Guidelines for the right choice

Memo to the buyer of protective gloves

Selecting, using and caring for security seals

This information contains a set of concise rules for the selection, use and care of protective gloves, as well as for their disposal. This information is accompanied by important information on regulations, standards and CE marking (Product Conformity to European Safety Standards) related to gloves.

Choice of gloves

  • Hazard and risk assessment;
  • Definition of protection requirements;
  • Choice of protective gloves.

1. Hazard and risk assessment

Sharp objects that can cause cuts are among the most common causes of hand injuries. Mechanical impacts in the form of cuts, puncture wounds or scratches are often common hazards to consider, in addition to exposure to chemicals, high or low temperatures on the hands. Working with hot objects or liquids, welding, or being exposed to metal spatter and radiant heat can cause serious burn injuries.

The safety data sheet contains data on the hazards associated with working with chemicals.

Exposure to chemicals can have dangerous consequences:
for internal organs when penetrating through the skin; for the skin due to erosive effects and hypersensitivity (sensitization); cancer with impaired reproductive ability and damage to the genetic fund.

Working in extremely cold environments with cryogenic (liquid) gases can cause frostbite. Electrostatic discharges, radiation and biological hazards are other factors that can lead to injury. Examples of risks associated with gloves:

1) wrong choice of protective gloves;
2) skin irritation, allergic reaction;
3) poor hygiene;
4) Wrong choice of size;
5) improper use of protective gloves;
6) contamination of protective gloves;
7) damage to protective gloves;
8) old protective gloves.

2. Definition of security requirements

Protection requirements are determined based on the technical requirements for the gloves used.

Technical requirements are developed in accordance with the following steps:

  • quantitative expression of risks;
  • determining which part of the forearm / hand requires protection;
  • determination of the level of protection based on the relevant standard.

3. Choice of protective gloves

The material properties of the glove are a decisive factor in meeting the protection requirements. Accordingly, the results of material testing according to the standard are the most important factor in choosing the right protective gloves.

Other significant factors that determine suitability are:

  • good fit (thanks to the right size and design);
  • tactile properties (the ability to feel objects);
  • mobility (manipulative abilities);
  • comfort (sweaty hands, etc.).

Accordingly, when choosing the right protective gloves, one should be guided by their resistance:
- to abrasion, cuts and punctures;
- to the cold;
- to heat;
— to relevant chemicals, electrostatic discharges, radioactive radiation or microorganisms.

Use of protective gloves

Public authorities have different requirements for employers and employees to use personal protective equipment. Protective gloves are among the personal protective equipment that must be provided by the employer. The worker must follow the established instructions for the use of protective gloves. The employer must ensure that the employee receives information on the risks and use of personal protective equipment, as well as the timing of their replacement. In addition, workers must know how to handle used gloves.

Glove Care

If protective gloves are to be reused, then they should be checked for integrity, cleanliness, and make sure that they have not lost their protective properties. The instructions for the consumer indicate whether gloves are to be cleaned, how gloves are cleaned, dried and stored. Gloves should also be cleaned from the inside. If gloves were used while working with hazardous chemicals, they must be disposed of at the end of the working day. To maintain their protective properties, gloves must be stored properly. Certain materials used to make gloves (rubber) have a limited shelf life.

Handling after use

If gloves have been used to work with hazardous chemicals, then special environmental regulations apply. Certain gloves may contain materials that may be environmentally harmful.

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