Last updated: July 29, 2026
Quick Summary - 3 Key Takeaways
- PPE selection depends on the procedure, not the setting. A dental cleaning and a hospital ICU admission both need gloves - but the required thickness, length, and material differ based on exposure risk.
- Canada has its own regulatory framework. Health Canada, CSA, and PHAC set standards that sometimes differ from US CDC guidelines. Canadian healthcare facilities need to know which standards apply here.
- Proper PPE is a financial decision too. Choosing the right level of protection saves money - over-protecting wastes budget, under-protecting creates liability. This guide helps you match PPE to actual risk.
Why This Guide Exists
Infection prevention and control (IPAC) is the foundation of patient and worker safety in healthcare. In Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) publishes national guidelines, while provincial regulators - from Ontario Ministry of Health to British Columbia Provincial Health Services Authority - add their own requirements.
For procurement managers, clinic owners, and LTC administrators, the challenge is translating these guidelines into purchasing decisions. What glove thickness meets the standard? Which mask level is required for droplet precautions? Does an LTC home need the same isolation gowns as a hospital OR?
This guide walks through the answers. It is not a substitute for official guidelines - it is a practical purchasing companion, written for Canadian healthcare decision-makers.
1. Gloves: The Foundation of PPE
1.1 Material Options
| Material | Recommended For | Key Standard | Cost per box |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrile | Most clinical tasks. Latex-free, puncture-resistant. | ASTM D6319 | $7.99-$15.99 |
| Latex | Surgical procedures requiring tactile sensitivity. | ASTM D3577 | $6.99-$12.99 |
| Vinyl | Low-risk, short-duration tasks (cleaning, food prep). | ASTM D5250 | $4.99-$8.99 |
1.2 Nitrile Thickness Guide
3mil - Light-duty exams, short patient contacts. Economical.
4mil - Standard clinical exams. CliniEco 4mil nitrile gloves are the most popular choice for Ontario family practices. The most common choice for family practice and walk-in clinics across Ontario.
5mil - Higher-risk procedures. Lab work, phlebotomy, dental hygiene.
6mil - Heavy-duty. Cleaning, decontamination, waste handling. Maximum protection.
Reference: Health Canada classifies medical gloves as Class II medical devices under the Medical Devices Regulations (SOR/98-282). All gloves sold in Canada must have a valid medical device licence.
2. Masks and Respirators: Matching Protection to Risk
2.1 ASTM Levels for Surgical Masks
| Level | BFE | Fluid Resistance | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | >=95% | Low | General care, clinic waiting rooms |
| Level 2 | >=98% | Moderate | Dental procedures, blood draws, LTC. Most common for Canadian clinics. |
| Level 3 | >=98% | High | ER, surgical settings, splash risk |
Individually wrapped surgical masks are recommended for clinic waiting rooms - each patient gets a fresh, hygienic mask. Bulk-packaged masks are cost-effective for clinical staff who go through multiple masks per shift. For facilities pursuing sustainability goals, PLA-based biodegradable masks offer compostable alternatives without compromising BFE protection.
Reference: ASTM F2100 is the recognized standard for surgical mask performance in Canada. Health Canada aligns with ASTM F2100 for medical device licensing.
3. Isolation Gowns: AAMI Levels for Barrier Protection
Isolation gowns are rated by AAMI (Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation) on a scale of 1 to 4, based on fluid barrier performance.
| Level | Barrier | Typical Use | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Minimal | Basic care, visitor gowns | Polypropylene |
| Level 2 | Low | Blood draws, suture removal, clinic exams - most common in clinics and LTC | SMMS 40gsm+ |
| Level 3 | Moderate | ER, IV insertion, trauma | Reinforced SMMS |
| Level 4 | High | Surgery, pathogen exposure | Fluid-proof film laminate |
For most Canadian clinics and LTC homes, Level 2 SMMS gowns (40gsm or higher) such as CliniEco Level 2 isolation gowns provide the right balance of protection and cost. They meet ASTM F3352 standards and are suitable for routine care, examination, and contact or droplet precautions.
4. Head and Foot Protection
4.1 Bouffant Caps
Disposable bouffant caps prevent hair and dander from contaminating clinical environments. The standard size in Canadian healthcare is 24 inches (61 cm), made from 20gsm non-woven polypropylene. For clinics seeking compostable options, PLA caps are available.
4.2 Shoe Covers
Shoe covers reduce tracking contaminants between areas - particularly important in LTC homes, surgical centres, and lab environments. Key features to look for include non-slip embossed soles and secure elastic openings. Available in standard PP and PLA-compostable versions.
5. PPE by Healthcare Setting
Quick Reference: PPE by Setting
| Setting | Gloves | Mask | Gown | Head/Foot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinic | 4mil nitrile | Level 2 | Level 2 PRN | Caps PRN |
| Dental | 5-6mil nitrile | Level 2-3 | Level 2 | Caps + eye |
| LTC | 4-6mil nitrile | Level 2 | Level 2 | Shoe covers |
| Hospital | Varies by dept | Level 2-3 | Level 2-4 | Full |
PRN = as needed. Always consult your facility IPAC protocol.
