Properly removing disposable gloves is crucial to minimize the risk of contamination and maintain good hygiene.
Follow these steps to remove gloves safely:
- Pinch and Hold: With one hand, pinch the outside of the glove near the wrist or cuff area. Avoid touching the skin directly and ensure a firm grip.
- Peel Off: Using your other hand, grasp the inside of the glove near the wrist or cuff area. Slowly peel the glove off, turning it inside out as you remove it. Pull the glove down and away from your hand, being careful not to touch the exterior surface.
- Hold the Glove: After removing the first glove, hold it in the gloved hand that you just removed it from. This will create a "glove pocket" to prevent any potential contamination from the exterior surface.
- Slip Fingers: With your bare hand, slip your fingers under the cuff of the second glove, ensuring not to touch the outside surface. Again, avoid direct contact with the skin.
- Peel Off: Gently peel the second glove off, turning it inside out as you go, just like you did with the first glove. The first glove should be inside the second glove, creating a bundle.
- Discard Properly: Dispose of the gloves in an appropriate waste container. Do not reuse disposable gloves, as they are intended for single-use only.
- Hand Hygiene: After removing the gloves, perform thorough hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This helps eliminate any potential contamination that might have occurred during glove removal.
It's important to note that the above steps provide a general guideline for glove removal. Always follow any specific instructions or protocols provided by your workplace or the relevant authorities. Additionally, remember to practice good hand hygiene before and after wearing gloves to further minimize the risk of contamination.
Source:
How to Remove Gloves - Northwestern University, www.northwestern.edu/environmental-health-safety/docs/health-docs/how-to-remove-gloves.pdf. Accessed 10 May 2023.
