What is the proper order for removing personal protective equipment (PPE)?

The proper order for removing personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial for minimizing exposure to contaminants. The correct choice emphasizes the importance of cleaning the outside of gloves first, as they are the part of PPE that is most likely to come into contact with hazardous materials. By cleaning the outside of the gloves, you effectively reduce the risk of transferring contaminants to your skin or clothing during the removal process.

After the gloves have been cleaned, cleaning the outside of other PPE, such as gowns or face shields, follows logically as the next step. This procedure helps ensure that any surfaces that may have been exposed to hazardous substances are decontaminated before the equipment is fully removed.

Other sequences of removal may increase the risk of contamination; for instance, removing gloves last without cleaning them first can lead to direct skin contact with harmful substances when handling other PPE. Furthermore, washing the skin before removing gloves or other PPE would not be effective, as contaminants may still be present on the gloves and can transfer onto the skin, negating the protective measures taken initially.

Overall, the rationale behind the proper order is to maintain a barrier against contaminants until the PPE is safely removed and to minimize any risk of exposure during the process.