Gloves should be worn when handling
- Corrosive materials
- Hazardous materials
- Materials with sharp/rough edges
- Toxic chemicals
- Very hot or very cold materials
Glove Selection Guidance
There is wide range of work carried out in College and no single glove will meet the needs of every scenario. Gloves must be selected on the basis of the materials being handled and the type of work undertaken. Potential skin problems can include allergic reactions, friction from extremes of heat, chemical absorption and contamination.
There are several ways of avoiding or reducing harm which include training in the correct use of chemicals or irritants used during work. Always follow the skincare advice listed below. For futher information on glove selection please visit the safety webpage.
Ways to avoid or reduce harm to skin
Avoid
Skin contact with wet work, direct contact with irritants or sensitizers and wear gloves when necessary. Your skin should be clean through good hand washing and thorough drying techniques.
Barrier
Emollient creams (e.g. Vaseline, Diprobase) should be used, frequently coupled with regular changes of appropriately selected gloves.
Monitor
Check hands regularly for the signs of itchy, dry or red skin. Report any problems to your Safety Officer or the Occupational Health Service. Early assessment can help avoid more significant and long standing problems.
Frequently asked questions
- What gloves should be worn in a microbiological containment level 2 and 3 laboratory?
- Why is a glove with a shorter breakthrough time sometimes given a better rating than one with a longer breakthrough time?
- Why should I wear disposable gloves for handling food?