If a plumber, pipefitter or apprentice is cut on a jobsite while wearing gloves and is exposed to bloodborne pathogens, what should be done first?

If a plumber, pipefitter or apprentice is cut on a jobsite while wearing gloves and is exposed to bloodborne pathogens, what should be done first?

• A. Wash his/her hands
• B. Apply antiseptic to wound
• C. Remove gloves and continue
• D. Report to supervisor

Answer: (A)

When exposure to bloodborne pathogens occurs on the job, the first step is to decontaminate the skin by washing with soap and running water. Washing the hands right away removes any pathogens that may have crossed the glove boundary or are on the skin, reducing the risk of infection before you do anything else. After washing, you would then remove the gloves properly and follow workplace protocol to report the exposure and seek medical guidance. While antiseptic and reporting are important, they aren’t the immediate first action—the initial decontamination is.

When exposure to bloodborne pathogens occurs on the job, the first step is to decontaminate the skin by washing with soap and running water. Washing the hands right away removes any pathogens that may have crossed the glove boundary or are on the skin, reducing the risk of infection before you do anything else. After washing, you would then remove the gloves properly and follow workplace protocol to report the exposure and seek medical guidance. While antiseptic and reporting are important, they aren’t the immediate first action—the initial decontamination is.