PPE: Gloves

Why wear PPE?

• When working with hazardous materials cannot be avoided and where engineering controls are insufficient, PPE is the way to protect yourself from injuries

• Accidents always seem to happen “the one time” the person wasn’t wearing PPE

Why wear gloves?

• Important for purity/quality of work• Protects skin from exposure

Which gloves to wear?

• Nitrile gloves hold up well against water, solids, acids, caustics, oils, alcohols and chlorinated solvents.

• Latex gloves are comfortable and are resistant to aqueous acid solutions, alkalis, salts and ketones. Some people have allergic reactions to latex gloves so this is an important consideration.

• Always check the manufacturer’s glove index or selection guide to be sure you have the right product for the chemicals you work with.

• Fit is also important!• Don and doff gloves correctly to avoid contamination

Don’t forget…

• Always remove your gloves before…– Leaving the lab– Touching sink handles– Touching door handles– Pushing elevator buttons

Don’t forget…

• Never save gloves for re-use.

Last step

• The use of gloves does not replace the need for washing your hands!

Need Help Deciding Glove Type?

• Check out these glove selection guides:– OSHA PPE Selection Guide (see Table 4)– Ansell Glove Selection Guide

Call EHS (x40345) if you have glove selection questions!