Personal protective equipment (PPE) in the community services sector
When deciding which Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required for different situations, it is important to follow your organisations policies and also refer to the decision tree in the WA Department of Health’s Advice for use of PPE for workers in community settings.
There are standard steps that must be followed when putting on and removing PPE. These apply across all sectors and the Department of Health provides this comprehensive guide on the process.
However, in the community services sector there are a number of variables that will impact how, and where workers will be able to safely apply, remove and dispose of their PPE.
The videos below demonstrate the considerations that the community services sector workforce needs to take into account when using PPE in different work settings.
Department of Health Decision Tree (current as of 27 August 2020):
Client transfers
PPE considerations when transporting clients, and if organisational policies and the Department of Health decision tree stipulate that only a mask and gloves are required:
Community sector setting
PPE considerations when working in a community sector setting such as a drop-in centre, refuge, or accommodation lodging, and if organisational policies and the Department of Health decision tree stipulate that full PPE (mask, gown, eyewear and gloves) is required:
Home visits
PPE considerations when conducting a home visit, and if organisational policies and the Department of Health decision tree stipulate that full PPE (mask, gown, eyewear and gloves) is required:
The Mental Health Commission thanks Ruah Community Services and St Patrick’s Community Support Centre for their assistance in producing these videos.