KnowHow

Processes For Growing Restoration Companies

In water damage restoration, personal protective equipment (PPE) is your first line of defense against hazards such as contaminated water, mold spores, sharp debris, and chemical agents. Wearing the correct PPE - and putting it on (donning) and removing it (doffing) properly - is essential for protecting your health, preventing cross-contamination, and complying with OSHA and IICRC S500 safety standards. This training will guide new technicians through the correct sequence, fit checks, and safe removal techniques for PPE. By mastering these steps, you will ensure both your safety and the safety of the job site while projecting professionalism and competence in every project.

Don and Doff Proper PPE

Review situation to determine required PPE:
<ul>
<li>Source of loss (fire, flood, etc.)</li>
<li>Age/type of building</li>
<li>Commercial or residential</li>
<li>Are services disconnected?</li>
<li>Is building structurally sound?</li>
<li>Any hazardous materials identified?</li>
</ul>

Conduct Initial Hazard Assessment

Lay out all PPE and equipment in an accessible manner before donning it.
<ul data-start="1112" data-end="1332">
<li data-start="1112" data-end="1170">Prepare four strips of tape to secure wrists and ankles.</li>
<li data-start="1171" data-end="1247">Fold the ends of each strip to create non-sticky handles for easy removal.</li>
<li data-start="1248" data-end="1332">Avoid touching the sticky side of the tape with gloves, as this can cause tearing.</li>
</ul>

Set up space and equipment

Don Coveralls and Footwear<o:p></o:p>
Ensure the correct coverall size is selected. <o:p></o:p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Coveralls that are too small may tear, exposing you to contaminants.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Oversized coveralls may snag and rip easily.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
Steps to Don Coveralls: <o:p></o:p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Remove from storage and unfold.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Unzip and shake open.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Grip at the waist and shake out the legs.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Step into the coveralls and pull up like pants, ensuring they do not tear.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Pull the coveralls up to the arms and insert arms into sleeves.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Zip up halfway.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
Put on Proper Boots/Footwear: <o:p></o:p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Sit or lean for balance when putting on boots.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Pull the coverall leg over the top of the boot or shoe.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Secure the ankle area using pre-prepared tape strips.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>

Pull on coveralls and footwear

Put on Additional Equipment<o:p></o:p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Wear safety glasses or goggles.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Put on the coverall hood, ensuring all hair is tucked inside.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Adjust the hood snugly around your face.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Fully zip up the coveralls and secure them at the collar.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Place a hard hat over the hood and secure the chin strap.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>

Put on additional equipment

<img src="https://d1d4x9xaxq9e85.cloudfront.net/image/draftjs/respiratory-protection-standard.png" alt="respiratory-protection-standard.png" style="width: 500px; height: auto;">
1. Watch the training video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tzpz5fko-fg" target="_new" data-start="192" data-end="294">OSHA &ndash; Respirator Safety: Donning, Doffing &amp; Seal Check</a>
2. Inspect your respirator:
<ul>
<li data-start="334" data-end="376">Check for cracks, tears, or worn straps.</li>
<li data-start="379" data-end="460">Confirm that the correct cartridge filters are installed and securely attached.</li>
</ul>
3. Position the respirator:
<ul>
<li data-start="498" data-end="562">Hold the respirator in one hand, covering your nose and mouth.</li>
<li data-start="565" data-end="620">Avoid touching the filter cartridges with your hands.</li>
</ul>
4. Put on the straps:
<ul>
<li data-start="652" data-end="706">With your free hand, pull the straps over your head.</li>
<li data-start="709" data-end="821">Adjust the lower straps first (around the neck), then the upper straps (around the crown of the head).</li>
</ul>
5. Adjust for fit:
<ul>
<li data-start="850" data-end="902" style="text-align: justify;">Make sure all straps lie flat and are not twisted.</li>
<li data-start="905" data-end="960" style="text-align: justify;">Mold the nosepiece (if applicable) for a secure seal.</li>
</ul>
6. Perform a seal check:
<ul>
<li data-start="995" data-end="1054">Inhale sharply &mdash; the respirator should collapse slightly.</li>
<li data-start="1057" data-end="1104">Exhale &mdash; no air should leak around the edges.</li>
<li data-start="1107" data-end="1173">If you detect leaks, adjust and recheck until the seal is tight.</li>
</ul>

Important: Facial hair, stubble, or anything that comes between the seal and your skin can prevent a proper fit. For maximum protection, be clean-shaven in the seal area.

