PPE Gowns Coveralls Aprons

Reviewed: January 2025

Gowns, Coveralls, Aprons

Gowns, coveralls, and aprons are essential components of personal protective equipment (PPE). They help protect the body, clothing, and other exposed areas from contaminants such as blood, body fluids, and infectious materials. Acting as protective barriers, they play a crucial role in infection control, particularly in high-risk environments.

These garments are typically worn along with masks or respirators, gloves, and eye protection to provide complete safety. Their effectiveness depends on the level of exposure and the specific setting in which they are used.

Types

• Disposables (Single use)- These are designed for one-time use and must be discarded after use to prevent cross-contamination. They are commonly used in healthcare, laboratories, and high-risk environments where hygiene is critical.

• Reusables - These are designed for repeated use and can be cleaned, disinfected, or sterilized after each use. When properly maintained, they offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to disposable options.

While choosing the type of protective garment, it is important to understanding the risk of exposure to possible hazards.

This depends on:

• Route of transmission
• Stage of the illness
• Severity of disease

Gowns

Gowns are worn over regular clothing to protect the arms, body and clothes from contamination. They act as a barrier against spills, splashes, and infectious materials.

Coveralls

Coveralls provide full-body protection and are worn over clothes. They usually have a front zipper, elastic cuffs at the wrists and ankles, and sometimes a hood with built-in foot covers. These are used in high-risk environments where full coverage is needed.

Aprons

Aprons protect the front of the body and can be worn alone in low-risk settings or over coveralls in high-risk areas for extra protection. They help shield against spills and splashes while allowing more flexibility.

Comparison between gowns, coveralls and aprons