Among the most vulnerable parts of a worker's body are his hands. Not only because employees use them all the time but also because some don't possess or don't know the proper protective equipment needed for tasks associated with their job.
Many types of gloves can be classified as personal protective equipment, often required in the construction and general industries. Some are used for heavy lifting, while others are ideal for sanitation. Each type of glove has a different purpose, and this guide will help you better understand what gloves are needed for specific jobs and how to handle them after use.
Different Varieties of Gloves
The many work-related hand issues can make choosing the right kind of gloves a bit difficult. Employees must use personal protective equipment made explicitly for the hazards found on their job site, and different gloves are made for different circumstances.
Here are some factors that will affect which gloves you must wear on the job site. These factors include:
- Type of chemicals that are managed
- Nature of contact
- Period of contract
- Sharp objects being handled
- Many other factors
The types of gloves you can choose from are leather, synthetic, coated fabric, latex, and neoprene. Each of these has specific properties that will help in specific working conditions.
How to Care for Your Protective Gloves
Protective gloves should be checked and verified for optimum performance before each use. This ensures the gloves are still useable and up to standards. The gloves are optically inspected to see if tears or punctures can be found. A more detailed inspection through filling the glove with water will reveal any leak if you use the gloves for chemical contact.
Any glove with discoloration or stiffness which can cause deficiencies in use should be discarded. This is often a result of overuse and or chemical exposure, and it can also happen due to age or other factors.
Any gloves with decreased protective capabilities should be discarded and replaced. Reuse of other gloves, such as chemical-resistant ones, should be intensely evaluated. Considering the amount of absorption when dealing with gloves and other factors such as chemical exposure duration is also something to think about.
How to Properly Use Hand Protection Equipment
While hand protection may not be at the forefront of the workplace safety plan, workers must have the right equipment and proper training on how to use them so that they'll be able to avoid possible hand hazards at work.
If you are dealing with chemicals and radiation, rubber, synthetic rubber, and neoprene gloves must be provided. These gloves can be easily cleaned to avoid exposure and contamination. Additionally, you'll want to ensure the gloves fit properly with your hands so they won't slip or fall off and expose your skin to harmful chemicals by accident.
Both hands should also be clean when placing a glove to prevent any contaminants from entering the protective gear's interior part. It will help if you decontaminate fabric and leather gloves regularly to ensure they stay safe and last as long as possible. Disposable gloves, on the other hand, must be secured and discarded accordingly after use.
Some people are allergic to latex, so you must find alternatives like rubber or nitrile gloves before proceeding with your job. Gloves get worn out or damaged quickly when used regularly, so a backup is always good to have near your working area, primarily if you're working with chemicals and toxic substances.
Ready to Make Your Work Place Safer?
Whether you're an experienced construction worker or a highly qualified lab technician, it is imperative that you're given the right equipment and taught about the types of gloves needed to protect you from common workplace hazards. In the end, something as simple as the appropriate hand protection often is the main thing that will save you from contamination and severe hand injuries.
