Final answer:
The belief that hand washing is unnecessary after cleaning up an accident site if gloves are worn is false. Hand washing is essential after glove removal to prevent contamination and the spread of infection, especially in healthcare and laboratory settings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that washing hands after cleaning up an accident site is not necessary if gloves were worn is false. It is crucial to practice good hygiene by thoroughly washing hands with soap after removing gloves that were used during clean-up activities, especially in a lab setting or when dealing with hazardous materials. This ensures the removal of any potential contaminants that may have come into contact with the gloves or transferred to the hands upon glove removal. Some materials may have hazardous effects if in extended contact with the skin, making hand washing essential. It is also important to dispose of gloves properly in biohazard garbage after working with cultures or potentially infectious materials.
Health-care workers are also advised to wash their hands thoroughly between patient contacts, and after the removal of gloves to prevent the spread of infection. Similarly, wearing gloves does not eliminate the need for handwashing in surgical settings, where scrubbing is involved to reduce the skin's normal microbiota before procedures.