The safest method for removing goggles or a face shield, known as doffing, prevents the transfer of contaminants from the equipment’s outer surfaces to the wearer’s skin, eyes, or clothing. This procedure involves specific, deliberate movements designed to minimize contact with potentially hazardous materials collected on the eye protection. Following a strict removal protocol is essential for personal safety, particularly after working in environments where sprays, droplets, or infectious agents are present. The technique focuses on handling only the clean areas of the device and ensuring the contaminated front piece moves away from the body.
Understanding Contaminated Zones
Proper removal requires understanding which surfaces of the eye protection are contaminated and must be avoided. The front surface of the face shield or the goggle lenses are the primary barrier and are most likely to be soiled with environmental particles or biological matter. This entire front area, which faced the potential hazard, is designated as the contaminated zone.
Conversely, the straps, ties, earpieces, or the rear portion of the headband are considered the clean handling zones. These areas are secured behind the wearer’s head or ears and have not been exposed to the direct line of contamination. The removal procedure relies on only touching these clean zones while avoiding contact with the front lens or shield. Even if the equipment does not appear visibly soiled, the front surface must always be treated as if it harbors hazardous material.
Step-by-Step Removal Procedure
The mechanical steps for doffing must be executed slowly and carefully, ensuring contaminated surfaces never contact the face, hair, or clothing. For both goggles and face shields, the hands should reach to the back of the head or to the sides, grasping only the clean components. Avoid touching the front lens or shield at any point during this step.
For goggles secured with an elastic strap, place a finger under the strap and pull the device upwards and away from the head. The motion must be a single, smooth movement that lifts the goggles directly off the face without tilting the contaminated front surface forward.
A face shield, usually secured by a rigid headband, should be grasped by the rear portion of the band or the earpieces. Pull the face shield slightly forward and then up, lifting it away from the face and avoiding contact with the neck or chest. The goal is to remove the item straight out or slightly upward, ensuring the front shield surface does not brush against the body. Once the eye protection is fully detached from the head, handle it only by the clean straps or headband until it is immediately placed in its designated location.
Managing the Item After Removal
Once the goggles or face shield have been removed, manage the item based on whether it is single-use or reusable.
Disposable Items
If the eye protection is disposable, discard it immediately into a designated waste receptacle. Single-use items should never be reused, especially if they were used in a highly contaminated environment.
Reusable Items
Reusable goggles or face shields must be placed in a designated container or area specifically for cleaning and disinfection. The cleaning process involves using approved disinfectant wipes or solutions, often requiring a specific contact time for decontamination. After disinfection, the item should be rinsed, fully dried, and stored in a clean location or sealed bag until its next use.
Regardless of whether the eye protection was disposable or reusable, the final step is to perform hand hygiene immediately. This requires thoroughly washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to remove any contaminants transferred during the removal process. This action finalizes the doffing procedure and minimizes the risk of self-contamination.