Placing the correct glove in the workplace

1. Assess the Hazards

Identify Risks:

Determine the types of hazards present in the workplace (e.g., chemical exposure, cuts, abrasions, heat, cold, electrical hazards).

Evaluate Tasks:

Understand the tasks that require gloves, such as handling chemicals, operating machinery, or working with sharp objects.

2. Select the Appropriate Gloves

Material: Choose gloves made from materials that provide adequate protection against the identified hazards.

Common materials include:

Nitrile: For chemical resistance.
Latex: For biological hazards and general-purpose use (note: be aware of latex allergies).
Leather: For abrasion and cut resistance.
Kevlar: For cut and heat resistance.
Neoprene For chemical and oil resistance.
Cotton/Fabric: For general-purpose tasks with minimal hazards.

Size and Fit:

Ensure gloves fit properly to provide comfort and dexterity. Ill-fitting gloves can reduce effectiveness and increase the risk of injury.

Standards Compliance:

Check that the gloves meet relevant safety standards (e.g., ANSI, EN, ISO).

3.Place Gloves in Accessible Locations

Strategic Placement:

Position gloves near the areas where they are most needed. For example:
Chemical-resistant gloves near chemical storage or handling areas.
Cut-resistant gloves near areas with sharp tools or materials.
Heat-resistant gloves near welding stations or furnaces.

Storage Solutions:

Use glove dispensers, racks, or cabinets to keep gloves organized and easily accessible.

Labeling:

Clearly label glove storage areas to indicate the type of glove and the hazards they protect against.

4. Train Employees

Proper Use: Educate employees on how to correctly don, doff, and use gloves.
Inspection: Teach employees to inspect gloves for damage or wear before use.
Replacement: Inform employees about when and how to replace gloves (e.g., after exposure to chemicals, when torn, or after a certain period of use).

5. Monitor and Review

Regular Checks:

Periodically review glove usage and placement to ensure they are being used correctly and are still appropriate for the hazards.

Feedback:

Gather feedback from employees on glove comfort, fit, and effectiveness.

Update as Needed:

Adjust glove types or placements based on changes in tasks, hazards, or employee feedback.

6. Maintain Inventory

Stock Levels:

Keep an adequate supply of gloves to ensure they are always available when needed.

Reordering:

Establish a system for reordering gloves before they run out.

Example Scenarios:

Chemical Handling Area:

Place nitrile gloves in a dispenser near the chemical storage area. Ensure employees know to use them when handling chemicals.

Machine Shop:

Provide cut-resistant gloves (e.g., Kevlar) near machinery and tools. Train workers to use them when operating equipment.

Welding Station:

Keep heat-resistant gloves near welding equipment. Ensure they are used during welding operations.
By following these steps, you can ensure that the correct gloves are placed in the workplace, providing effective protection for employees against specific hazard