During cleanup, what should you do with protective clothing while still wearing the respirator?

• A. Remove the protective clothing and place items in a plastic bag
• B. Remove the respirator first
• C. Leave clothing on until later
• D. Wash clothing and reuse

Answer: (A)

During cleanup, remove the protective clothing and place the contaminated items in a plastic bag while you keep wearing the respirator. This approach minimizes the chance that residues on the outer clothing spread to your skin, other surfaces, or the environment as you move, and it protects you from inhaling any aerosolized residues that could be stirred up. Bagging the clothing contains the contamination so it can be disposed of or laundered properly. After the outer gear is removed and contained, proceed with any necessary decontamination steps and then remove the respirator in a clean area. Leaving clothing on or washing and reusing it without proper containment can increase the risk of recontamination or spread, and removing the respirator too early could expose you to inhaled residues.