Pharmacy » Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

OSHA's Controlling Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Drugs document describes the effective use of PPE such as gloves and gowns when working with hazardous drugs (Section V, C, #3).

  • OSHA's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standard [29 CFR 1910.132] requires employers to provide appropriate PPE (e.g., gloves, goggles, splash aprons) for workers who may handle or be otherwise exposed to hazardous drugs.
  • Select appropriate gloves based on intended use for specific drug types (NIOSH).
  • Wear two pairs of gloves when compounding, administering, and disposing of hazardous drugs.
    • When double gloving, place one glove under the gown cuff and one over. The glove-gown interface should be such that no skin on the arm or wrist is exposed.
    • To limit transfer of contamination from a C-PEC into the work area, remove the outer gloves after each task or batch, and place the outer gloves in "zipper" - closure plastic bags or other sealable containers for disposal.
  • Change gloves regularly (e.g., hourly or more often, depending on the exposure), or immediately if they are torn, punctured, or contaminated from a spill.
  • Restricted Drug Preparation Room
    Restricted Drug Preparation Room.
    Use that cover the gown cuff with minimal or no powder since the powder may absorb contamination.
  • Wear a protective disposable gown made of lint-free, low-permeability fabric, with a solid front, long sleeves and tight-fitting elastic or knit cuffs.
  • Hand-washing: Wash hands before gloves are put on and after they are removed.
  • Restricted preparation areas: Perform hazardous drug preparation in a restricted area, with signs restricting the access of unauthorized personnel prominently displayed. [Controlling Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Drugs (Section V, B, #1)]
  • Restricted activities: Do not smoke, drink, apply cosmetics, or eat where hazardous drugs are prepared, stored, or used, as these activities increase the chance of exposure. [Controlling Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Drugs (Section IV, A, #4)]