Which statement best describes when to change gloves?

• A. Dispose of gloves after every hour of use.
• B. Between tasks and students.
• C. Wear the same gloves for all tasks.
• D. Gloves are optional if you feel fine.

Answer: (B)

Changing gloves between tasks and students is essential to prevent cross-contamination. Gloves act as a barrier, but germs can be on the outside and transfer when you move from one task or person to another. By using a fresh pair of gloves for each new task and each student, you reduce the chance that germs or bodily fluids from one activity carry over to the next.

Remember to put on gloves right before starting a task and remove them, with hand hygiene, before touching a new task or another student. Change gloves if they become torn or heavily soiled, or after contact with bodily fluids.

Other habits don’t match safe practice: changing gloves after a fixed time (like every hour) isn’t reliable because contamination depends on the task, not the clock; wearing the same gloves for all tasks increases cross-contamination risk; and gloves aren’t optional—PPE is used to protect both students and staff, regardless of how you feel.