, it is recommended that you use the following:

disposable gloves (vinyl or nitrile)
Types I or II surgical masks are sufficient. But you may use Type III if you are carrying out domestic duties in a room where the person being supported is Covid-19 positive or symptomatic)
disposable plastic apron if there is a risk of contact with bodily fluids or secretions or splashing onto your clothing
eye protection if your client has had a positive Covid-19 test and is quarantining, or has respiratory symptoms.

Recommendations on how often PPE needs to be changed

In general, items that are single use only are:

disposable gloves
disposable plastic aprons
fluid-repellent (Type IIR) surgical mask

Single use items should be disposed of immediately after completing a task and after each home visit.

Eye protection can either be a face-shield (visor) or goggles. It may be designed for single use or designed to be used more than once if decontaminated correctly between uses.

Supporting individuals with learning disabilities, mental health issues, autism and dementia

Following PPE recommendations may be challenging or cause distress for some people with learning disabilities, mental health issues, autism and dementia.

A comprehensive risk assessment should be done for each client to identify the risks for them. For information, see the government guidance on supporting adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults.

Putting on and taking off PPE

PPE is only effective when it is put on and taken off properly, combined with good hand hygiene and other precautions such as avoiding touching your hands and face.

Once the PPE has been taken off it should immediately be disposed of in sealed rubbish bags. These bags should be placed into another bag, tied securely and kept separate from other waste. It should be put aside for at least 72 hours before being put in the usual household waste bin.

Public Health England has produced some training resources on using PPE:

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PPE and homecare workers

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