Hand and Arm Protection
If employees are at risk of hand or arm injuries from hazards that cannot be effectively controlled, safety gloves are essential. Gloves can protect your hands and prevent injury.
Gloves can really save your hands.
When hand and arm protection is necessary, employers must select and ensure that employees wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves, finger guards, arm coverings, or elbow-length gloves.
Factors When Selecting Protective Gloves
The following are examples of some factors that may influence the selection of protective gloves for a workplace.
- type of chemicals handled
- nature of contact (total immersion, splash, etc.)
- duration of contact
- area requiring protection (hand only, forearm, arm)
- grip requirements (dry, wet, oily)
- thermal protection
- size and comfort
- abrasion/resistance requirements
A wide variety of gloves are designed for many types of workplace hazards. In general, gloves fall into four groups:
- Leather, canvas or metal mesh gloves: Sturdy gloves made from metal mesh, leather or canvas provide protection against cuts and burns. Leather or canvas gloves also protect against sustained heat.
- Fabric and coated fabric gloves: Fabric and coated fabric gloves are made of cotton or other fabric to provide varying degrees of protection.
- Chemical- and liquid-resistant gloves: Chemical-resistant gloves are made with different kinds of rubber: natural, butyl, neoprene, nitrile and fluorocarbon (viton); or various kinds of plastic: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl alcohol and polyethylene. These materials can be blended or laminated for better performance. As a general rule, the thicker the glove material, the greater the chemical resistance but thick gloves may impair grip and dexterity, having a negative impact on safety.
- Insulating rubber gloves: See 29 CFR 1910.137 for more requirements on the selection, use and care of insulating rubber gloves.
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1-5. What type of gloves protect against sustained heat?
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