Safety Supplies Michigan – Amerisource Industrial Supply

Hand Injury Facts

–        Nearly one-fourth of work injuries involve the hands or fingers
–        70% of workers sustaining hand injuries were not wearing gloves
–        30% of workers sustaining hand injuries were wearing improper
            or damaged gloves
–        Wearing proper gloves in good condition prevents hand injuries

Hand Hazards

–        Skin absorption of harmful substances
–        Severe cuts or lacerations
–        Severe abrasions
–        Pinches and crushes
–        Punctures
–        Chemical burns
–        Thermal burns
–        Extreme cold

Skin Absorption of Harmful Substances

–        Solvents
–        Harmful dusts
–        Pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers

Severe Cuts or Lacerations

–        Presses or shears
–        Saws
–        Hand tools
–        Straps, wires
–        Sheet Metals 

Severe Abrasions

–        Sanders or grinders
–        Conveyor belts
–        Rotating shafts
–        Scrap metal or broken glass 

Pinches and Crushes

–        Most common type of severe hand/finger injury
–        Machine guard disabled or bypassed
–        Material handling
–        Doors 

Punctures

–        Drill press
–        Nail gun
–        Hand tools
–        Metal or wood slivers 

Chemical Burns

–        Acids
–        Caustics
–        Cleaning chemicals 
–        Solvents

Thermal Burns

–        Welding and cutting
–        Steam operations
–        Molten metal
–        Ovens 

Cold and Frostbite

–        Outdoor construction work in cold weather
–        Refrigerated rooms or containers
–        Working with cold chemicals
–        Unheated warehouses in cold climates 

Other hand hazards

–        Carpal tunnel syndrome
–        Vibration
–        Fractures or compression 

Evaluate and Select Hand Protection

–        Tasks to be performed
–        Conditions present
–        Duration of use
–        Hazards and potential hazards identified 

Selecting Chemical-Resistant Gloves

–        Type of chemical – See chart for compatibility
–        Length of time for chemical contact
–        Amount of abrasion & cut resistance required
–        Length and cuff requirements
–        Dexterity and grip
–        Thermal protection 

Chemical-Resistant Glove Materials

–        PVC  (Polyvinyl chloride)
–        Rubber
–        Neoprene
–        Nitrile

Chemical-Resistant Glove Materials Specialty

–        Butyl
–        PVA (Polyvinyl alcohol)
–        Viton
–        Silver shield

Selecting Cut & Abrasion Resistant Gloves

–        Understand the complete hazard
–        Length and cuff requirements
–        Review dexterity and grip requirements
–        Heat Exposure
–        Metal mesh, steel core, Kevlar®, Dyneema®

Selecting Disposable Gloves

–        Protection against bloodborne pathogens
–        Latex allergy or sensitivity
–        Nitrile gloves comparable to latex
–        Protection against some chemicals
–        Easily rip, tear, puncture
–        Correct size 

Selecting Electrically Insulated Gloves

–        Handling live wires or energized electrical equipment
–        Electrically tested every 6 months
–        Cannot be used if not tested in past 12 months
–        Inspect for signs of wear or holes 

General Glove Use and Care

–        Gloves must fit properly
–        Hands should be clean
–        Clean fabric and leather gloves regularly
–        Inspect gloves for damage and replace if necessary
–        Gloves should be the right length
–        Do not use fabric or leather gloves with liquid chemicals 

Contaminated Glove Removal

–        Bare hands should not touch the outside of your gloves
–        Grasp outside of one glove with other gloved hand and pull off
–        Insert fingers of ungloved hand under cuff of glove on other hand
–        Pull glove off hand by pulling on inside surface of the glove 

Key Points to Remember

–        Know the hand hazards in your workplace
–        Understand the types of gloves needed to protect against the hazard
–        Wear cut-resistant gloves when using knives or around sharp
           objects and metals
–        Keep hands out of a machine’s danger zone
–        Exercise EXTREME CAUTION wearing gloves around machinery
           with moving parts

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