Our hands are one of the most important and versatile parts of our body. They allow us to perform a wide variety of tasks every day. However, this also means that our hands are regularly exposed to potential hazards in various work environments. To protect hands from cuts, burns, chemicals and other occupational injuries, proper hand protection through gloves is essential.
Why are Gloves Important?
Our hands are vulnerable to getting injured if they are exposed to risks at the workplace. Some common industrial hazards that gloves help protect against include:
- Mechanical risks: Getting hands caught in or cut by machines, tools and equipment poses a serious risk of lacerations or amputations. Gloves can shield hands from such risks.
- Thermal risks: Extreme heat from welding, cutting or soldering and extreme cold from working in refrigerated areas can cause burns or frostbite on bare hands. Heat-resistant and thermally insulated gloves provide protection.
- Chemical risks: Various industrial chemicals like acids, bases, oils, greases and solvents can expose workers to risks of skin irritations, burns, and absorption if gloves are not used. Chemical-resistant gloves help avoid such risks.
- Biological risks: Workers handling materials of biological origin face infection risks. Latex and nitrile gloves prevent transmission of microbes and protect against biological exposures.
- Electrical risks: Tasks involving exposed wires or circuits require insulation to avoid electric shocks, which can be life-threatening. Specialized rubber gloves insulate hands from electricity.
- Impact and puncture risks: Working with heavy or sharp objects risks crush or puncture injuries without protective padding and impact-resistant gloves.
Thus, Industrial Hand Protection Gloves serve as the first line of defense, shielding hands from various industrial hazards and helping ensure safe working conditions.
Types of Industrial Gloves
Based on the type of risk, different materials and designs are used to manufacture gloves suited for specific industrial applications. Some key types include:
Leather Gloves
- Made of splitting or lightweight cowhide leather, these gloves protect against minor cuts, abrasions, heat and cold during material handling, assembly, automotive repair and construction work.
Metal Mesh Gloves
- Offer cut protection with breathable stainless steel or aluminium mesh back. Used for glass handling, food processing, cleaning and other tasks requiring dexterity.
Kevlar Gloves
- Cut-resistant gloves using Kevlar fibers in the palm, back and fingers provide high cut protection for tasks involving wires, metal sheets and sharp edges.
Neoprene Gloves
- Made of durable neoprene rubber, they protect hands against oil, grease, solvents and minor heat/flame exposures during machinery maintenance, engine repair and more.
Nitrile Gloves
- Suitable for healthcare, food processing and cleanup use offering protection against non-hazardous chemicals, oils and water. Latex-free alternative.
PVC Gloves
- Economical choice for protection against water, mild acids and alkalis common in cleaning, dishwashing and other general industrial use.
Rubber Gloves
- Electrical rubber gloves insulate hands from high voltages for electrical work. Chemical- and oil-resistant rubber gloves suitable for auto repair, laboratory use.
Insulated Gloves
- Rated insulating gloves with leather shell used for live electrical work to protect against arc flash and shock up to a specified voltage limit.
Abrasion-Resistant Gloves
- Made with reinforced padding on palm and fingers to guard against abrasive surfaces, jagged metal edges. Used for sanding, grinding, stonecutting and landscaping.
The right industrial gloves depend on an assessment of the specific hand hazards, tasks performed and material characteristics required. Employers must select gloves certified for the risks involved and train workers on their proper usage.
OSHA Compliance and Standards
Safety regulators require employers to assess risks and select appropriate protective equipment per general industry standards. Specific to hand safety, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates:
- 29 CFR 1910.138 for selection and use of protective gloves suitable for the hazards employees face on the job.
- Electrical Personal Protective Equipment standards in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I for selection and care of insulating rubber gloves and sleeves for live electrical work.
OSHA conducts inspections to check compliance with equipment, training and recordkeeping requirements. Failure to provide proper hand protection or comply with standards can result in citations and penalties. Some state OSHA plans have additional regulations around glove selection process and requirements. It is important workplaces involve workers and evaluate risks to select gloves certified to relevant consensus standards.
Effective Glove Safety Program
To maximize hand protection through proper industrial glove usage, employers must establish an effective glove safety program covering:
- Hazard assessment: Identify existing and potential hand risks from tasks, processes and materials handled.
- Glove selection: Choose gloves approved for assessed risks based on type of protection required (cut, chemical, heat etc.)
- Sizing and fit: Provide various glove sizes so each worker can find a proper fitting pair.
- Storage and inspection: Store gloves properly to avoid damage; regularly inspect for defects.
- Usage and replacement: Train workers on donning and doffing;replace gloves as needed or if damaged.
- Recordkeeping: Document glove selections, issues and annual compliance reviews.
- Workers participation: Involve workers in selection, inspections, reporting issues or concerns.
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