What is the first personal protective equipment (PPE) item that should be removed after completing work?

The first personal protective equipment (PPE) item that should be removed after completing work is gloves. This is because gloves are often used to protect the hands from direct contact with hazardous materials, chemicals, or biological agents. Removing gloves first minimizes the risk of contaminating your skin or face, especially when they may have come into contact with potentially harmful substances.

When you remove gloves, it's important to do so carefully to avoid any splashes or transfers of contaminants to your skin. Following glove removal, other PPE items can be removed in a manner that allows for additional precautions against any remaining risks. For instance, a lab coat, mask, or goggles can be removed afterward to reduce the chance of touching unclean surfaces with clean hands. Therefore, gloves are prioritized for removal to maintain safety protocols after working in a potentially hazardous environment.