Final answer:
Gloves should be changed before contact with mucous membranes to minimize the risk of cross-contamination and infection. Healthcare workers need to follow strict hygiene protocols including hand washing and glove use.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of health and safety, particularly in medical environments, gloves should be changed before contact with mucous membranes to prevent cross-contamination and the transfer of pathogens. This means that gloves should be changed immediately before beginning any procedure that involves contact with sensitive areas, such as before performing a medical examination, insertion of devices, or other invasive procedures. Healthcare workers are trained to prioritize hygiene and infection control, following strict protocols to wash hands thoroughly after removing gloves and between patient contacts, especially when in contact with bodily fluids or after touching any potentially infectious materials. Wearing gloves and washing hands are essential barriers against pathogen transmission in a clinical setting.