When throwing out disposable gloves, it’s important to follow proper procedures to minimize any potential risks. It is necessary for your hands to not touch the outside of the gloves that contain the contaminants you were trying to avoid. Here are some guidelines on how to safely throw out disposable gloves:
Remove the gloves carefully
Grasp the outside of one glove near the wrist and peel it off, turning it inside out
Hold the removed glove in your gloved hand
Slide your fingers under the remaining glove’s wrist and peel it off, also turning it inside out, so that the first glove is now wrapped inside the second glove
Do not touch the exterior of the gloves
Avoid touching the outer surface of the gloves with your bare hands. This helps prevent potential contamination.
Seal the gloves
Once both gloves are removed and bundled together, ensure they are securely sealed. This can be done by rolling the gloves into a ball or by folding them together. By doing so, you reduce the risk of any potential pathogens coming into contact with others.
Place gloves in a waste container
Dispose of the sealed gloves in an appropriate waste container. If you are at home, you can use a lined trash bin, or a plastic bag designated for waste disposal. If possible, put them in a bag and put the bag in the garbage bin outside that goes to the curb. This helps prevent the spread of germs.
Follow the waste disposal guidelines provided by your local authorities or healthcare facility if you are in a medical or clinical setting.
Practice good hand hygiene
After disposing of the gloves, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm to hot water for at least 20 seconds. This step helps ensure that any potential contaminants on your hands are properly removed. If time passes between doffing and donning a new pair, make sure to wash your hands before putting on the new pair of gloves.
Conclusion
It’s worth noting that the specific disposal guidelines may vary depending on your location and the purpose for which the gloves were used. If you are in a healthcare or laboratory setting, it is essential to follow the practices set by your institution, as they may have specific procedures for disposing of potentially hazardous materials.
Always prioritize safety and hygiene when handling and disposing of disposable gloves to minimize the risk of contamination or transmission of harmful substances, bacteria, or viruses.
