Gloves & Hand Protection

Hazard Assessment and Glove Selection:

Chemical Hazards:

• • Scenario: Handling mold cleaning solutions during mold remediation.

  • Detailed Action: Consult chemical resistance charts provided by glove manufacturers. These charts specify the breakthrough time (how long a chemical takes to penetrate the glove) for various chemicals and glove materials.

  • Example: For strong disinfectants, nitrile or neoprene gloves with appropriate thickness and length are essential.

  • Specifics: Understand that different glove materials react differently to various chemicals. A latex glove might protect against some products, but degrade quickly when exposed to certain solvents.

Mechanical Hazards:

• • Scenario: Demolition work with exposed nails and jagged metal.

  • Detailed Action: Prioritize cut-resistant gloves made with Kevlar or Dyneema, combined with leather reinforcement for added durability.

  • Example: When using power tools, ensure gloves provide vibration dampening to prevent hand-arm vibration syndrome.

  • Specifics: Reinforce high ware areas of the gloves, such as the fingertips, and palms.

Thermal Hazards:

• • Scenario: Welding or working near hot surfaces.

  • Detailed Action: Use insulated leather gloves or specialized welding gloves that are heat-resistant and flame-retardant.

  • Example: When working in extreme cold, use insulated gloves with a waterproof outer layer to prevent frostbite.

  • Specifics: Understand that radiant heat, and conductive heat require different types of thermal protection.

Biological Hazards:

• • Scenario: Sewage cleanup or mold remediation with potential for bloodborne pathogens.

  • Detailed Action: Use nitrile gloves that provide a barrier against microorganisms. Ensure gloves are disposed of properly after use.

  • Example: When dealing with contaminated materials, consider double-gloving for added puncture protection.

  • Specifics: Understand that some biological hazards can transfer through the skin, even without cuts present.

Puncture Hazards:

• • Scenario: Handling debris containing sharp objects like broken glass or needles.

  • Detailed Action: Use puncture-resistant gloves with reinforced palms and fingertips.

  • Example: When dealing with used medical waste, use gloves that are rated for puncture resistance, and biohazard protection.

  • Specifics: Understand that the thickness of the glove, and the material that the glove is made from will effect puncture resistance.

Advanced Glove Considerations:

Dexterity vs. Protection:

• • Finding the right balance is essential. Thicker gloves offer more protection but can reduce dexterity.

  • Consider tasks requiring fine motor skills and choose gloves that allow for sufficient dexterity without compromising safety.

Glove Fit and Comfort:

• • Ill-fitting gloves can cause discomfort and reduce productivity.

  • Provide a range of glove sizes and materials to accommodate individual preferences.

  • Understand that sweat can build up in gloves, leading to frequent removal & replacement.

Glove Maintenance and Disposal:

• • Inspect gloves regularly for damage or defects.

  • Clean and disinfect reusable gloves according to manufacturer instructions.

  • Dispose of contaminated gloves properly to prevent the spread of hazards.

  • Understand that some gloves can be washed, and reused, while others are single use.

Layered Protection:

• • In highly hazardous situations, consider layering gloves for added protection.

  • For example, wearing a cut-resistant glove beneath a chemical-resistant glove.

    • This option requires oversized chemical-resistant gloves, which leads to issues with dexterity.

Training and Education:

Hazard Awareness:

• • Ask about the specific hand hazards present on the job site.

  • Ask about additional training on the proper selection, use, and care of gloves.

Hands-On Training:

• • Ask for hands-on demonstrations of proper glove donning and doffing techniques.

Regular Refreshers:

• • Ask about regular refresher training to reinforce safety practices.

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a disorder that affects the blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and joints of the hand, wrist, and arm. It's caused by prolonged exposure to vibrations, typically from using hand-held power tools.  

Think of it like this: Imagine shaking your hand vigorously for hours every day. Over time, this constant shaking can damage the delicate tissues in your hand and arm. That's similar to what happens with HAVS.

The vibrations can cause:

• Vascular issues: This can lead to "vibration white finger" (VWF), where fingers turn white and numb in the cold, then become red and painful as blood flow returns.

• Neurological issues: This can cause tingling, numbness, and a reduced ability to feel things properly in the fingers. It can also lead to a loss of strength and dexterity.

• Musculoskeletal issues: Aches and pains in the hands and arms can develop.

The symptoms can start mild and come and go, but with continued exposure to vibration, they can become permanent and significantly impact a person's ability to perform everyday tasks and work.