What should be done with protective clothing before using restrooms?

• A. Keep it on while using the restroom.
• B. Remove and store in designated places.
• C. Dispose of it in regular waste.
• D. Rinse and reuse later.

Answer: (B)

Protective clothing should be removed in a designated area before entering a restroom to prevent bringing contaminants from the restroom back into clean production spaces. Restrooms can harbor microbes, and clothing that has been worn there can transfer those microbes to food-contact surfaces or equipment once you return to work. By removing the gear and storing it in approved containers or changing areas, you contain any potential contamination and then can launder reusable items or dispose of single-use items properly. After removing PPE, wash hands thoroughly and don fresh, clean protective clothing when you return to the work area. Keeping the gear on would risk spreading contaminants, disposing of it in regular waste isn’t appropriate for reusable PPE or proper waste flow, and rinsing and reusing later would reintroduce contaminants.