What should be worn during surface sampling to ensure safety?

When conducting surface sampling in an occupational hygiene context, wearing disposable gloves is essential for several reasons. First and foremost, gloves act as a barrier between the skin and potentially hazardous substances that may be present on surfaces. This is crucial for preventing dermal exposure to chemicals, biological agents, or particulate matter that could result in skin irritation or contamination.

Additionally, gloves help ensure the integrity of the samples being collected, as they minimize the chance of cross-contamination from the sampler’s hands to the surface or vice versa. This is particularly important in ensuring that the collected samples accurately reflect the conditions present in the environment being monitored, which is vital for effective risk assessment and management.

While protective eyewear, face masks, and hearing protection are important in certain contexts, they do not specifically address the direct contact risks posed during surface sampling, making disposable gloves the most relevant choice for ensuring safety in this scenario.