Get Your Mitts On The Right Kind Of Gloves

There is a particular type of glove available to protect you against just about every kind of hazard to your hands. Ask your safety supervisor about the right gloves for your job.

Here is a sampling of the many kinds of hand protection available:

• Rubber and rubber-like synthetic materials are made to protect against corrosive chemicals and other chemical hazards. When working around chemicals it is extremely important to choose exactly the right material to match the hazard; materials which appear to be similar may prove to be ineffective.
• Cloth gloves are intended to be used for minor hazards like scratches and scrapes.
• Leather gloves provide more protection against cuts and bruises. Leather gloves are also worn over the rubber gloves which provide some protection against electrical hazards.
• Gloves containing metal mesh protect against severe cutting hazards, such as those encountered in food processing.
• Gloves and mittens made of insulating material protect against extreme hot and cold and prevent burns and frostbite.
• Thin gloves made of synthetic and natural substances are used in a variety of occupations because they provide protection while still allowing finger dexterity. They are used to protect against infection in health care and food handling, and to protect against static electricity and contamination in electronics and other industries.
• Barrier creams are used in conjunction with gloves to prevent irritating substances from contacting the skin.

It's important to know when not to wear gloves. Never wear gloves or other loose-fitting clothing around rotating machinery because you could become entangled and pulled into the equipment.