When must personal protective equipment (PPE) be used according to infection control policies?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be utilized "when applicable" as it is essential for infection control. This means that PPE should be worn based on specific situations where there is a risk of exposure to infectious agents. The decision to use PPE depends on the type of care being provided and the level of risk involved. For instance, healthcare workers are trained to assess each scenario to determine the necessity for PPE, such as gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection, particularly when dealing with patients who display symptoms of a contagious condition or during procedures that may generate aerosols.

This approach in infection control ensures that resources are used effectively without unnecessarily overusing PPE in situations where there is no risk of transmission. Understanding when PPE is appropriate is a vital part of maintaining safety for both healthcare providers and patients, enabling a responsive and science-based approach to preventing the spread of infections.