Disposable gloves serve as a barrier to protect the wearer’s hands from hazardous materials and prevent the spread of contamination to the environment or other individuals. Proper removal is just as important as wearing them correctly because the exterior surface of the glove is always considered potentially contaminated. The primary goal of a safe removal technique is to turn the gloves inside out, encapsulating all contaminants and preventing contact with bare skin or clean surfaces. Following a precise procedure ensures that the barrier protection is maintained until the gloves are safely contained for disposal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Safe Glove Removal
The accepted method for removing disposable gloves follows a “glove-to-glove” and “skin-to-skin” principle to ensure the contaminated outer surface never touches bare skin. Start by grasping the outside of one glove near the wrist with the thumb and forefinger of the other gloved hand. This initial pinch should avoid touching the skin of the wrist or forearm.
Next, peel the first glove away from the hand, pulling it off so that it turns completely inside out as it is removed. This action effectively contains the contaminated exterior surface within the inverted shell of the glove. The removed, inside-out glove should be crumpled into a tight ball and held securely in the palm of the remaining gloved hand.
To remove the second glove, slide the fingers of the now bare hand underneath the cuff of the remaining glove, making contact only with the clean interior surface of the glove. Peel this second glove away from the hand, again turning it inside out. This final motion should fully encapsulate the first glove and all contaminants within the second glove, creating a contained package for safe disposal.
Critical Errors to Avoid During Removal
Numerous errors can compromise the removal process, leading to the contamination the gloves were meant to prevent. A common mistake is touching the bare skin of the wrist, forearm, or clothing with the contaminated outer surface during the initial pinch or peel. This transfers pathogens directly to the wearer’s skin or garments, allowing them to be spread to other surfaces.
Another error is snapping or flicking the glove off the hand, which can aerosolize or splatter liquid contaminants. This forceful removal creates a risk of infectious material being sprayed onto the face, eyes, or mucous membranes. Reusing disposable gloves is also a mistake, as it compromises their barrier integrity and increases the risk of cross-contamination.
Rushing the process can lead to failing to fully invert the gloves or dropping them prematurely, exposing the contaminated outer surface to the environment. Using an alcohol-based hand rub on the gloves before removal is counterproductive, as the chemicals can degrade the glove material and create microscopic passages for germs.
Mandatory Steps Following Glove Removal
Once the gloves are removed and contained within the final inverted package, they must be disposed of promptly in a designated waste receptacle. This may be a general trash can or a biohazard container, depending on the contaminants encountered. Never place used gloves on countertops or other clean surfaces, as this defeats the purpose of the careful removal technique.
The most important step after glove removal is performing thorough hand hygiene, even if the removal procedure appeared flawless. Gloves can have micro-punctures, and contamination can occur during the removal process itself.
Hands must be washed with soap and running water for a minimum of 20 seconds, ensuring all surfaces, including between the fingers and under the nails, are scrubbed. If soap and water are not immediately available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol until proper handwashing is possible.