Which practice does NOT contribute to cross-contamination control?

Which practice does NOT contribute to cross-contamination control?

• A. Wearing clean gloves for each task
• B. Sharing gloves between workers
• C. Decontaminating PPE between tasks
• D. Handling contaminated items away from clean areas

Answer: (B)

Cross-contamination control hinges on preventing the transfer of hazardous contaminants between tasks, people, and areas by using a fresh barrier for each step and by keeping clean and dirty work separate. Using clean gloves for each task ensures you start with a fresh barrier and prevents residue from one step from contaminating the next. Decontaminating PPE between tasks removes any leftover contaminants so the next task begins in a safer state. Handling contaminated items away from clean areas minimizes the chance those contaminants spread to surfaces, tools, or personnel. Sharing gloves between workers does the opposite: it transfers contaminants and breaks the barrier, increasing the risk of spreading contamination.

Cross-contamination control hinges on preventing the transfer of hazardous contaminants between tasks, people, and areas by using a fresh barrier for each step and by keeping clean and dirty work separate. Using clean gloves for each task ensures you start with a fresh barrier and prevents residue from one step from contaminating the next. Decontaminating PPE between tasks removes any leftover contaminants so the next task begins in a safer state. Handling contaminated items away from clean areas minimizes the chance those contaminants spread to surfaces, tools, or personnel. Sharing gloves between workers does the opposite: it transfers contaminants and breaks the barrier, increasing the risk of spreading contamination.