Best Practices for Protective Gloves
Choosing the right protective gloves for lab work is like picking the right shoes for a hike. You wouldn’t wear flip-flops on a mountain trail, right? The same goes for gloves. Each type protects against different hazards. Some gloves are great for handling certain chemicals, while others protect you from heat. If you pick the wrong pair, you might as well be wearing tissue paper. So, match your gloves to the task at hand. Your hands will thank you, and you’ll avoid a lot of unnecessary pain and trouble. Stay safe and glove up wisely!
Ansell has developed an Interactive Glove Finder that you can use to help find the most appropriate protective glove for your lab activity.
Glove Selection Tips
- No single material can protect against all chemical, physical, or biological hazards. It is important to select the appropriate glove for the hazard.
- Consult Section 8 of the SDS for glove recommendations and/or glove selection charts before working with any hazardous material.
- Glove material thickness plays a significant role in protection.
Tips for Disposable Gloves
- Never reuse disposable gloves!
Tips for Reusable Gloves
- Inspect gloves before and after each use.
- Discoloration and stiffness of reusable gloves may indicate chemical degradation and loss of protection.
- Replace torn or damaged gloves immediately.
- Rinse and air dry after each use.
General Tips
- Always wash your hands after removing gloves!!!
- Remove gloves before you leave the lab or handle common use objects inside the lab, like doorknobs, writing utensils, phones, and computer keyboards.
In conclusion, choosing the right protective gloves for lab work is crucial. Different gloves protect against different hazards, so it’s essential to match them to your specific tasks. Ansell’s Interactive Glove Finder can help you make the right choice. Remember, no single glove material can protect against all hazards, and proper glove use and maintenance are key. Always consult safety data sheets, avoid cross-contamination, and never reuse disposable gloves. Inspect reusable gloves regularly and always wash your hands after removing gloves.