What must be worn when there is a risk of exposure to blood or bodily fluids?

The most appropriate protective gear to wear when there is a risk of exposure to blood or bodily fluids is latex gloves. These gloves provide a barrier that helps prevent contamination and protect the skin from pathogens that may be present in bodily fluids. Latex gloves are designed to fit snugly and offer a higher degree of tactile sensitivity, which is beneficial for tasks that require precision, such as those performed in an esthetic environment.

Wearing latex gloves is essential for maintaining hygiene and ensuring safety for both the practitioner and the client during procedures that may involve exposure. In addition, latex gloves are effective in preventing cross-contamination, which is crucial when dealing with potentially infectious materials.

While other protective gear, such as cotton gloves, surgical masks, and protective eyewear, serve important functions in various contexts, they do not provide the same level of protection specifically against blood and bodily fluids like latex gloves do. Cotton gloves do not offer a barrier to infectious materials, surgical masks are primarily protective for respiratory exposure, and protective eyewear is aimed at shielding the eyes rather than covering the hands.