CHOOSING THE RIGHT GLOVEby Sheryl Hoffmann BSc, Grad Dip Occ Health

WHY DO WE WEAR GLOVES?

Mechanical hazardsCutsPunctures including needles and broken glassFriction / Abrasion

ThermalContact with extreme coldContact with extreme heatFlameRadiant heatMolten metals

BiologicalMicrogiological OrganismsEnzymesIrritatant plantsSensitisers

WHY DO WE WEAR GLOVES?Vibration

Electric Shock

Radiation

ChemicalsCorrosive eg acidsToxic eg pesticides, laboratory chemicalsProvoke allergic reactions / sensitisers eg latexProlonged contact with waterContact with dirt, oil and grease

WHEN SHOULD GLOVES BE WORN?

Protective gloves should be worn when a risk assessment of the task to be performed, has identify hazards that can be minimised by the wearing of gloves.

 The wearing of gloves is the least desirable alternative when selecting a control measure using the Hierarchy of Controls. Often they are worn if other more preferred measures, do not sufficiently minimise the risks.

ALTERNATIVES TO GLOVES

Rather than immersing hands in to a container of chemicals consider the use of: Forceps Crucible Tongs Baskets A magnetic flea retriever

Dishwashers are an alternate to washing glassware by hand

PROBLEMS WITH GLOVES

Reduced dexterity Reduced tactile sensation Accumulation of sweat Allergic reactions Time to put on and take off Poor fit or comfort Cost Maintenance and cleaning Inconvenient and interference with the work Workplace conditions – heat, wet work, repetitive

movement

WHAT NEEDS TO BE CONSIDERED WHEN SELECTING GLOVES?

Hazards to be protected against Size Comfort and fit Glove construction Liners  Disposable or reusable Level of Dexterity Ensure No Additional Hazards Are

Introduced Risks From Chemical Exposure

SIZE

WHAT NEEDS TO BE CONSIDERED WHEN SELECTING GLOVES?

Hazards to be protected against Size Comfort and fit Glove construction Liners  Disposable or reusable Level of Dexterity Ensure No Additional Hazards Are

Introduced Risks From Chemical Exposure

GLOVE CONSTRUCTIONSupported vs Unsupported

Cuffs & Cuff length – gauntlet

Seamed vs Knitted

WHAT NEEDS TO BE CONSIDERED WHEN SELECTING GLOVES?

Hazards to be protected against Size Comfort and fit Glove construction Liners  Disposable or reusable Level of Dexterity Ensure No Additional Hazards Are

Introduced Risks From Chemical Exposure

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF GLOVES MATERIAL  

There are three factors that affect the physical characteristics of glove material: degradation permeation breakthrough time

DEGRADATION

The chemical changes the physical and/or chemical properties of the glove.

This is often (but not always) visible to the naked eye.

Signs of degradation include swelling, loss of flexibility, tackiness etc

PENETRATION

PERMEATION

PERMEATION

There are two factors to consider when looking at permeation of a chemical through a glove. Permeation rate - the rate at

which a substance permeates the glove material.

Breakthrough time - the time elapsed between initial contact of a chemical with the outside surface of the glove material and the time at which the chemical can be detected at the inside surface of the material

PERMEATION

WEARING, CLEANING AND DISPOSAL

Wash hands before and after using gloves Cover cuts with a non-absorbent dressing Inspect the glove prior to use Replace disposable gloves often Never reuse disposable gloves Reused non-disposable gloves with caution Store gloves away from direct sunlight or

extremes of temperature.

AS/NZS 2161 - Occupational Protective Gloves

Part 1 – Selection, use and maintenancePart 2 – General requirementsPart 3 – Protection against mechanical risksPart 4 - Protection against thermal risks (heat and fire)Part 5 - Protection against coldPart 6 – Protective gloves for fire-fighters Part 7 - Protection against cuts and stabs by hand knivesPart 8 - Protection against Ionizing radiation and radioactive contaminationPart 9 – Method of measurement and evaluation of the vibration transmissibility of gloves at the palm of the hand Part 10 – Protective gloves against chemicals and microorganisms

MECHANICAL HAZARDS

MECHANICAL HAZARDS

HEAT

COLD

CHEMICAL

EXAMPLES OF GLOVES FOR THE LABORATORY OFFICER Nitrile Latex Ansell Super Glove Leather gauntlet Maxicut Vinyl Food handling

EXAMPLES OF GLOVES FOR STUDENTS Latex (& Nitrite is allergic) Polyethylene

OTHER GLOVES

OTHER GLOVES

OTHER GLOVES Black NitrilePro-Val catalogueHexArmor