When handling soiled instruments, which of the following is recommended for personal protection?

Heavy utility gloves are recommended for personal protection when handling soiled instruments due to their durability and ability to provide a higher level of barrier protection against sharp objects and potential bloodborne pathogens. These gloves are designed to withstand punctures and tears, reducing the risk of injury to the skin while also preventing contamination from exposure to infectious materials.

In a dental or clinical setting, where instruments may be contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids, wearing heavy utility gloves is essential as they allow the practitioner to safely manage these items without compromising their safety. This is especially important during procedures involving high-risk instruments which could pose significant health risks if mishandled.

While other forms of personal protective equipment like face masks, latex gloves, and goggles play important roles in overall protection, they do not provide the same level of protection against physical hazards posed by handling soiled instruments. For instance, face masks protect the respiratory system, latex gloves offer basic barrier protection for non-invasive procedures, and goggles shield the eyes from splashes, but they do not provide the necessary protection against sharp or contaminated instruments which is critical in this particular context.