Hand protection:

There are many situations where hand protection in the form of gloves or gauntlets is used occupationally . Such
item can provide protection against a range of hazards such as high and low temperatures, chemicals, sharp and
rough handling works.
Hand protection against chemicals:
When safety gloves are being selected for use, it is very important to choose the material of construction which
is designed to give protection against the particular hazard. Glove resistance charts are often available as
provided by the supplier (see the following example).

Chemical Natural Rubber Neoprene Nitrile Normal PVC

Ethanoic acid E E E E
Nitric acid (up to 50%) NR NR NR G
Benzene NR F G F
Diesel fuel NR F G F
Wood preservatives NR G G F

E – Excellent, G – Good, F – Fair, NR – Not recommended

The three technical terms to characterize the chemical resistance properties of gloves are:
1. Breakthrough time:
> The time a chemical takes to permeate through the glove material and reach the inside.
2. Permeation rate:
> The amount of the chemical that then permeates through the glove.
> The higher the rate, the more of the chemical will move through the glove.
> Choose a low rate.
3. Degradation rating:
> Degradation indicates the deterioration of the glove material on contact with a specific chemical.
> Choose gloves with an excellent or good degradation rating.
Practical issue arises with hand protection are:
Loss of dexterity and tactile sensation:
> It is a considerable problem for some operators. In the chemical applications, the use of gloves for dispensing
from small containers is not recommended, except for very hazardous materials such as phenol, bromine or
hydrofluoric acid.
 It is considered that loss of dexterity is a greater risk in terms of spillage than not providing gloves.
 However, in some cases ultra thin gloves are available which offer limited protection and retain good
dexterity.

Local heating of the hands:

> With resulting sweating and opening of the skin pores, provides ideal conditions for chemicals to cause
corrosive burns and to be absorbed into the body following skin contact.
 The time taken to remove contaminated gloves can also reduce the effectiveness if first aid treatment.

Removal during a hazardous operation:

Another possible way in which harmful materials can enter gloves results from their removal during a hazardous
operation. Removal usually occurs where operator seeking a break the discomfort of using gloves.
Selection of PPE:
1. Substance related factors.
Type of protection required.
Level of protection required.
2. Task related factors.
Duration of work.
Dexterity and Durability.
Gloves and gauntlets
3. Wearer related factor:
Fit
Compatibility
Personal issues
Wearer acceptability.
4. Quality related factors:
Glove for acid
Meeting handling
the international EN ISO
and national 374-1:2016
standards.
Glove for organic solvent handling EN ISO 374-1:2016