Hand Protection: Glove Use and Limitations
Overview
Proper hand protection is critical in preventing workplace injuries, but selecting and using the right gloves requires understanding their specific applications and limitations.
Why This Is Important
Hand injuries are the second most common reason for missed work after back and neck injuries. An estimated 1 million workers need emergency medical care annually due to severe hand injuries.
Hands are involved in nearly every work task, making them highly susceptible to cuts, burns, chemical exposure, and crush injuries. The wrong glove selection or improper use can actually increase risk rather than reduce it.
Understanding glove limitations prevents false confidence that can lead to dangerous situations where workers assume they’re fully protected when they’re not.
Best Practices & Safety Tips
Hazard-Specific Selection
Select gloves based on specific hazards: cut-resistant for sharp objects, chemical-resistant for solvents, heat-resistant for hot surfaces.
Pre-Use Inspection
Inspect gloves before each use for tears, punctures, or degradation that could compromise protection.
Timely Replacement
Replace gloves immediately when damaged or when protection may be compromised. Never use damaged gloves.
Proper Fit
Ensure proper fit — gloves too large reduce dexterity, too small restrict movement and may tear.
Additional Safety Measures
Proper Use Guidelines
- Remove gloves properly to avoid contaminating hands with hazardous materials on the outside
- Store gloves in clean, dry locations away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures
- Understand breakthrough times for chemical exposure — no glove provides unlimited protection
- Use correct removal technique for contaminated gloves to prevent skin contact
When NOT to Wear Gloves
- Rotating machinery: Consider tasks that require bare hands for safety reasons, such as working near rotating machinery
- Precision work: Some tasks require tactile sensitivity that gloves may compromise
- Electrical work: Unless specifically rated for electrical protection
Glove Types and Applications
- Cut-resistant gloves: For handling sharp materials and tools
- Chemical-resistant gloves: For exposure to solvents, acids, and other chemicals
- Heat-resistant gloves: For hot surfaces and high-temperature work
- Disposable gloves: For contamination control and light protection
Discussion Questions
- Hazard Assessment: What specific hand hazards do you encounter in your work area, and what type of protection do you currently use?
- Experience Review: Have you ever experienced a situation where gloves were inappropriate for the task? What happened?
- Replacement Timing: How do you determine when gloves need to be replaced during extended use?
- Safety Considerations: What tasks in our workplace should never be performed while wearing gloves, and why?
Remember: Effective hand protection requires matching the right glove to the specific hazard and understanding limitations. Regular inspection, proper selection, and knowing when not to wear gloves are equally important for maintaining hand safety.