Safety Tip of the Week – Picking the Proper Glove

Picking the Proper Glove

Hand injuries account for approximately 1/3 of all disabling job-related injuries each year. Over 80% of these injuries are caused by pinch points. These injuries are of all kinds–cuts, bruises, fractures, and amputations. Approximately 20% of these injuries become infected. Hand injuries are most common in the construction, manufacturing, and processing industries.

Follow the work practices and use the equipment and gloves provided by your employer. Gloves and safety procedures won’t work if they’re not used or followed.

Hands can be shielded by one or more of the following:

1. Cotton work gloves for general rig use;

2. Dielectric rubber gloves for electrical hazards (must be tested regularly for dielectric strength);

3. Leather gloves for sparks, heat, chips, and handling rough objects;

4. Welding gloves for welding and foundry gloves for foundry work;

5. Heat-resistant gloves for burn protection;

6. Metal mesh gloves for cut protection;

7. Water resistant gloves for wet environments; and

8. Impervious materials such as rubber, neoprene, nitrile, PVC and vinyl gloves to handle chemicals or infectious agents (always check to determine which polymer is most resistant to the specific chemicals handled)

   Keep a grip on life and practice hand safety.