You arrive at a community center after minor flooding in a residential building. There is no visible standing water, but volunteers report a strong musty odor in one back room where wet carpets were removed.
You are assigned to:
Carry supply boxes through the hallway
Enter the back room briefly to retrieve stored hygiene kits
Speak with two residents who are coughing but not wearing masks
You are provided:
Tyvek suit, goggles, rubber gloves, N95 mask, and a half-face respirator.
❓ The Question:
If you plan to be inside the back room for less than 3 minutes, do you:
A) Wear gloves only
B) Wear an N95 and gloves
C) Wear full Tyvek, goggles, gloves, and respirator
D) Skip PPE because exposure time is short
Explain your reasoning.
The answer is C: Appropriate PPE in disaster preparedness is essential. Flood response PPE include disposable Tyvek type coveralls to protect clothing, along with goggles, gloves and respirators. Respirators include N95 or P100. Work gloves can be nitrile worn under heavy duty rubber gloves. Also include hardhat, rubber boots – hard soled. Use industrial duck tape around the top of the boot and Tyvek suit , creating a seal.
Donning and Doffing PPE:
PPE & Protective Gear
Respiratory Protection: P-100 or N95 masks used to filter mold spores and airborne particles.
Eye Protection: Safety goggles to shield the eyes from contaminated water and debris splashes.
Body Protection: Disposable Tyvek suits or long-sleeved shirts and pants to prevent contaminants from contacting the skin.
Hand Protection: Nitrile gloves worn beneath leather work gloves for added protection.
Footwear: Waterproof, thick-soled, closed-toe boots to guard against sharp objects and punctures.
Head Protection: Hard hats worn during demolition or structural work to prevent head injuries.
Donning Procedure (Putting On PPE)
Tyvek Coveralls: Put on the coveralls
Boots: Put on boots and tape with duck tape around top of boot, adhering to coveralls pants leg.
Mask/Respirator: Place the mask or respirator over the nose and mouth, secure the straps at the middle of the head and neck, and adjust the nose piece for a proper seal. (Negative/positive seal test)
Goggles/Face Shield: Position eye protection over the eyes and face and adjust to ensure a secure, comfortable fit.
Pull Tyvek hood over, put on hard hat
Gloves: Put on gloves last, extending them over the cuffs of the gown to fully cover the wrists. 2 pair nitrile, or one pair under work/rubber gloves.
What about Doffing?
Prepare your plastic bags, for disposable and decontaminated items.
1. Remove work gloves (still have nitrile gloves underneath – do not remove)and hardhat – place in decontamination bag
2. Remove safety goggles – place in decontamination bag
3. Remove hood back (carefully) and unzip coveralls, remove one shoulder and pull arm out inverting the sleeve, and repeat process. Outer gloves comes off with suit. Inner gloves stay on.
4. Remove respirator and release, unclip back strap. Seal intake vents on respirator cartridges with tape to keep contaminates from falling out and place in decontamination bag; if you have P100 attachments throw away in disposable bag.
5. Remove tape from around boots carefully, roll remaining coveralls down and step out of boots, carefully. Tape goes directly in disposable bag.
6. Remove coveralls and place into disposable bag.
7. Boots are placed in the decontamination bag.
8. Inner gloves still on – tie all bags. Remove gloves safely according to guidelines.
9. Wash hands.
Proper donning and doffing techniques should be done carefully in order to keep you safe from contamination and exposure.
Johnnita