EDC Magazine is supported by its audience. When you purchase via our links, we may get a commission. Learn more

When Using Single-use Gloves, You Are Required to

Fact checked by Andrew Carnegie

when using single use gloves you are required to

Single-use gloves help prevent food contamination and diseases, but only when wearers apply appropriate practices. So, what are the requirements when wearing disposable gloves?

When using single-use gloves, you are required to follow four principles:

  • Choose the right gloves for the task
  • Wash your hands before donning gloves
  • Don and doff gloves correctly
  • Change gloves when necessary

Below, we’ll explain each principle and why you should follow it strictly.

Requirements When Using Single-use Gloves

1. Only wear appropriate gloves for the task

Improper gloves are useless against hazards, so always wear the right gloves for your task. Note that:

  • Your gloves must be approved by the FDA.
  • Your gloves must be able to handle the hazards at the job site.
  • The gloves should fit your hands properly. Loose gloves can’t stay on, while tight gloves split easily.
  • You should have more than one type of gloves, each is for a specific task. For example, long gloves are for mixing salads and short gloves are for cutting food.
  • You should not reuse disposable gloves.

2. Wash your hands before putting on disposable gloves

which-situation-requires-a-food-handler-to-wear-gloves

Contamination might occur after you use the bathroom, cough, sneeze, or smoke. Before donning gloves, you must wash your hands to eliminate all contaminants and infections. Follow this procedure:

  • Lather your hands and wrists with soap
  • Rub your hands for at least 20 seconds, paying attention to under the fingernails and between fingers
  • Rinse thoroughly with clean water
  • Dry with a towel

3. Don and doff gloves correctly

single-use-gloves-should-be-worn-when

Single-use gloves should be worn when you handle ready-to-eat food, remember to don and doff them correctly.

  • Hold gloves at the edge to don
  • Avoid touching the gloves
  • Check for rips or tears before using gloves
  • Don’t blow into gloves or roll them to don
  • Don’t wash and reuse disposable gloves

4. Change gloves when necessary

change-single-use-gloves

Disposable gloves are not flawless; they might lose their protective functions from time to time. Under these circumstances, you must take off the gloves, wash your hands, and change single-use gloves:

  • When you switch between raw food (e.g., beef, lamb, poultry, fish)
  • When you switch between ready-to-eat food
  • When the gloves show signs of deterioration
  • When you stop the task to do something else, such as listening to a phone call.
  • After four hours of continuous use of one pair

However, be aware that changing and wearing gloves when unnecessary is not encouraged. It results in more trash in landfills and is a waste of resources.

In food service, you don’t need gloves during washing procedures or when handling ready-to-eat ingredients that will be cooked to the right temperature.

FAQs

single-use-gloves-are-required-when

1. Which situation requires a food handler to wear gloves?

Food handlers must wear gloves when touching ready-to-eat food. If the handlers have open wounds, cuts, or burns on their hand, they must wear gloves during all food preparation procedures.

2. Is a short-order cook required to wear gloves?

As mentioned above, single-use gloves are required when workers touch ready-to-eat food. So, short-order cooks only need to wear gloves if they touch the food. Otherwise, they can use forks, spatulas, or tongs.

3. How to doff disposable gloves correctly?

You should grasp the cuff and peel them inside out. Then, dispose of them in an appropriate container.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when using single-use gloves, you are required to follow four rules: wearing the right gloves, washing your hands, donning and doffing gloves properly, and switching gloves if necessary.

When handlers apply inappropriate practices, the food they prepare might become unsafe. Don’t forget to save this article so you can reread the precautions when in need.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comment section. We will get to you as soon as we can. Thank you!

5/5 - (2 votes)