Final answer:
Employees who contact contaminated laundry should primarily wear gloves to protect against contamination. Additional PPE like gowns and safety glasses may be required depending on facility protocols and the level of contamination.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of personal protective equipment worn by employees who have contact with contaminated laundry is primarily gloves. However, depending on the level of contamination and the protocols of the facility, additional personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gowns, safety glasses, or face masks might also be required. When handling potentially infectious materials, it is crucial to ensure that no direct contact occurs between the skin and the contaminants. Immediately washing with detergent and warm water following any contact is essential, and further disinfection with solutions such as 1 N NaOH or a bleach dilution is often recommended. Proper disposal of gloves and other PPE in accordance with biohazard protocols is also critical to maintaining a safe environment.
Employees are advised to wear gloves when dealing with biohazardous materials, like contaminated laundry, ensuring protection against potential infection. Work areas have strict protocols for PPE to prevent occupational exposure to various hazardous agents. In high-risk environments such as BSL-4 laboratories, the use of protective suits with an independent air supply is mandatory to minimize exposure risks.