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Managing job stress is a complex process (cover page)
How to properly select protective work gloves
New sales territories may present driving dangers
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How to properly select protective work gloves
Fitting employees with the correct gloves for each task can save your company money
by Ray Tancredi, CIH
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| Protective gloves are essential for those who handle chemicals. |
When was the last time you evaluated the hand protection you provide your employees who handle chemicals? Proper glove selection will allow your employees to work safely and may save your company money.
The glove-selection process should include the following:
Application
What task(s) and how they are being performed will affect which glove will be right for the job.
Factors to consider include:
• The reason for glove protection. Is it to protect the product being handled or protect the employee?
• The environment where the task will be performed.
• The types of chemicals to be handled and their toxicity.
Glove composition
There is no one universal glove composition that will work for all job tasks. Before selecting a glove for a specific task, review the glove manufacturer’s chemical guide to determine the glove composition best suited for the chemical being handled. If you are not sure of the suitability of the glove for the task, contact the manufacturer for further information.
Glove size and thickness
Employees will not want to wear gloves that aren’t comfortable. Gloves that are tight can restrict circulation and reduce flexibility, which can result in discomfort. A glove that is too large will reduce the employee’s gripping strength. Also depending on the task being performed, a glove that is too large may cause the employee to become caught in equipment.
Flexibility and the ability to feel the item being handled should also be considered. Although thicker gloves often provide maximum protection and durability, a thick glove can make it difficult for the user to maintain a strong grip on small items and to move their fingers to complete the job.
Latex sensitivity
Some employees are allergic or have sensitivities to latex. For them, even the presence of a minute quantity of latex may be enough to cause an allergic reaction ranging from a mild rash to anaphylactic shock. If feasible, non-latex gloves made of either nitrile or vinyl should be used.
Re-usability
For some applications, gloves can be re-used. This can help reduce costs. However, gloves should be inspected carefully for rips, tears or holes before re-use. If there is any question about the integrity of the gloves, they should be replaced.
Cost
The cost of gloves varies widely. Remember, the gloves you select should provide the protection required for the task to be performed. You should not sacrifice the protection of your employees by selecting gloves that do not offer the required protection in order to save money.
Remember, the objective of the glove-selection process is to protect the employee from chemical exposure.
Periodic review of the gloves being used will ensure that employees are using the appropriate gloves for the job.
For assistance or more information on this topic, please contact:
Jeff Milosch ,CIH
NATLSCO Risk and Safety Services
Phone: 888-576-7522, ext. 3725
Fax: 847-726-3349
E-mail: jmilosch@us.bureauveritas.com
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