What step should be performed first when donning personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Washing hands is the first and essential step when donning personal protective equipment (PPE) because it helps to reduce the risk of transmitting infectious agents. By properly washing hands, you remove any contaminants that might be present on your skin, ensuring that you start with a clean slate before putting on any protective gear. This practice is crucial for maintaining both personal and patient safety in healthcare settings.

When the hands are clean, any subsequent contact with PPE will be less likely to contaminate the equipment or lead to cross-contamination when interacting with patients or surfaces. This foundational step is important in infection control protocols, as it sets the stage for effective barrier protection provided by the rest of the PPE.