Glove Selection and Usage
Last updated
August 24, 2009 3:04:36 PM PDT
Use this checklist to choose the appropriate type of glove for your job.
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- Base selection of glove type and material on the type of exposure and nature of the chemical. Some chemicals can easily penetrate gloves that work very well for other chemicals. Consider these factors:
- Chemical type
- Temperature extremes
- Equipment (sharps, piercing objects)
- pH
- Toxicity
- Read the Material Safety Data Sheet for each chemical involved.
- Incidental contact (little or no direct contact with the hazardous material) includes these situations:
- Accidental spills or splashes
- Accidental overspray from a dispensing device
- Handling infectious agents that require barrier protection
- To prevent contamination of materials by employees
If you will have incidental contact, go to the Step 3.
- Extended contact includes these situations:
- Handling highly contaminated materials
- Submerging hands in a chemical or other hazardous substance
If you will have extended contact, go to Step 4.
- Type of glove: Disposable, surgical-type gloves are appropriate for incidental contact.
- Nitrile gloves are preferred over latex because of their chemical resistance, their tendency to rip when punctured, and possible latex allergies.
- See the Glove Selection Chart for advantages and disadvantages of commonly used surgical-type gloves.
- Disposable glove usage:
- Check for rips or punctures before use.
- Remove and replace gloves immediately with new ones when a chemical spills or splashes on them.
- Never wash or reuse disposable gloves.
- Type of glove: More substantial gloves are required for extended use.
- Norfoil gloves are recommended for highly toxic materials and materials that are absorbed through the skin.
- See the Glove Selection Chart for advantages and disadvantages of commonly used gloves for extended contact.
- Reuseable glove usage: Many gloves intended for extended contact are reusable.
- Check the gloves for:
- Rips or punctures before and after each use
- Prior contamination
- Signs of degradation (change in color or texture)
- Replace gloves as soon as signs of degradation appear.
- Wash after removal and air dry in the laboratory.
- Always wear inner surgical gloves for extra protection.
- Follow the appropriate guidelines below:
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