Disposable gloves provide a physical barrier between the wearer and physical hazards such as bacteria and viruses. However, it is important that we dispose of this physical barrier correctly. Incorrect disposal of gloves can result in viruses and bacteria spreading due to cross contamination.
If you have been wearing disposable gloves you need to remember that the germs that you are trying to avoid by wearing gloves, are more than likely on the gloves. This means you need to be very mindful of anything that you touch while wearing the gloves. If you suspect that your gloves are contaminated, you should take off the contaminated disposable gloves, safely dispose of them, and then don or put on a fresh new pair of disposable gloves. An easy way to remember this is in between any activity that you deem as a high risk, safely dispose of the disposable gloves used for that activity and put on a new pair for the next activity.
Used disposable gloves need to be carefully placed in a rubbish bin or a designated area for disposal. If disposable gloves are not properly disposed of and are left lying around or dropped on the ground, then this presents serious issues to both human health and the environment. In Australia there is a company called TerraCycle that can recycle used disposable gloves. If you are interested in recycling your used disposable gloves find out how you can with TerraCycle here.
During the COVID-19 pandemic more people have been using gloves than ever before in recorded history. Members of the general public are using disposable gloves for the first time and many have not been taught how to remove disposable gloves and how to safely dispose of disposable gloves.
The Glove Company have created an easy to follow step by step info-graphic which you can find below.
If you have any questions reach out to our Glove Experts here or you can view our range of protective disposable gloves here.