Infection Control Q & A

Q: What are the federal guidelines and regulations concerning the use of utility-style gloves for housekeeping (as opposed to latex gloves worn by patient care workers)?

A: The first published statement regarding the use of utility gloves for cleaning activities is noted in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for "Prevention of Transmission of HIV and HBV to Health-care and Public Safety Workers" in February 1989. In this document, the following statement is made: "Use general-purpose utility gloves (e.g. rubber household gloves) for housekeeping chores involving blood contact and for instrument cleaning and decontamination procedures. Utility gloves may be decontaminated and reused but should be discarded if they are cracked or discolored, or they have punctures, tears, or other evidence of deterioration."

Second, in December 1991 the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published the bloodborne pathogens regulation CFR 19101.1030 which addressed this issue in its preamble on page 64136 restating the CDC statement. Then, in the body of the bloodborne pathogens standard — 1910.1030(d)(3)(ix)(B) — the following is stated: "Utility gloves may be discarded if they are cracked, peeling, torn, punctured, or exhibit other signs of deterioration, or when their ability to function as a barrier is compromised." It should also be noted that in the personal protection equipment standard from OSHA, OSHA 3077, 1994 (Revised), glove selection is to be based on the risk and one risk noted is — absorption of chemicals. The purpose of utility gloves is to offer additional protection to staff from chemicals used in the cleaning/decontamination process.

The use of utility gloves for cleaning/decontamination activities has other benefits: reduction in the use of latex gloves and cost reduction because utility gloves can be washed off between uses.

—Answer by Katherine West, BSN, MSEd, CIC, Infection Control Consultant, Infection Control/Emerging Concepts, Manassas, VA n