Safety Update

Safety Update: Glove Selection and Protection

Personal protective equipment (PPE), as most of us know, is one of the most widely used control methods in any industry. Although it is considered the last level of control to minimize or reduce worker exposure to health and safety hazards, it is essentially the most common.

An important PPE requirement often mis-used or improperly selected for the work tasks are gloves. It is very important that gloves not only fit properly and are comfortable, but that they also match the hazard throughout the entire task cycle in an attempt to eliminate hazard exposure and potential incident. 

There is no universal glove appropriate for all uses, therefore, it is important to consider the following steps when choosing a compatible glove: 

• What substance or chemical will be used?
• How long will you be in contact with the substance or chemical?
• Is dexterity important for your work?
• Will you be working with biological materials?
• Is there a potential for cuts, abrasions or punctures?

• Review manufacturer specifications for gloves.
• Check the MSDS for substances and chemicals to determine glove type.
• Work with a company safety professional or the glove sales representative to find the right glove. 

• Butyl Rubber : good choice for aldehydes, ketones, and esters 
• Latex: good choice for biological materials 
• Natural Rubber : resists acids and caustics 
• Neoprene: wide range of resistance to solvents, acids, caustics, and alcohols 
• Nitrile: good choice for biological materials, as well as puncture and abrasion resistance 
• Poly-Vinyl Chloride (PVC) : resists acids but not petroleum solvents 
• Viton: excellent resistance to chlorinated and aromatic solvents 
• Kevlar: hard to abrade and cut resistant

3.  Ensure the right fit and comfort level. Gloves do not have a ‘one size fits all’ rule. A wide variety of sizing should be supplied for all types of gloves.

4. Train employees in the care, use and maintenance of their gloves. Gloves can become permeable over time and sustain damage.  Keep the following in mind:

• Before each use, gloves should be inspected for discoloration, punctures, and tears. Rubber and plastic gloves may be checked by inflating with air and submersing them in water to check for air bubbles.
• Employees need to know what types of gloves can be washed with a compatible solvent or soap and re-used. They also need to know which types should be disposed of after use.
• Employees need to understand how and when to remove gloves. Prior to leaving the immediate work area, gloves should be removed to prevent contamination of door knobs, light switches and telephones. 

For more information on this topic see the latest issue of Canadian Occupational Safety magazine.

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