Protective gloves create a barrier against biological, chemical, or environmental hazards, but their protection is only effective if they are removed correctly. Safe removal prevents the transfer of contaminants from the glove surface to the skin, clothing, or surrounding environment. Improper removal is a leading cause of cross-contamination and self-exposure, defeating the purpose of using personal protective equipment. Established methods ensure the contaminated exterior is contained and never contacts the wearer’s bare skin.
The Standard Removal Technique
The standard procedure for removing contaminated gloves, often called the “glove-in-glove” technique, relies on contact only between contaminated surfaces or clean surfaces. This method begins by grasping the outside of one glove near the cuff using the thumb and index finger of the other gloved hand. Pinch the glove without touching the bare skin or clothing underneath.
The wearer then peels the glove away from the body, pulling it toward the fingertips and turning it completely inside out. This action traps the contaminated outer layer inside the glove. The first, now-removed glove should be wadded into a ball and secured in the palm of the remaining gloved hand.
Next, use the bare fingers of the first hand to slide under the cuff of the remaining glove. This ensures that only the clean, inner surface of the second glove is touched by the bare skin. The bare hand then peels the second glove off, again turning it inside out as it is removed.
As the second glove is peeled away, it encapsulates the first balled-up glove, creating a contained bundle of waste with all contaminated surfaces on the interior. This technique minimizes the risk of aerosolizing hazardous materials and ensures the exterior of the final waste package is clean. When executed properly, this standard procedure leaves the wearer’s hands uncontaminated.
Handling Compromised or Heavily Contaminated Gloves
Situations involving a compromised glove or extreme contamination require adjustments to the standard removal technique. If a glove tears or punctures during use, it must be replaced immediately. The protocol involves carefully removing the damaged glove using the standard method, prioritizing keeping the torn area away from the skin, and then immediately inspecting and washing the hand underneath.
For heavily saturated gloves, such as those soaked with toxic chemicals or biohazardous material, alternative methods reduce direct contact. Specialized tools like tongs or forceps may be used to peel the glove away if the hazard level is too high for the bare hand to approach the cuff of the second glove. If double-gloving was used, the wearer can peel both layers simultaneously using the standard technique, ensuring the outermost contaminated layer is inverted.
If contamination occurs during the removal process, such as the outer glove surface brushing against bare skin, the removal must be paused immediately. The contaminated skin area should be washed or flushed immediately before resuming the procedure to prevent the contamination from spreading. The overarching principle is to contain the hazard while avoiding any forceful movements that could cause splattering or aerosolization of the materials.
Immediate Post-Removal Protocol
Once the gloves have been safely removed and contained, the waste bundle must be disposed of appropriately. The encapsulated gloves must be placed directly into a designated waste receptacle, such as a biohazard bag, a chemical waste container, or a general trash receptacle, depending on the nature of the contamination. Never touch the outside of the disposal container, and ensure the gloves are not discarded in public trash receptacles if they contain substances like bodily fluids or chemicals.
The final and most important step following glove removal is rigorous hand hygiene. Hands must be washed immediately with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds, even if the removal technique appeared flawless. This step eliminates any residual microscopic contaminants that may have transferred during the removal process or through tiny imperfections in the gloves. If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer may be used, although washing with soap is preferred when visible contamination is present.