Handy Tips for Selecting the Correct Pair of Gloves

While looking through any safety catalog or the glove aisle at the local DIY store, you’ll find a dizzying array of gloves to choose to protect your hands. While the choices are vast, gloves have specific uses and were made for specific jobs. So do your JSAs (Job Safety Analysis) and SPSAs (Safe Performance Self-Assessment) and find the proper pair of gloves for the job at hand, pun intended.

 

Light duty work gloves made of natural fibers/fabrics (cotton, leather), synthetic material (rubber or Kevlar®) or any of those types with a combination of a nylon, nitrile or Teflon® coating help prevent abrasion, aid in maintaining grip and prevent material adsorption.
image courtesy Lab Safety Supply

 

Medium duty work gloves made of leather or Kevlar® or any of those types with a combination of a nylon, nitrile or Teflon® coating help prevent lacerations and prevent material adsorption.
image courtesy Lab Safety Supply

 

Heavy duty work gloves made of Kevlar®, HexArmor™ or any lined/layered or stainless core woven materials help prevent lacerations and punctures when working with sharp or jagged metal or glass.
image courtesy Lab Safety Supply

There are also many specialty gloves available for task-specific work
High Temp gloves made of Nomex®, fiberglass or aluminized materials.

Low Temp gloves made of insulated and layered materials.

Take care of your gloves and they’ll return the favor.

• Before you begin work inspect your gloves for wear including rips and holes.
• Keep gloves in a secure bag when not in use.
• Do not reuse disposable gloves.
• While you are working, keep an eye on your hands and on the conditions of your gloves.
• Perform your JSAs and SPSAs before, during and after all work.

No matter the glove, the best advice is to know where your hands are at all times.

glove image courtesy of Lab Safety Supply

OSHA Respirator Safety Video

A good refresher or introduction for new hires. YouTube Link.

Summer is Coming – 10 Tips to Prevent Heat-Related Illness

1. Recognize the risk: 70° + high humidity + heavy protective clothing can present a risk
2. Dress for the heat – cover skin, wear light, loose clothing that allows air circulation
3. Drink water & Gatorade – 1 quart an hour!
4. Eat small meals, eat more often
5. Slow down
6. Take regular breaks in cool, shaded area
7. If unused to working in heat, start with fewer work hours and progressively increase over 3 – 5 day period
8. Act promptly if symptoms such as headache, muscle cramps and unusual fatigue occur and keep an eye on your coworkers for symptoms as well
9. Plan and schedule work to avoid the hottest part of the day
10. If Santa Ana winds are blowing, take extra heat AND wind precautions (include awnings and other equipment in securing your worksite from wind gusts)

Address heat hazards in SPSA’s and keep an eye on your team!