What is the best way to avoid accidental exposure to bodily fluids and bloodborne pathogens?

Wearing gloves is a critical practice in preventing accidental exposure to bodily fluids and bloodborne pathogens. Gloves serve as a physical barrier between the skin and any potentially infectious materials, significantly reducing the risk of contamination during procedures that may involve exposure to blood or other bodily fluids. This is particularly important in environments like salons or spas, where the risk of exposure can arise from various treatments, such as hair cutting, coloring, or esthetic services.

While using barriers, frequent hand washing, and proper waste disposal also play important roles in infection control and maintaining hygiene, they do not provide the direct and immediate protection that gloves do during procedures that may involve exposure to pathogens. Gloves are designed specifically for this purpose and are recommended as a first line of defense when handling any materials that could contain these pathogens.