Gloves are one of the most important forms of personal protective equipment for employees who work with hazardous materials.

No protective glove is impermeable. The tragic death of Dr. Karen Wetterhahn, a chemistry professor at Dartmouth University, has raised awareness of proper glove selection and usage. It's believed that a highly toxic mercury compound permeated Dr. Wetterhahn's gloves without her knowledge. (See article for details.)

Different kinds of gloves provide different kinds of protection. You may use several types of gloves to provide resistance against the hazardous substances in your workplace.

For glove selection criteria, read Glove Selection and Usage, or check the Glove Selection Chart for advantages and disadvantages of some commonly used gloves.

A glove's effectiveness is measured in terms of the following characteristics:

• Degradation: A change in a glove's physical characteristics (swelling, softening, cracking, change in color or texture)
• Permeation rate: The speed at which a hazardous substance penetrates the glove material
• Breakthrough time: The time between initial contact and first detection of the hazardous substance inside the glove

Manufacturers often provide charts listing the performance characteristics of their gloves to certain chemicals or substances. See Additional Resources for Glove Selection for links.

Double gloving: Use double gloves to provide additional protection while still allowing freedom of movement. If a spill occurs, or if the glove starts to degrade or tear, hands will be protected after the contaminated outer gloves are removed. Check the outer glove frequently for signs of degradation, such as a change in color or texture. Reglove whenever degradation occurs.

Sleeve length: Make sure your gloves overlap the lower sleeves and cuffs of your lab coat or coverall when working with hazardous materials. Long-sleeved gloves or disposable arm-shields may be worn for further protection.

Glove boxes (see image) give additional protection when working with a highly toxic substance. They also provide an inert atmosphere for compounds that are sensitive to water or air. Glove bags serve the same purpose, and are more economical for short-term uses.

Questions about glove selection? If you are a research employee, contact an EH&S Research Assistance Program specialist. If you are a non-research employee, contact an EH&S industrial hygienist, (858) 534-1075.