Disposable Aprons

Health professional’s work clothing has been found to be the cause of some cases of infection. Therefore, disposable plastic aprons should be used when in close contact with anything which may harbour infection-causing pathogens, or when contamination due to bodily fluids is a high possibility. If there is even the slightest possibility of considerable splashing of blood or bodily fluids, full-body gowns should be worn.

         When selecting which apron to use, you must first consider the task. There are four main colours used, each specific to what task you are performing:

• Red - when cleaning bath and washrooms, toilets, and basins.
• Yellow – when cleaning isolation rooms or areas.
• Green – when working around any type of food or drink, such as in canteens and kitchen areas, as well as on a ward.
• Blue – when cleaning in public areas such as wards.

The procedure of applying an apron is as follows:

• First, you must perform proper hand hygiene.
• Remove one apron from the roll or dispenser, and open it so that the inner surface faces the patient. This avoids any contamination on its outer surface reaching the patient.
• Put the neck loop over your head and place the apron so that it covers as much of your body as possible.

Then wrap the waist straps around your body and tie a secure not so that there isn’t excess apron lose

Once you have finished the task, disposable gloves must be removed first before taking off your apron. Break the neck and waist straps and then roll the apron downwards, ensuring that the contaminated side is folded inside. Dispose of the apron into the appropriate hazardous waste bin and wash your hands again.