Don your respirator

Depending on the mitigation scenario, double-gloving may be necessary.
<ul data-start="2958" data-end="3242">
<li data-start="2958" data-end="3072">If wearing two pairs, put the first pair on under the cuff of the coveralls, ensuring the gloves touch the skin.</li>
<li data-start="3073" data-end="3145">If wearing one pair, pull the glove over the top of the coverall cuff.</li>
<li data-start="3146" data-end="3181">Secure with tape (not too tight).</li>
<li data-start="3182" data-end="3242">Press tape with the opposite hand to ensure a secure seal.</li>
</ul>

Put on gloves

Designate a safe space for PPE removal.
<ul data-start="3322" data-end="3478">
<li data-start="3322" data-end="3386">Set up two bags: one for disposal and one for decontamination.</li>
<li data-start="3387" data-end="3478">Use a&nbsp;filtered vacuum&nbsp;to remove hazardous particulates from coveralls before removal.</li>
</ul>

Prepare to remove PPE

Doff PPE Starting at the Top<o:p></o:p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Keep the&nbsp;respirator on&nbsp;until after the coveralls are fully removed.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Remove the hard hat and goggles and place them in the decontamination bag.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Carefully pull the coverall hood backward away from the face.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
Remove PPE starting at the top and working down<o:p></o:p>

Remove PPE starting at the top

<ul data-start="3787" data-end="4390">
<li data-start="3787" data-end="3811">Fully unzip coveralls.</li>
<li data-start="3812" data-end="3878">Remove one arm first, sliding it out while inverting the sleeve.</li>
<li data-start="3879" data-end="3922">Remove the second arm in the same manner.</li>
<li data-start="3923" data-end="4055">If wearing two pairs of gloves, the taped pair will be removed with the coveralls. Leave the inner gloves on until the final step.</li>
<li data-start="4056" data-end="4148">If pants are taped to boots, carefully remove the tape (using the non-sticky folded edge).</li>
<li data-start="4149" data-end="4212">Roll down the coveralls inside out, minimizing contamination.</li>
<li data-start="4213" data-end="4277">Step out of boots, ensuring coveralls remain attached to them.</li>
<li data-start="4278" data-end="4348">Lift the coveralls off the boots and place them in the disposal bag.</li>
<li data-start="4349" data-end="4390">Place boots in the decontamination bag.</li>
</ul>

Remove coveralls and footwear

Decontamination bag
<ul>
<li>While still wearing gloves, tie up the bag of items to be cleaned/decontaminated</li>
</ul>
Remove gloves
<ul>
<li>Remove first glove by pinching at wrist and pulling glove down over hand - invert the glove</li>
<li>Hold removed glove in opposite hand</li>
<li>Use inside edge of removed glove to grip edge of the glove on the other hand</li>
<li>While holding the first removed glove, pull down and invert the second glove around it</li>
<li>Place gloves in disposal bag</li>
</ul>
Disposal Bag
<ul>
<li>Tie and properly dispose of disposal bag</li>
</ul>

Properly close bags and remove gloves

Wash your hands<o:p></o:p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Thoroughly wash and disinfect hands, following any specifications based on the type of hazard encountered.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>

Wash hands

1. Wash your hands<o:p></o:p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Start with clean hands to reduce the risk of transferring contaminants from your respirator to your face or body.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
2. Move to a clean area<o:p></o:p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Step away from the contaminated work zone before removing PPE.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
3. Remove by straps only<o:p></o:p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Do not touch the front of the respirator or the filter cartridges &mdash; they may be contaminated.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">First, pull the bottom strap over your head.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Then, pull the top strap over your head and lift the respirator away from your face.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
4. Inspect and store or dispose<o:p></o:p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in;">Reusable respirators: Check for damage, clean according to manufacturer&rsquo;s instructions, and store in a clean, dry bag or container.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in;">Disposable respirators: Discard immediately in the proper waste container.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
5. Wash your hands again<o:p></o:p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .5in;">Finish by thoroughly washing your hands after PPE removal.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>