Final answer:
Yes, it is necessary to wash hands after removing gloves used in cleaning up an accident site, as part of proper hygiene and safety protocols.
Step-by-step explanation:
If gloves are worn when cleaning up an accident site, it is necessary to wash the hands afterward. This practice is essential because, despite the use of gloves, there may be contamination on the hands after glove removal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and standard safety protocols in both laboratory and healthcare settings emphasize the importance of hand hygiene. After handling and disposing of hazardous materials, hand washing with soap is crucial to ensure that any potential contaminants are removed. Hand washing is not just about removing visible dirt; it helps to reduce the microbial load and prevent the spread of infections. When it comes to safety measures such as glove use, it is part of personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols to wash hands as a complementary action to wearing gloves.