OSHA's Personal Protective Equipment Standard dealing with hand protection (29 CFR 1910.138) requires protection when workers are at risk of skin absorption of harmful substances, severe cuts or lacerations, abrasions, punctures, chemical burns, thermal burns, and temperature extremes. Gloves should be selected on the basis of the material being handled, the particular hazard involved, and their suitability for the operation being conducted.
It is the responsibility of the supervisor to determine whether specialized hand protection is needed for any operation and to ensure that needed protection is available. Supervisors should evaluate their work area and complete the PPE Hazard Assessment Form to document when hand protection is required.
Before each use, gloves should be inspected for discoloration, punctures, and tears. Before removal, gloves should be washed, if the material is impermeable to water. Always wash hands after removing gloves.
Factors that influence chemical resistant glove selection include:
The appropriate glove material must be selected that provides resistance to the specific chemical hazard that will be encountered. Consulting the chemical SDS is usually the best place to find a suggestion for the appropriate glove material. If the information is not provided in the SDS, then refer to the glove manufacturer chemical resistance guide.
Disposable gloves are typically sufficient for incidental chemical contact. They are available in latex rubber, nitrile, polyethylene, PVC, neoprene, vinyl and other synthetic materials. Latex is gradually being replaced by other suitable alternatives because of the latex allergy concern and should be avoided whenever a suitable alternative exists. Disposable gloves must be replaced following contamination or if visible damage occurs.
Reusable glove materials are eventually permeated by chemicals; however, they can be used safely for limited time periods if specific use and glove characteristics (thickness and permeation rate and time) are known.
Double gloving is recommended when handling highly toxic or carcinogenic chemicals.
Cut-Resistant Gloves: When working with sharps and glassware it is important to protect your hands from cuts and scratches because broken skin is more susceptible to chemical exposure. It is recommended that in these situations, employees wear cut-resistant gloves over their chemical gloves. Leather gloves may be used for handling broken glass or for inserting glass tubes into rubber stoppers, and for similar operations where protection from chemicals is not needed.
Electrical Gloves: Rubber and leather insulating gloves, mittens, and sleeves are designed to protect the worker from electrical hazards such as fire ignition, electric shock, arc flash and blast. The proper gloves shall be chosen in accordance with the NFPA 70E (2009) Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace and tested to appropriate voltage meeting ASTM D120-09 Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Gloves.
Insulated Gloves: Insulated gloves should be used when working at temperature extremes. Various synthetic materials such as Nomex and Kevlar can be used briefly up to 1000 degrees F. Gloves made with these materials or in combination with other materials such as leather are available.
Avoid using gloves made either entirely or partly of asbestos, which is regulated as a carcinogen under OSHA. If you have asbestos gloves call the Safety Office so that they can be picked-up for disposal.