Putting on and taking off PPE: the correct order

Before you start

Before a task, assess the risk of exposure to blood or other body fluids, non-intact skin, mucous membranes, or anything that could be contaminated. Wear the PPE the task needs: not every item is always required. Check the items you need are available in the right size.

The order for putting on PPE

1. Apron or gown. Apron: pull over your head and tie securely at the back. Gown: fully cover your body from neck to knees and arms to the end of the wrists, wrap it around the back and fasten.
2. Fluid-resistant surgical mask or respirator. Secure the ties or elastic bands at the middle of your head and neck, fit the flexible band to the bridge of your nose, and fit it snugly to your face and below your chin. Respirators must be fit checked.
3. Eye protection (goggles or face shield). Place over your face and eyes and adjust to fit.
4. Gloves. Pull on, holding them at the wrist opening only, and extend to cover your wrists (over gown cuffs if you’re wearing a gown).

The order for taking off PPE

Take care not to touch the most contaminated parts, such as the outside of gloves and the front of aprons, gowns, eye protection and masks.

1. Gloves. Pinch the outside of one glove at the palm and peel it off, turning it inside out. Slide two fingers of your ungloved hand under the other glove at the wrist and peel it off over the first. Discard.
2. Apron or gown. Apron: break the neck ties, let it fall forward, break the waist ties and pull it away, touching the inside only. Gown: unfasten the neck then waist ties and peel it away from the shoulders, turning it inside out. Fold or roll into a bundle and discard.
3. Eye protection. Handle only by the headband or sides, and remove it away from your face.
4. Mask or respirator. Untie the bottom tie then the top, or pull both elastics together, and remove it by the ties only, without touching the front.

Remove all PPE before leaving the care area and put it straight into the right waste stream. Clean your hands straight away after removing PPE: see our hand washing steps.

Reusable respirators may need a different order, so follow your local policy. This guide follows the NHS England manual. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, follow your nation’s infection prevention and control manual.

This is a quick-reference resource. Always follow the person’s care plan, your organisation’s policies and procedures, and current national guidance.

Sources (checked 16 September 2026): NHS England: National infection prevention and control manual, Appendix 6: Putting on and removing PPE.

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