Using safety gloves effectively is crucial for protecting your hands from workplace hazards. Here's a guide to ensure you're using them correctly:
Glove Selection
Choosing the right glove is the first and most important step.
- Proper Fit:
- Work gloves should fit comfortably, neither too tight nor too loose. A snug fit allows for dexterity and prevents slippage.
- Gloves that are too tight can restrict movement and blood circulation.
- Gloves that are too loose can get caught in machinery and reduce grip.
- Material:
- The glove material must be appropriate for the specific task.
- Consider the hazards you'll encounter, such as chemicals, sharp objects, heat, or electricity.
- Select a material that can withstand the demands of the work.
- For example, use chemical-resistant gloves when handling chemicals and cut-resistant gloves when working with sharp objects.
- Task-Specific Considerations
- Determine the primary hazard you are trying to protect against.
Proper Usage
Here's how to correctly use your safety gloves:
- Inspect: Before putting on your gloves, check them for any damage, such as tears, holes, or signs of wear.
- Donning: Put the gloves on properly. Make sure they fit well on your hands and cover the appropriate areas.
- During Work: While working, ensure gloves stay in place. Do not remove or adjust gloves during activities that could expose your hands to hazards.
- Doffing: Remove the gloves carefully to avoid contaminating your hands with materials that might have come in contact with the gloves. For disposable gloves, peel them off inside-out to contain any contaminants. For reusable gloves, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Care and Maintenance: After removing reusable gloves, clean and store them properly. Check for instructions on reusability.
Key Considerations
- Information: Ensure you have all the relevant information about your gloves, including whether they are reusable and the limitations of their protection.
- Reusable vs. Disposable: Make sure you know which type you are using and how to properly handle each.
- Training: Workers should be properly trained on the selection, use, care, and disposal of safety gloves.
| Aspect | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Fit | Comfortable, not too tight or loose |
| Material | Appropriate for the task and hazards |
| Inspection | Check for damage before use |
| Donning | Put on properly, ensuring complete coverage |
| Doffing | Remove carefully to avoid contamination |
| Maintenance | Clean and store reusable gloves correctly |
| Information | Understand glove limitations and reusability |
By understanding these crucial points, you can effectively use safety gloves to minimize hand injuries and keep your workplace safe.
