When should you use gloves, mask, gown, or eye protection?

• A. Based on weather
• B. Only after a glove allergy
• C. Never use eye protection
• D. Based on risk assessment; gloves for contact with body fluids, mask/eye protection for splashes or respiratory isolation, gown for clothing contamination.

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that PPE use is determined by a risk assessment of the task and the potential exposure. The goal is to stop infectious materials from reaching skin, mucous membranes, and clothing.

Gloves are chosen when there could be contact with body fluids or contaminated hands, providing a barrier for the hands. They are essential for tasks involving direct touching of fluids, but they aren’t a stand-alone solution for other routes of exposure.

Masks protect the respiratory route from droplets or aerosols, and eye protection shields the eyes from splashes or sprays. These are used when there's a risk of exposure to secretions that could be inhaled or come into contact with the eyes.

Gowns are worn when there’s a chance that clothing or skin could become contaminated by fluids or other contaminants, helping to keep the wearer’s clothing clean and reducing the chance of carrying contaminants elsewhere.

In practice, you choose PPE based on the level and route of exposure expected for the task, and you often use multiple items together (gloves with a gown, possibly eye protection and a mask) depending on the situation. This approach should be guided by a careful risk assessment rather than weather, allergies, or unconditional avoidance of any PPE.