Which glove policy is recommended during chemical or blood exposure procedures?

• A. Leather gloves
• B. Single-use disposable gloves
• C. Reusable gloves
• D. No gloves

Answer: (B)

Using gloves that are single-use and disposable is the best approach for chemical or blood exposure procedures. These gloves create an effective barrier between your hands and any potentially harmful substances, helping to prevent contamination of both you and the client. Because they’re intended for one-time use, you can discard them after a procedure or if they become torn or contaminated, which minimizes the risk of cross-contamination to the next client or task.

Leather gloves aren’t designed to protect against chemicals or bloodborne pathogens and can absorb liquids, making contamination easier to transfer. Reusable gloves require cleaning and may degrade with chemical exposure, increasing the chance of leaks or harboring residual pathogens. Going without gloves leaves you and the client exposed to potential hazards. Always ensure the gloves are intact, change them if damaged, and remove them properly before touching anything else, followed by hand hygiene.