After ensuring your hands are clean during an exposure incident, what should you do next?

After ensuring your hands are clean following an exposure incident, the next step is to put on gloves. This action is crucial because it provides a protective barrier between your skin and any potentially harmful substances or infectious materials. Wearing gloves is a fundamental part of the infection control protocols to prevent the spread of pathogens and to protect both the individual and their clients during the handling of materials that may be contaminated.

While washing hands again, applying hand sanitizer, or disposing of waste materials are important steps in maintaining hygiene and safety, they do not follow the immediate protocol after hand cleanliness in the context of exposure incidents. The focus here shifts to ensuring that you maintain that cleanliness and protection while dealing with any further actions that may be needed post-exposure.