Protect Yourself from Avian Influenza A(H5N1) with Proper Personal Protective Equipment

The best approach to prevent avian influenza A(H5N1) in the workplace is to layer multiple control measures at the same time. With each added layer, the risk of transmission gets lower. Personal protective equipment is one layer of protection against avian influenza.

This resource was developed in partnership with the Centre for Food-borne, Environmental and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases of the Public Health Agency of Canada.

This guidance is also available for download in Spanish.

Protect Yourself from Avian Influenza A(H5N1) with Proper Personal Protective Equipment

Infographic: Protect Yourself from Avian Influenza A(H5N1) with Proper Personal Protective Equipment

Description: Protect Yourself from Avian Influenza A(H5N1) with Proper Personal Protective Equipment

The best approach to prevent avian influenza A(H5N1) in the workplace is to layer multiple control measures at the same time. With each added layer, the risk of transmission gets lower. Personal protective equipment is one layer of protection against avian influenza.

In addition to the personal protective equipment that may be worn for day-to-day duties, extra personal protective equipment may be needed, depending on the workplace risk assessment, when working:

  • Near infected or potentially infected animals (alive or dead), including mammals or wild birds
  • In contaminated environments, such as barns and animal pens
  • With contaminated equipment or surfaces, such as internal organs or carcasses
  • With raw milk or other secretions, such as saliva or urine, or animal products

Layering on personal protective equipment

  1. Eye protection that is properly fitted, such as goggles or a face shield
  2. Fit-tested respiratory protection, such as a disposable N95 mask or a half-face air-purifying respirator
  3. Impervious gloves, such as nitrile, PVC or rubber
  4. Disposable head or hair cover
  5. Impervious disposable gowns, coveralls, and a waterproof apron, if required
  6. Rubber polyurethane boots or disposable boot covers

Reminders when using personal protective equipment

  • Clean and disinfect reusable personal protective equipment after each use according to the manufacturer's instructions and store in a clean place
  • Put on and take off personal protective equipment with clean hands and using proper procedures
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Remove gloves immediately after use and consider a double layer for added protection
  • Properly discard disposable personal protective equipment after use in a sealed plastic bag, for example

Individuals involved in the clean-up or culling of infected animals, and others involved in the outbreak control efforts, must follow the personal protective equipment requirements established by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency

More information: canada.ca/avianinfluenza

Document last updated on: 2024-11-14