How To Remove Disposable Gloves

The removal of gloves may appear to be a simple task. However, when working in environments where cross contamination must be avoided and infection is a risk, it’s important the correct removal procedures are carried out. 

Whether you work with chemicals, assist patients on a day-to-day basis who may be at risk of infection or work in sterile environments, it’s important the correct care is practiced. Cross contamination can be fatal; something as simple as touching a surface with contaminated hands or getting a harmful substance on your skin can cause serious issues. 

Here we will break down, step-by-step, how to safely remove disposable gloves and what to check for while doing so. 

While removing gloves, the material may be pulled taught - be careful not to let it snap back. This could spray contaminated substances into the environment and increase the risk of cross contamination and infection.  

Using one of your gloved hands, use this to grasp the glove material on the palm of the other hand. Ensure the material does not turn over and touch your skin, grasp it and pull away from your wrist.

As you pull the glove material towards your fingers, ensure it is turning inside out on itself. This will keep any substances inside the gloves and away from your skin.  

Gently scrunch the now removed glove and hold this in your gloved hand. Be careful not to drop this or place it on a work surface. Ensure it is still inside out to avoid any substances dripping onto the work surface or floor. 

Take your index finger, then push this under the cuff of the second glove, careful not to touch the outside and only the skin inside the glove. Gently push the glove material towards your fingers, turning it inside out and over the balled up glove in your hand. Your fingers should only be touching the inside of the second glove.

Immediately dispose of the gloves in the waste bin to ensure the correct procedure for the disposal of PPE. Do not place them down anywhere on the way or take too long to remove them.

It’s very important that you now wash your hands thoroughly. Follow this guide and ensure they are clean and the risk of cross contamination or infection is reduced.

Here are some top tips for when you have to remove your disposable gloves: 

1. Always remove disposable gloves slowly - this removes the risk of splatter and dispersion of contaminating substances. 
2. Never reuse disposable gloves - always throw them away immediately. 
3. Remove gloves close to a bin - to avoid cross contamination of the environment, remove your gloves as close to the waste bin as possible. 
4. Do not pull the material of gloves too tightly - this may cause the gloves to rip or tear, increasing the risk of coming into contact with hazardous substances. 
5. Don’t touch your face or clothes with contaminated gloves or until you have washed your hands after removing your gloves. 
6. Change your gloves if you are working on something new, to avoid cross contamination.

When you or your staff are wearing and removing disposable gloves, it’s a good idea to have regular training in place that ensures everyone is on the same page and that can significantly reduce the risk of people getting this wrong. 

While it may seem harmless, the incorrect removal and disposal of gloves could lead to serious cross contamination issues - that not only put people at risk but the business itself too for not carrying out proper health and safety protocol. 

Read our guide on how to correctly put on gloves here, to ensure you are carrying out the correct technique from the start.