5.1 Medical Clinics (Walk-in and Family Practice)
Minimum PPE per exam room:
- Nitrile gloves (4mil) - exam grade
- ASTM Level 2 surgical masks
- Level 2 isolation gowns - for procedures with splash risk
- Disposable bouffant caps - for wound care and minor procedures
- Hand sanitizer (70%+ alcohol) - at each exam room entry
5.2 Dental Clinics
PPE requirements per RCDSO guidelines:
- Nitrile gloves (5mil recommended) - dental procedures involve sharp instruments
- ASTM Level 2 or 3 surgical masks
- Dental bibs with PE waterproof layer
- Level 2 isolation gowns or reusable clinic jackets
- Eye protection with side shields
5.3 LTC Homes
Ontario LTC infection control requirements:
- Nitrile gloves (4mil standard, 6mil for waste handling)
- ASTM Level 2 surgical masks - bulk pack for staff
- Level 2 isolation gowns - for contact and droplet precautions
- Disposable underpads 60x90cm - 5-layer absorption with SAP
- Shoe covers - during outbreak situations
5.4 Hospitals
Department-specific PPE:
- OR: Sterile surgical gloves, Level 3-4 gowns, surgical masks with face shields
- ER: Level 2-3 gowns, ASTM Level 3 masks, eye protection
- ICU: Full PPE per isolation protocol, N95 respirators for airborne precautions
- Lab: 6mil nitrile gloves, Level 2 gowns, eye protection, specimen bags per ISO 23907
6. Canadian Regulatory Standards Reference
| Standard | What It Covers | Issuing Body |
|---|---|---|
| SOR/98-282 | Medical Devices Regulations - all PPE sold in Canada must comply | Health Canada |
| ASTM D6319 | Nitrile examination gloves - tensile strength, puncture resistance | ASTM International |
| ASTM F2100 | Surgical mask performance - BFE, fluid resistance | ASTM International |
| ASTM F3352 | Isolation gown performance - fluid barrier classification | ASTM International |
| CSA Z317.13 | Infection control during healthcare construction and renovation | CSA Group |
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Does my clinic need Level 2 or Level 3 masks?
For most Canadian clinics (family practice, walk-in, specialist offices), ASTM Level 2 provides sufficient protection. Level 3 is recommended for settings with splash risk (ER, surgery, some dental procedures).
Can I use vinyl gloves for clinical exams?
Health Canada permits vinyl gloves for low-risk, short-duration tasks. For clinical examinations, nitrile is strongly preferred - it offers better puncture resistance, a better fit, and eliminates latex allergy concerns.
What glove thickness do I need for my dental practice?
The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) does not mandate a specific thickness. In practice, most Canadian dentists use 5mil or 6mil nitrile gloves - the extra thickness provides protection against needle sticks and sharp instrument contact.
Are PLA biodegradable masks as effective as standard ones?
Yes - PLA masks meeting ASTM F2100 Level 2 standards deliver the same BFE protection. The difference is in the material: PLA is derived from plant starch and is industrially compostable, reducing landfill waste.
How often should a clinic refresh its PPE stock?
PPE has a shelf life - typically 3-5 years for gloves and masks stored in cool, dry conditions. Implement a first-in-first-out (FIFO) inventory system and audit stock quarterly.
PPE Procurement Checklist for Canadian Healthcare
Use this checklist when reviewing your facility PPE inventory:
- Gloves available in thicknesses matching procedure risk (4mil standard, 5-6mil for higher risk)
- Surgical masks meet ASTM F2100 Level 2 minimum for clinical settings
- Isolation gowns at Level 2 (SMMS 40gsm+) for routine care
- Individually wrapped masks available for patient waiting areas
- Bouffant caps and shoe covers stocked for relevant departments
- All products carry valid Health Canada medical device licences
- Suppliers offer both standard and PLA/sustainable options where available
- Inventory follows FIFO rotation with quarterly audits
- Emergency stock covers minimum 2 weeks of normal consumption
Download this checklist or print for your next procurement review.
8. References and Further Reading
- Public Health Agency of Canada. Routine Practices and Additional Precautions for Preventing the Transmission of Infection in Healthcare Settings. canada.ca
- Health Canada. Medical Devices Regulations (SOR/98-282). Justice Laws Canada
- ASTM International. ASTM F2100-21: Standard Specification for Medical Face Masks. astm.org
- ASTM International. ASTM D6319-19: Standard Specification for Nitrile Examination Gloves. astm.org
- CSA Group. CSA Z317.13-22: Infection Control During Healthcare Construction. csagroup.org
- AAMI. ANSI/AAMI PB70:2022: Liquid Barrier Performance of Protective Apparel. aami.org
- Ontario Ministry of Health. IPAC Checklist for Clinical Office Practice. ontario.ca
- Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario. Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines. rcdso.org
This guide is published by CliniEco Medical for informational purposes. It does not replace official infection control guidelines from Health Canada, PHAC, or provincial regulators. Always consult your IPAC professional for facility-specific decisions.
Related reading: explore our infection control resources for clinics.
decode HAI, SSI, CJD and MDRO acronyms in our infection control pillar article.
0 comments