Gloves:
Wear disposable gloves when dealing with blood, body fluids, broken/grazed skin and mucous membranes (e.g. eyes, nose, mouth). This includes activities such as:
- Nappy changing.
- Cleaning potties.
- Cleaning up blood – e.g. after a fall or a nose bleed.
- General cleaning.
- Handling waste.
- Gloves should be single use and well fitting.
Change gloves:
- After caring for each child.
- After doing different care activities on the same child.
- Wash hands after gloves are removed.
- Remember gloves are not a substitute for handwashing.
Types of Gloves:
- Disposable non-powdered latex or nitrile gloves are recommended. Synthetic vinyl gloves may also be used but users should be aware that gloves made of natural rubber latex or nitrile have better barrier properties and are more suitable for dealing with spillages of blood or body fluids.
- Gloves should conform with the European Community Standard (CE marked).
- Polythene gloves are not recommended as these gloves tear easily and do not have good barrier properties.
- Latex free gloves should be provided for staff or children who have latex allergy.
How to Remove Gloves:
- Peel the first glove back from the wrist.
- Turn the glove inside out as it is being removed. Remove the glove completely and hold in the opposite hand.
- Remove the second glove by placing a finger inside the glove and peeling it back. Pull the glove off over the first glove.
- The outside surface of the glove should not be touched.
- Handwashing should be performed following glove removal.
Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
