D. Gowns

Topic Progress:

In order to protect the skin and underclothing from exposure to potentially infectious material, all DHCP must wear protective gowns in the DHS. These gowns may be disposable or reusable. Gowns must comply with, and be laundered according to, OSHA and the DBC’s Minimum Standards for Infection Control.

Gowns worn in the DHS must:

  1. Be made of fluid resistant material (no liquid can get through)
  2. Have long sleeves with cuffs, be long enough to cover lap when seated, and have high necklines
  3. Be worn for disinfection, sterilization, and housekeeping procedures involving germicides, or handling contaminated items
  4. Be worn when there is potential for aerosol spray, splashing, or spattering of blood, OPIM, or chemicals
  5. Be changed daily or between patients when they become moist or visibly soiled
  6. Be removed when leaving treatment and lab areas (patient care areas)
  1. Laundering requirements for contaminated gowns (reusable gowns and towels) that have been soiled with blood or other potentially infectious materials or may contain sharps must be handled according to Cal/OSHA BBP standards:
    1. The employer shall ensure that employees who have contact with contaminated laundry wear heavy duty utility gloves and other appropriate personal protective equipment
    2. Contaminated laundry may never be taken home either by an employee or the employer
      1. Laundry must be picked up by a proper medical laundry handler/company-or
      2. Washed and dried in an “in-office” washer and dryer.
    3. Contaminated laundry shall be bagged or containerized at the location where it was used and shall not be sorted or rinsed in the location of use (e.g. the dental operatory)
    4. When contaminated laundry is wet, the laundry shall be placed in a container that prevents soak-through and/or leakage of fluids to the exterior

There are several methods to place/put on (don) PPE, and several methods to remove (doff) PPF.  

  • This is a common/typical order for placing PPE:
    • Gown
    • Face Mask
    • Eyewear
    • Wash and dry hands
    • Gloves
  • This is a common/ typical way to remove contaminated PPE:
    • Gloves (without touching the contaminated outside of the gloves)
    • Wash and dry hands
    • Remove eyewear (use a barrier)
    • Remove mask (use a barrier)
    • Remove gown (without touching the contaminated outside of the gown)