Hand Protection: Glove Selection, Use, and Maintenance

Date: 2025-08-12

Duration: [DURATION] minutes

Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME]

Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

The objective of this toolbox talk is to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect your hands from workplace hazards through the correct selection, use, and maintenance of gloves.

Introduction

This toolbox talk covers the required safety procedures and guidelines for hand protection. We will discuss the proper selection, use, maintenance, and inspection of gloves to prevent injuries and ensure workplace safety.

Key Points

• Glove Selection is Critical: Different gloves protect against different hazards. Using the wrong glove can lead to injury.
• Inspect Before Use: Always inspect gloves before each use. Even small tears or pinholes can compromise protection.
• Proper Glove Removal: Proper removal prevents contamination. Avoid touching the outside of the gloves with bare skin.
• Hand Hygiene: Washing your hands after glove removal is essential to remove any residual contamination.

Hazard Identification

Identifying potential hazards to your hands is the first step in preventing injuries. Understanding these risks allows us to select the appropriate gloves and implement effective safety measures.

• Cuts and Abrasions: Sharp objects, tools, or materials can cause cuts, lacerations, and abrasions to the hands.: Infections, blood loss, and long-term nerve damage.
• Chemical Exposure: Contact with corrosive or toxic chemicals can cause burns, irritation, and systemic poisoning.: Skin damage, chemical burns, and absorption of harmful substances into the body.
• Puncture Wounds: Sharp, pointed objects can puncture the skin, leading to deep wounds.: Infections, nerve damage, and introduction of foreign materials into the body.
• Burns: Contact with hot surfaces, flames, or electrical sources can cause burns.: Tissue damage, scarring, and severe pain.
• Exposure to Sewage: Working with sewage can expose you to harmful bacteria and parasites.: Tetanus, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis A, B, or C, E. coli, giardia, and cryptosporidium. [1]
• Electrical Hazards: Contact with live electrical components can cause shocks and burns.: Electrocution, burns, and cardiac arrest.

Control Measures

• Select the Right Gloves: Choose gloves that are specifically designed for the task and hazards involved. Consider the material, thickness, and protection level required.: Refer to the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for chemical compatibility and glove selection charts. Ensure gloves fit properly to maintain dexterity and comfort.
• Inspect Gloves Before Use: Check gloves for any signs of damage, such as holes, tears, or chemical degradation.: Inflate gloves to check for leaks. Discard damaged gloves immediately.
• Use Gloves Correctly: Wear gloves properly, ensuring they cover the entire hand and wrist. Avoid touching your face or other surfaces with contaminated gloves.: For tasks requiring a high degree of dexterity, consider using inner gloves or glove liners to absorb sweat and improve grip.
• Practice good hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after removing gloves, especially after working with sewage or contaminated materials.: Use proper handwashing techniques, including scrubbing all surfaces of the hands for at least 20 seconds. Dry hands with a clean towel. [1]
• Replace Gloves Regularly: Replace gloves as needed, especially if they become contaminated or damaged.: Establish a glove replacement schedule based on the frequency of use and the severity of the hazards involved.
• Decontaminate Equipment: Decontaminate equipment after use.: Follow safety procedures. [1]

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• Gloves: Wear gloves, safety boots, safety hard hats/ goggles and ear protection when necessary. [2]
  • Wear the correct gloves for the task.
  • Inspect before use.
  • Replace when damaged.
• Eye Protection: Safety glasses or face shields protect eyes from impacts, dust, chemical splashes, and radiation.
• Safety Boots: Safety footwear protects feet from impacts, punctures, and chemical exposure.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

1. What types of hand injuries have you seen or experienced in the workplace?
2. What are some tasks where you find gloves particularly important?
3. How can we improve our glove selection and usage practices?

Emergency Procedures

1. If a chemical splashes on your gloves, remove the gloves immediately and wash your hands with soap and water.
2. For cuts or punctures, clean the wound thoroughly, apply a sterile dressing, and seek medical attention.
3. In case of severe chemical exposure, seek immediate medical attention and follow the instructions on the SDS.

Summary

Recap of main points:

• Always select the appropriate gloves for the task at hand.
• Inspect gloves before each use and replace them when damaged.
• Practice proper glove removal and hand hygiene to prevent contamination.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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