Hand Protection
It's important that employers select and require employees to use appropriate hand protection when exposed to any of the hazards listed below:
- hazardous chemicals that can cause burns, rashes, and internal injury;
- cuts or lacerations;
- abrasions;
- punctures;
- thermal burns; and
- harmful temperature extremes.
Make sure safety gloves are the correct type for the specific substance.
Glove Guide
Below is a guide to the most common types of protective work gloves and the types of hazards they can guard against:
- Disposable Gloves: Disposable gloves, usually made of light-weight plastic, can help guard against mild irritants.
- Fabric Gloves: These gloves are made of cotton or fabric blends. They're generally used to improve grip when handling slippery objects. They also help insulate hands from mild heat or cold.
- Leather Gloves: These gloves are used to guard against injuries from sparks or scraping against rough surfaces. They are also used in combination with an insulated liner when working with electricity.
- Metal Mesh Gloves: These gloves are used to protect hands from accidental cuts and scratches. They are used most commonly by persons working with cutting tools or other sharp instruments.
- Aluminized Gloves: These gloves made of aluminized fabric are designed to insulate hands from intense heat. These gloves are most commonly used by persons working with molten materials.
- Chemical Resistance Gloves: These gloves may be made of rubber, neoprene, polyvinyl alcohol or vinyl, etc. The gloves protect hands from corrosives, oils, and solvents. When selecting chemical resistance gloves, be sure to consult the manufacturer's recommendations, especially if the gloved hand will be immersed in the chemical.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-3. What kind of gloves would you wear if you had to come into contact with very sharp cutting tools?
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