The wrong glove is as dangerous as no glove

A cut-resistant glove provides almost no chemical protection. A chemical-resistant glove may provide no cut protection. A latex glove used as a chemical glove may degrade in minutes in certain solvents. Selecting gloves based on 'we have gloves' rather than 'we have the right gloves for this chemical or task' creates a false sense of protection.

Cut hazards

Cut-resistant gloves are rated on the ANSI/ISEA 105 cut scale from A1 (minimal) to A9 (highest). Match the cut level to the actual hazard — using A9 gloves for light assembly work reduces dexterity unnecessarily, while using A1 gloves for metal handling leaves workers unprotected. Check the blade profile and cutting force of what you're working with.

Chemical hazards

For chemical work, the glove material must be chemically compatible with the specific chemical — not just 'chemicals in general.' Check the SDS Section 8 for the recommended glove material. Nitrile resists many oils and fuels. Neoprene handles acids and caustics. Butyl handles ketones and esters. Natural rubber degrades in many solvents. Wrong material = breakthrough.

Electrical hazards

Electrical work requiring insulated gloves means rubber insulating gloves rated for the voltage — not leather work gloves, not general-purpose rubber gloves. Rubber insulating gloves are rated by class (Class 00 through Class 4) corresponding to maximum use voltage. They must be inspected by inflation before each use and tested regularly.

Discussion question

Pull out the gloves used for the three most common tasks in this area — does anyone know what hazard each glove type is rated to protect against?

Documentation Reminder

Record this meeting: date, topic ("Glove Selection — Right Glove for the Right Hazard"), names of attendees, and facilitator. A signed attendance sheet filed with your safety records is your training documentation. OSHA treats documented safety meetings as evidence of good faith.

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