Gloves

Gloves - Safeguards

(from Workplace Services)

Our hands are vital.  A life with damaged hands is a life of constant difficulty.  Gloves are an important part of our safety equipment.

When to Wear Gloves

• When handling hot or cold objects
• When handling sharp or jagged objects
• When handling chemicals

In these cases, consider gloves as our external skin, a skin we can sacrifice instead of our own.

When NOT to Wear Gloves

• Never wear gloves when operating rotating machinery such as drills, lathes or grinding wheels.
• Always obey warning signs.
• Never wipe your face or eyes when wearing gloves.  Your gloves may be contaminated which in turn will contaminate the skin you touch.When your gloves have holes or tears, replace immediately.
• Never use your hands as hammers.  Use the correct tool for the job.

Types of Gloves Available

The type of glove you may require will depend upon the task you perform and can range from cotton, latex, chemical or thermal gloves.  Choose appropriately for the job.

Care and Replacement

• Always discard when damaged.  Replace when they have holes or tears.
• Replace when they become wet on the inside.  This indicates that chemicals, etc. are seeping through the glove and coming into contact with your skin.  Even water seeping through can cause skin irritations.
• Cotton gloves can be washed, but ensure they are completely dry before use.
• If available, follow the manufacturer’s instruction in caring for your gloves.
• A good moisturiser or hand cream can be used after long periods of wear to assist in keeping your skin supple.
• Choose the right glove for the right chemical.
• Gloves are for your protection.  Put your hand in a glove before you put your hand in anything else.