CM/Spotlight: Safety Proper Removal And Disposal Of Soiled Gloves Since disposable latex or nitrile gloves are counted as the most common pieces of personal protective equipment, it seems logical to discuss their proper removal and disposal once a task is completed and they are soiled. The following is courtesy of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the national independent watchdog for work-related health, safety and illness in the U.K. 1. Use left hand to pinch the glove in the palm of the right hand and pull toward fingertips 2. Stretch the material of the right glove so that the glove turns inside out without fully removing it 3. Use the partially gloved fingers of the right hand — the uncontaminated inside should be exposed — to grab the wristband of the left hand and pull inside out without fully removing it 4. Pinch the inside of the left glove onto the partially removed right glove so the fingers can be completely removed 5. Dispose of the soiled gloves accordingly 6. Thoroughly wash and sanitize hands with soap, hot water and an instant hand sanitizer. Remember that, just because gloves may not appear to be soiled, they can be teeming with germs, bac-teria or other harmful substances. It is a best practice to always assume that gloves are covered in potential sources of infection as to avoid any possible dangers. Circle Product Information no. 211 on page 24 18 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® • November 2011
CMM – Archives Nov 2011: 18
