Proper Hand Protection and Chemical Gloves
The Problem
Chemicals in the workplace pose serious risks to our hands, from minor skin irritations like dermatitis to severe conditions such as chemical burns or even long-term health issues like cancer. Choosing the wrong gloves—or failing to wear the proper ones—can lead to dangerous exposure. Today, we’ll identify the hazards, explain how to choose the correct chemical gloves, and discuss what to do if your gloves fail or new chemicals are introduced.
Identify the Hazards
- Chemical Exposure Risks:
- Minor irritations, such as redness and dermatitis.
- Serious injuries, such as chemical burns or skin absorption leading to internal harm.
- Long-term exposure risks, including conditions like skin cancer or systemic toxicity.
- Incorrect Glove Selection:
- Gloves made from the wrong material can fail to protect against specific chemicals.
- Example: Rubber gloves work against acetone but fail quickly when exposed to xylene.
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
- Choose the Correct Gloves:
- Gloves come in various materials, including nitrile, latex, butyl, neoprene, and rubber.
- Always verify the glove’s compatibility with the chemicals you are handling.
- Example: Rubber gloves protect against acetone but are ineffective against xylene.
- Use Reference Materials to Select Gloves:
- Glove Manufacturer Information: Provides chemical resistance ratings.
- Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS): Lists glove recommendations for specific chemicals.
- OSHA Publication #3151: Includes a comprehensive "Chemical Resistance Selection Chart for Protective Gloves."
- Action: Always consult these resources before starting a task involving chemicals.
- Report Concerns Immediately:
- If you notice gloves deteriorating or suspect inadequate protection, stop work and notify your supervisor.
- If new chemicals are introduced, report them so a new PPE hazard assessment can be performed.
- Regular PPE Hazard Assessments:
- Our company performs regular hazard assessments to ensure gloves are appropriate for the job.
- If chemicals or processes change, reassessments will be performed to maintain safety.
Real-Life Case or Scenario
Here’s a real-world example: A worker once used standard rubber gloves to handle xylene without checking compatibility. Within minutes, the gloves broke down, and the worker experienced chemical burns on their hands. This incident could have been avoided by verifying the glove material and consulting the MSDS beforehand.
Employee Responsibilities
- Verify your gloves are appropriate for the chemicals you handle.
- Inspect gloves before each use for tears, holes, or signs of deterioration.
- Stop work and report any concerns about glove effectiveness or new chemicals.
- Follow safety protocols when using chemical PPE.
Employer Responsibilities
- Provide appropriate chemical gloves for all tasks involving hazardous chemicals.
- Perform PPE hazard assessments and reassessments when chemicals or processes change.
- Offer resources (e.g., MSDS, manufacturer information) to ensure proper glove selection.
Discussion & Questions
- "Are there any concerns about the gloves you currently use?"
- "Have any new chemicals been introduced to your work area that might require different hand protection?"
- "Does anyone have experience with gloves that failed or were ineffective? How was the situation resolved?"
Commitment/Action Plan
Let’s commit to checking our gloves before every shift, consulting reference materials to ensure compatibility, and reporting any concerns about glove effectiveness or new hazards. Keeping your hands safe is critical to protecting yourself from chemical exposure.
Wrap-Up
Choosing and using the right gloves protects you from painful and dangerous chemical exposure. Always take the time to verify your gloves, and never hesitate to stop work and report concerns. Safety starts with you.
Standards Overview
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.138 requires employers to assess chemical hazards and provide appropriate hand protection (PPE).
- Employers must ensure gloves are compatible with the chemicals being used to prevent skin exposure.
Disclaimer
“The information provided in this toolbox talk is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The information presented is based on best practices and general industry standards but may not apply to all workplace situations.
It is the responsibility of the employer, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards, including but not limited those of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Site App Pro, its affiliates, agents or representatives, as well as the authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk assume no liability for the use or application of the information provided.
Participants are encouraged to consult appropriate legal, safety, or regulatory professionals to address specific concerns or questions. Always follow your organization's policies and procedures for workplace safety and hazard mitigation.”
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