Glove Selection Guide | Office of Environment, Health & Safety (2024)

FAQs

What is the OSHA glove selection? ›

For protection against chemicals, glove selection must be based on the chemicals encountered, the chemical resistance and the physical properties of the glove material. Employers are required to train each employee who must use PPE. Employees must be trained to know at least the following: When PPE is necessary.

Consider these factors:

Chemical type. Temperature extremes, cryogenic properties. Physical hazards (sharps, piercing objects)

Wear gloves when it can be reasonably anticipated that contact with blood or other body fluids, mucous membranes, non-intact skin or potentially infectious material will occur. C. Remove gloves after caring for a patient. Do not wear the same pair of gloves for the care of more than one patient.

According to EN ISO 21420, protective gloves must not hinder the wearer's performance of a task and must provide adequate protection from risk.

Employers shall select and require employees to use appropriate hand protection when employees' hands are exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances; severe cuts or lacerations; severe abrasions; punctures; chemical burns; thermal burns; and harmful temperature extremes.

The wrong glove often is selected for the job task, which risks injury to the worker or a loss in productivity. Gloves used by workers today must not only perform to the task for which they are selected, but also fit well and provide sufficient levels of comfort so workers will make a conscious choice to wear them.

Different coatings provide different benefits according to the task and circ*mstances, such as foam coatings for oil grip, and repellent ones for wet environments. Remember to also consider the required dexterity, mobility, durability, comfort and flexibility of the glove.

Ensure the glove selection caters to the tasks at hand. Additionally, pay attention to the glove material—nitrile, latex, or neoprene, each offer different levels of protection and comfort. And don't forget to consider any potential latex allergies among the workforce; alternative materials might be necessary.

Wash and dry your hands before putting on gloves. Select the correct glove size. Hold gloves by the edge when putting them on. Avoid touching the glove as much as possible.

What is the standard for safety gloves? ›

EN 388 - Mechanical Hazard Safety Gloves

Protection from mechanical risks is one of the most common requirements when it comes to work gloves. EN 388 is expressed by four numbers, or performance levels, each representing test performance against a specific hazard: Abrasion Resistance. Cut Resistance.

There are two major global standards used to evaluate the protection levels of work gloves: ANSI/ISEA 105 (U.S. Standard) and EN 388 (EU Standard, though it is commonly cited in other parts of the world such as Canada, AUS/NZ and South America).

ASTM D6319 | Medical Gloves | Tensile Testing

ASTM D6319 covers certain requirements for nitrile rubber gloves used in medical applications. Standard specifies various test methods including sterility testing, physical dimensions testing, physical requirements testing, powder residue, and powder limit testing.

ISO 21420:2020(en), Protective gloves — General requirements and test methods.

All personal protective equipment shall be of safe design and construction for the work to be performed. Hazard assessment and equipment selection. Select PPE that properly fits each affected employee.

The EN 388, similar to ANSI/ISEA 105, is the European standard used to evaluate mechanical risks for hand protection. Gloves with a EN 388 rating are third party tested, and rated for abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture resistance.