Selection of Hand Protection
OSHA's hand protection standards focus on the selection of appropriate gloves and other protective equipment based on the hazards present in the workplace, such as chemical exposure, cuts, punctures, abrasions, and thermal hazards.
The ability to absorb substances is why selecting the right type of gloves for the specific job is critical. Therefore, it's essential to collaborate closely with a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supplier to make informed decisions about hand protection. This involves evaluating the performance characteristics of the available hand protection options to ensure they are appropriate for the specific task or chemical being handled.
To select hand protection, assess, analyze, and evaluate the characteristics of the task in which the hand protection is required. To do that, assess and analyze each of the following:
- The specific task(s) being performed.
- The environmental conditions present during the task.
- The frequency and duration of hand protection use while performing the task.
- The hazards to which hand protection will or may be exposed.
- The degree of dexterity of hand protection required for the task.
- The degree of exposure of hand protection to the hazard.
- The physical stresses that will be applied to hand protection.
OSHA is unaware of any gloves that provide protection against all potential hand hazards. Commonly available glove materials provide only limited protection against many chemicals. Therefore, it is important to choose the most suitable gloves for a specific task, determine how long they can be worn, and decide if they can be reused.
Chemicals will eventually soak through or "permeate" most glove materials rendering them unsafe. Gloves can be used safely for limited time periods if specific use and other characteristics (i.e., thickness, permeation rate and time) are known. Your PPE supplier can be an excellent expert source to assist in determining the specific type of glove material that should be worn for a particular chemical.
Before working with any chemical, read the instructions and warnings on chemical container labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs). Recommended glove types are often listed in the section for personal protective equipment. However, it's important to check with your PPE supplier to make sure the list is current and accurate.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
5-5. Chemicals will eventually _____ rendering them unsafe.
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