Policy Guideline: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Selection
PDF 1.43 MB
Infection control and personal protective equipment (PPE) advice
Hospital based care
This document provides advice on what personal protective equipment (PPE) is required and what type of room is appropriate for the patient.
The matrix has been developed by SA Health Infectious Disease Physicians for use in the care of hospital patients with suspected and confirmed COVID-19. It is mandatory for all SA Health hospital-based staff.
Refer to the Australian Government Department of Health Australian Government Department of Health Guideline for PPE use in non-inpatient care settings (PDF 329KB).
Non-hospital based care
The following PPE guides/infographics provide advice for those who work in industries who may be close contact with community members as part of their role. They provide a process for assessing COVID-19 infection control risk and PPE usage.
Aged care
- Aged care restrictions and infection control training (SA Health)
- Wearing PPE in Aged Care (Video - Australian Government)
The use of a particulate filter respirator may be required for the care of a resident with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Refer to the Australian Government Department of Health advice:
- Guidance on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers in the context of COVID-19
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidelines for infection prevention and control in residential care facilities
- CDNA national guidelines for the prevention, control and public health management of COVID-19 outbreaks in residential care facilities in Australia
Allied Health Professionals and GPs
- Allied Health and GP PPE guide (PDF 82KB)
- Wearing PPE in Allied Health (Video - Australian Government)
- Flowchart - Infection Control recommendations when patients with suspected Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) present to Emergency Departments (ED) or General Practitioners (GPs) (PDF 250KB).
Child Protection Services
Correction Services and Sheriff’s Office
Disability care providers
- Disability care providers PPE guide currently under review
- Wearing PPE for Disability Support Workers (Video - Australian Government)
Refer to the Australian Government Department of Health Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for the health and disability sector web page.
Emergency services
Marine industry
The marine industry personal protection equipment (PPE) advice (PDF 116KB) provides advice for persons boarding and leaving a maritime vessel which has recently returned from overseas or a high community transmission zone (excluding cruise ships).
Note: This guide is currently under review.
Refer to the Australian Government Department of Health Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for the marine industry web page.
Primary and Community Healthcare Workers in a non-hospital setting
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guide for Home Care Providers provides guidance for aged care and disability service providers who offer home care and support services on how to stay safe from COVID-19.
Security personnel
SA Police
PPE and infection control education resources
- COVID-19 guidance on use of PPE in areas with community transmission (Fact sheet - Australian Government)
- Conducting or Receiving a COVID-19 Specimen (Video – Aboriginal Health Council)
- Cross-contamination while using disposable gloves (Video)
- Donning (putting on) and doffing (taking off) your PPE (Video – Aboriginal Health Council)
- Sequence for donning (putting on) and doffing (taking off) PPE (PDF 242KB) (A3 poster)
- Sequencing for donning (putting on) and doffing (putting off) PPE (A3 infographic) (PDF 2MB)
- Sequencing for donning (putting on) and doffing (putting off) PPE - Coveralls (PDF 2MB)
- Hand Hygiene – how to wash or sanitise your hands
- Infection control education and training
- PPE training tools for HCWs, Residential aged care workers and non-healthcare workers
Respiratory protection
- Donning (putting on) and doffing (taking off) the D95 respirator mask (PDF 439KB) (Fact sheet)
- D95 Surgical Respirator by Detmold Medical (PDF 960KB) (FAQs)
- P2/N95 respirator (flat or cupped) donning and fit checking (PDF 501KB) (Fact sheet)
Procurement and supply strategies
The SA Health COVID-19 Strategies for optimising supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) document is currently under review.
For information regarding extended use of personal protective equipment refer to the Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare (2019) guidelines, Infection Control Expert Group (ICEG) The use of face masks and respirators in the context of COVID-19 and the SA Health Respiratory Protection Against Airborne Infectious Diseases Clinical Guideline.
For enquires regarding procurement advice and assistance please email SA Health Procurement customer service HealthPSCMSCOCustomerService@sa.gov.au.
