Hands can be injured from a variety of hazards, such as impact, burns from hot materials, freezing materials, or corrosive chemicals, excessive vibration, cuts, punctures, and skin sensitization. In addition, toxic effects from chemicals that absorb through intact skin and enter the bloodstream can cause permanent organ damage. Human pathogens can cause disease upon contact with skin or from entering the bloodstream through breaks in the skin.
- Avoid latex gloves, as latex can cause an allergic reaction over time.
- Use the right glove for the hazard.
- Conduct a hazard assessment before deciding on the type of glove to use. It can be worse to use the wrong glove than no glove at all because the user may have a false sense of protection.
Wear proper protective gloves for potential contact with corrosive or toxic materials, materials of unknown toxicity, sharp-edged objects, and very hot or cold materials. Select gloves based on the material handled, the particular hazard involved, and their suitability for the operation conducted.
- Not every glove is good for every application. Perform a risk assessment BEFORE making your selection.
- Use disposable surgical-type gloves for incidental contact. Use heavy-duty gloves for non-incidental contact and gross contamination.
- Wear sturdier gloves such as leather for handling broken glassware, inserting glass tubes into rubber stoppers, and similar operations where you do not need protection from chemicals.
- Use insulated gloves when working at temperature extremes. Note that gloves worn for working with elevated temperatures may not be appropriate for working with extremely low-temperature liquids.
Tools for Choosing the Right Glove for the Hazard
Manufacturers of gloves provide charts that show compatibility with chemicals and include information such as permeation rates. It is important to know that not all gloves made of the same materials are equal. Different manufacturing techniques, glove thickness, quality controls and other factors impact the protection offered. Use the manufacturer’s glove chart whenever possible.
Quick Links
Gloves Web Page
SFSU Personal Protective Equipment
Cal/OSHA Hand Protection Standard
Gloves and Chemical Compatibility Charts
