The Infection Prevention Society (IPS) has joined the British Infection Association and Healthcare Infection Society in publishing a position statement on the appropriate use of gloves in health and social care.
The statement highlights the important link between infection prevention and sustainability. While gloves are essential when there is a risk of exposure to blood or body fluids, they are often used when they are not needed. In these situations, effective hand hygiene can provide better protection while also reducing unnecessary waste.
Members of the IPS Sustainability SIG were involved in developing the position statement, with Graham Pike (SIG Coordinator) stating: “Sustainability is an important part of good infection prevention practice. Using gloves when they are not needed creates unnecessary waste and environmental impact, without providing additional protection. This position statement helps us take a more balanced, risk-based approach that keeps patients and staff safe while reducing avoidable waste.”
Reducing unnecessary glove use can have a significant environmental impact. The statement estimates that a 10% reduction in NHS glove use could save around 3,900 tonnes of CO₂e emissions every year – equivalent to around 22,000 return car journeys between London and Glasgow.
The position statement reinforces that glove use should be based on a risk assessment, taking into account the task and potential exposure, rather than being used automatically.
This is an important step towards making infection prevention practice safer, more sustainable and more efficient across health and social care.
