Putting on (donning) (gown version) personal protective equipment (PPE) for aerosol generating procedures (AGPs)
Updated 18 December 2025
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Use safe work practices to protect yourself and limit the spread of infection
- keep hands away from face and PPE being worn
- change gloves when torn or heavily contaminated
- limit surfaces touched in the patient environment
- regularly perform hand hygiene
- always clean hands after removing gloves
Pre-donning instructions
- ensure worker hydrated
- tie hair back
- remove jewellery
- check PPE in the correct size is available
Putting on PPE
The order for putting on is:
1. Gown
2. Respirator
3. Eye protection
4. Gloves
This is undertaken outside the patient’s room.
Perform hand hygiene before putting on PPE.
1. Gown
Put on the long-sleeved fluid repellent disposable gown.
Fasten neck ties and waist ties.
2. Respirator
Note: this must be the respirator you have been fit-tested to use. Where goggles or safety spectacles are to be worn with the respirator, these must be worn during fit test to ensure compatibility.
Position the upper straps on crown of head, above ears, and the lower strap at the nape of the neck. Ensure respirator is flat against your cheeks. With both hands mould the nose piece from the bridge of the nose, firmly pressing down both sides of the nose until you have a good facial fit.
If a good fit cannot be achieved, do not proceed.
Perform a fit check. The technique for this will differ between different makes of respirator. Instructions for the correct technique are provided by manufacturers and should be followed for fit checking.
3. Eye protection
Place over face and eyes and adjust the headband to fit.
4. Gloves
Select according to hand size.
Ensure cuff of gown is covered by the cuff of the glove.