Hand Protection

Persons handling materials or equipment which is likely to puncture, cut, abrade or irritate hands or arms, shall wear suitable gloves (i.e. leather, Kevlar®) which will provide adequate protection from such injury.

The type of gloves used shall be appropriate to the hazard to which the worker is exposed and provide an adequate level of protection.

Persons handling chemical substances which may be absorbed through the skin shall wear hand protection made of a suitable synthetic material, which is appropriate for protection from the substance being handled. Unlined synthetic gloves are preferred, since they are easier to clean and there is less tendency for the lining to become contaminated. No synthetic protective coating is completely chemically resistant. The resistance of the particular item depends on the thickness of the coating, the method of manufacture, combinations of other coatings, etc. When synthetic gloves are exposed to chemical substances, the amount of protection depends greatly on the substance being handled. Once the chemical substance has contaminated the inside of the glove, caused the deterioration of the material or otherwise penetrated the glove, it must be replaced immediately. Some applications will require the use of more than one type of synthetic glove in order to provide adequate protection.

The following table provides some general guidelines for use of different synthetic gloves, but it is not a complete list. The Occupational Health and Safety Department should be consulted to ensure that the correct type of glove is being used.

Table 1. Some Properties of Synthetic Materials
(LIST IS NOT COMPLETE)