What is the proper first step in removing all PPE after pesticide application?

• A. Wash gloves and footwear with soap and water.
• B. Take coveralls or shirt off and place in plastic container or bag.
• C. Remove footwear.
• D. Rewash gloves.

Answer: (A)

The step being tested focuses on minimizing how pesticide residues are transferred during the doffing process. Cleaning the gloves and footwear with soap and water first reduces the amount of residue on the surfaces you touch as you begin removing the rest of the PPE, lowering the risk of contaminating your hands or skin as gear comes off. This pre-cleaning helps prevent cross-contamination before you proceed with taking off the remaining PPE and washing exposed skin later.

Removing footwear or re-washing gloves without this initial surface cleaning wouldn’t as effectively cut down on transfer during the initial doffing actions, and taking off outer garments first can risk contaminating more areas as you continue the removal.