PPE: Gloves
Why wear PPE?
• When working with
hazardous materials cannot
be avoided and where
engineering controls are
insufficient, PPE is the way to
protect yourself from injuries
• Accidents always seem to
happen “the one time” the
person wasn’t wearing PPE
Why wear gloves?
• Important for purity/quality of work
• Protects skin from exposure
Which gloves to wear?
• Nitrile gloves hold up well against water, solids, acids,
caustics, oils, alcohols and chlorinated solvents.
• Latex gloves are comfortable and are resistant to
aqueous acid solutions, alkalis, salts and ketones.
Some people have allergic reactions to latex gloves so
this is an important consideration.
• Always check the manufacturer’s glove index or
selection guide to be sure you have the right product
for the chemicals you work with.
• Fit is also important!
• Don and doff gloves correctly to avoid contamination
Don’t forget…
• Always remove your gloves before…
– Leaving the lab
– Touching sink handles
– Touching door handles
– Pushing elevator buttons
Don’t forget…
• Never save gloves for re-use.
Last step
• The use of gloves does not replace the need
for washing your hands!
Need Help Deciding Glove Type?
• Check out these glove selection guides:
– OSHA PPE Selection Guide (see Table 4)
– Ansell Glove Selection Guide
Call EHS (x40345) if you have glove selection questions!