360 Training Food Handlers Practice Exam

What should a food worker do if they have a cut on their hand?

1. Ignore it if it’s small

2. Cover it with a bandage only

3. Cover it with a bandage and wear a disposable glove

4. Resume work immediately

The correct answer is: Cover it with a bandage and wear a disposable glove

When a food worker has a cut on their hand, the appropriate response is to cover the cut with a bandage and wear a disposable glove. This approach is crucial because a cut can harbor bacteria and could potentially lead to contamination of food. By first properly covering the cut with a bandage, the worker is taking initial steps to protect both themselves and the food they handle. Wearing a disposable glove over the bandage further ensures that any microbes that might be present in or around the cut are not transmitted to the food. The combination of both a bandage and a glove is important in maintaining food safety standards in a food handling environment. This practice aligns with health regulations and helps prevent foodborne illnesses, as it acts as a physical barrier to protect food from potential sources of contamination. Other options like ignoring the cut or just covering it with a bandage alone do not provide sufficient protection, and resuming work immediately without addressing the injury is contrary to safe food handling practices. Proper protocol dictates that any cuts or wounds must be managed thoughtfully to ensure the safety of the food supply.