PPE in Care: What You Need to Consider

Many people are familiar with the public debate: the professions that should receive the greatest possible appreciation in our society—namely those who care for the most vulnerable age groups, such as nursery school teachers and care staff for sick and elderly people—are unfortunately often paid less well. We can all remember how care staff were applauded during the pandemic. However, this quickly turned into criticism from care workers, because a well-intentioned gesture is not enough. Action must follow. 

For this reason, the protection of care workers must be given top priority—both for their own health and for the well-being of the people in their care. Personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a crucial role in this. In the care sector, the challenges are particularly significant, as daily contact with physical strain, infectious materials and other health risks is commonplace. This is why Shoes For Crews would like to provide you with an overview in this article of what to consider when selecting and using PPE in care.

What Is PPE in Care?

Personal protective equipment for care professions includes all protective equipment that protects staff from potential hazards. This includes gloves, protective gowns, respirators, safety goggles, suitable footwear and, where necessary, protective clothing for the entire body. PPE in care is used to prevent direct contact with pathogens, harmful chemicals and other hazards.

The requirements for PPE in care vary depending on the working environment. Home care may require different equipment than a hospital or nursing home. However, the goal is always the same: the safety and health protection of employees and patients.

Choosing the Right PPE in Care

As already mentioned, different situations may require different protective equipment. It is important that the equipment complies with applicable regulations. In care settings, there are three key guidelines to consider:

1. The general European PPE Use Regulation - PSA-BV
2. The Biological Agents Ordinance - BioStoffV
3. TRBA 250 Biological Agents in Healthcare and Social Welfare

In addition, PPE must be adapted to the individual needs of care staff. Several factors should be considered when making a selection:

• Fit and comfort: The equipment should fit well and not restrict freedom of movement.
• Material quality: High-quality materials provide better protection and are often more durable.
• Ease of use: Care workers must be able to put on and remove the equipment quickly and easily.
• Wearable closed over work clothing: It should prevent contact with potentially infectious body fluids or excretions, so it must cover all areas that may become contaminated as a result of the work.

In many cases, protective gowns, shoes and gloves must be worn for extended periods. It is therefore important that they are comfortable and do not cause skin irritation. Respirators should fit snugly to prevent pathogens from entering, while also making breathing easier.

Protection Against Infection: Gloves and Respirators

PPE in care plays an important role, particularly with regard to infection control. Care workers are exposed daily to the risk of coming into contact with potentially infectious materials, whether through body fluids or contaminated objects.

• Gloves are among the most commonly used protective items in care settings. They protect hands from direct contact with potentially infectious material while preventing pathogens from spreading via the hands. It is important to change gloves regularly and disinfect hands thoroughly after removing them.
• Respirators are another indispensable element of PPE in care, especially when dealing with infectious patients. High-quality respirators are essential, particularly during pandemics such as COVID-19. They should meet at least the FFP2 standard to provide sufficient protection against droplet infections.

Protection Against Physical Strain: Protective Clothing, Support Aids and Suitable Footwear

In addition to infection control, protection against physical strain also plays an important role in care work. Care workers often have to lift heavy loads, whether when repositioning patients or transporting medical equipment. Special protective clothing combined with comfortable, slip-resistant footwear and support aids such as lifting devices can help.

Back support belts or lifting aids can help protect the body from strain and prevent injuries. This is an important component of PPE in care, especially for tasks involving frequent lifting and carrying.

The right footwear should not be overlooked either: care workers are often on their feet for hours, and lifting heavy loads or patients can place considerable strain on the joints and spine. Shoes with good cushioning, ergonomic design and a slip-resistant sole can help reduce pressure on the joints, prevent back pain and avoid slip-related accidents. Good footwear is therefore also an important part of PPE in care.

Proper Training and Use of PPE in Care

Providing suitable PPE is not enough—care staff must also know how to use it correctly. Incorrect application or improper use can significantly compromise protection. It is therefore essential to offer regular training and refresher courses to ensure that all care workers use PPE correctly. Key training topics include:

• Correctly putting on and removing PPE
• Proper care and storage of equipment
• Recognising wear or damage
• Hygiene regulations and disinfection of reusable PPE

Strictly Separate Workwear and Personal Clothing

In care settings, separating workwear from personal clothing is crucial to prevent the transmission of pathogens. Workwear can come into contact with germs and other potentially hazardous substances during daily tasks, which could then be taken home. To protect the health of care staff, their families and patients, workwear should ideally be changed directly at the facility and washed on site. This prevents germs from entering the home environment. It promotes not only personal health, but also safety in the care environment.

Sustainability When Using PPE

Given growing awareness of environmental protection and sustainability, the care sector must also consider how PPE use can become more sustainable. Since disposable products such as gloves and masks are often used in large quantities, they generate significant amounts of waste.

One approach could be the use of reusable PPE that can be cleaned and disinfected according to applicable hygiene standards. Companies should also make sure to source PPE made from environmentally friendly materials in order to reduce their ecological footprint. Although protecting care staff is the top priority, it is important that PPE use in care is designed sustainably to minimise environmental impact.


As we have seen, there are a number of specific requirements to consider, especially for care professions. If you have further questions about this topic or need help choosing suitable footwear for your care workers, please feel free to contact us at any time.