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Universal Precautions: Gloves

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Medical gloves should be worn whenever handling exposed or used supplies, especially those that might be used to prepare or use injection drugs such as syringes, cottons, cookers, tourniquets, and ascorbic acid. Gloves should be changed often, especially between activities or participants.

To remove gloves, first grasp the outside of one glove at the wrist without touching your bare skin. Next peel the glove away from your body, turning it inside out. Then, holding the glove you have just removed in your gloved hand, peel off the second glove by placing the finger of your clean hand into the top of the glove and rolling it back. This avoids cross-contamination.

Harm reduction workers are also encouraged to wear thick leather or rubber work gloves for environmental cleanup and clearing areas of sharps.

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