When cleaning a surface contaminated by blood, what safety precaution should be taken?

Using protective gloves when cleaning a surface contaminated by blood is essential for several reasons. Gloves act as a barrier between the skin and harmful pathogens commonly found in blood, such as viruses and bacteria. This precaution helps prevent direct contact with potentially infectious materials, thereby reducing the risk of transmission of bloodborne diseases.

Additionally, wearing gloves allows for safer handling of cleaning materials and surfaces without the risk of contaminating one's hands. It’s important to consider that just wearing a mask or using hand sanitizer does not provide sufficient protection against the hazards presented by blood. Masks primarily protect the respiratory system but do not address skin exposure, while hand sanitizer is not effective for cleaning contaminated surfaces. Skipping the cleaning process entirely poses a significant health risk to anyone who may come into contact with the contaminated area. Therefore, wearing protective gloves is a critical step in maintaining safety and hygiene in situations involving blood contamination.