What is the most practical universal precaution after contamination?

Soap and water is the most practical universal precaution after contamination because it effectively removes dirt, pathogens, and other contaminants from the skin. When hands come into contact with potentially infectious materials, washing with soap and water is crucial to eliminate the risk of disease transmission. This method not only cleans but also helps to reduce the microbial load on the skin significantly.

While other options, such as disinfectant wipes, can also be effective for cleaning surfaces or for quick hand sanitation when soap and water are not available, they do not provide the level of thoroughness that washing with soap and water does. A hazmat suit is typically used in extreme situations involving hazardous materials and is not practical for everyday contamination scenarios. Face masks help prevent inhalation of airborne pathogens but do not address contamination on the skin or surfaces. Therefore, using soap and water is the most practical and widely recommended response to contamination in standard first aid practice.