EAG Glove Policy: Hand Protection, Hazard Assessment, and PPE Compliance

Date: 2026-01-27

Duration: [DURATION] minutes

Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME]

Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

To ensure all employees understand the importance of hand protection, can identify hand-related hazards, and comply with the company's glove policy to prevent injuries.

Introduction

This toolbox talk covers the importance of hand protection, focusing on hazard assessment and proper glove use to comply with EAG's safety policies. Hands are vulnerable to various injuries, making proper protection crucial.

Key Points

• Importance of Hand Protection: Hands are essential for performing most job tasks, and injuries can result in significant downtime and reduced quality of life. Wearing the correct gloves reduces hand injuries by more than 60%. [1]
• Hazard Assessment: Before starting any task, assess potential hand-related hazards, including cuts, punctures, burns (chemical, thermal, electrical), abrasions, and exposure to harmful substances. Consider both physical and chemical hazards.
  • Identify potential contact points with sharp objects or hazardous materials.
  • Evaluate the need for specialized gloves (e.g., cut-resistant, chemical-resistant, thermal-rated).
• Glove Selection: Select the right type of glove based on the identified hazards. Consider the material, thickness, dexterity needed, and potential contact type (occasional, splash, immersion). Refer to the SDS for chemical compatibility. [12]
  • Use the OSHA PPE Guide to select the appropriate glove.
  • No single glove material protects against all chemicals; select based on the specific chemical.
• Proper Glove Use: Ensure gloves fit properly, covering all exposed skin. Inspect gloves for defects before each use. Replace damaged gloves immediately. Clean or dispose of gloves according to the manufacturer's instructions and company policy. [3] [3]
  • Hands should be clean and dry before wearing gloves.
  • Avoid wearing jewelry that can damage gloves or trap contaminants.
• Glove Limitations: Be aware of glove limitations. Gloves can be caught in machinery, may cause allergic reactions (latex), and can fail under extreme conditions. Chemicals can permeate gloves over time, so replace them regularly, especially when handling hazardous substances. [4] [4] [8]
• Company Glove Policy: Adhere to EAG's specific glove policies regarding supply, replacement, cleaning, and restrictions around machinery. Understand the procedures for glove disposal and decontamination. [2]

Hazard Identification

• Sharp edges on tools or materials: Cuts, lacerations, punctures, infections [1]
• Chemical exposure: Skin irritation, burns, absorption of harmful substances, systemic health effects [1]
• Extreme temperatures (hot or cold): Burns, frostbite [1]
• Electrical hazards: Electrical shock, burns, electrocution [1]
• Rotating machinery: Entanglement, crushing injuries, amputations [4]

Control Measures

• Use appropriate gloves for the task.: Select gloves based on hazard assessment, considering cut resistance, chemical resistance, thermal protection, and dexterity needs. Refer to SDS and OSHA PPE guidelines. [1] [1]
• Inspect gloves before each use.: Check for cuts, tears, holes, or defects. Inflate rubber or synthetic gloves to check for pinholes or leaks. [3] [3]
• Maintain clean gloves.: Clean reusable gloves regularly according to manufacturer's instructions. Dispose of disposable gloves properly after each use. Wash hands before and after glove use. [3] [5]
• Ensure proper glove fit.: Use gloves that fit snugly but allow adequate dexterity. Gloves that are too large or too small can be ineffective and hazardous. [3] [11]
• Avoid glove use around moving machinery where possible.: If gloves must be used, ensure they fit tightly and do not have loose cuffs or straps that could get caught. [4]

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• Cut-Resistant Gloves: Use when handling sharp objects or materials. Inspect regularly for wear and tear. Replace immediately if damaged. [1]
• Chemical-Resistant Gloves: Select based on the specific chemical being handled. Refer to the SDS for guidance. Replace after each use or according to manufacturer's instructions. Ensure gloves are long enough to prevent skin exposure. [6] [3]
• Thermal Gloves: Use when handling hot or cold materials. Ensure gloves are rated for the temperature range of the task. Inspect for damage before each use. [1]

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

1. What types of hand injuries have you seen or experienced in the workplace?
2. How do you currently select gloves for your tasks?
3. What improvements can we make to our glove program to enhance hand safety?

Emergency Procedures

1. In case of chemical exposure, immediately wash affected area with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. [13]
2. For cuts or punctures, clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical attention if necessary. [1]
3. In case of electrical shock, immediately disconnect the power source and seek medical attention. [1]

Questions and Answers

• Q: What if I'm allergic to latex gloves?

A: EAG provides alternative glove materials such as nitrile or neoprene. Inform your supervisor about your allergy. [3]

• Q: How often should I replace my gloves?

A: Replace gloves immediately if they are damaged or according to the manufacturer's instructions, especially when handling chemicals. Chemical-resistant gloves are not chemical-proof and will degrade over time. [7] [8]

• Q: Where can I find the right gloves for a specific task?

A: Consult the OSHA PPE guide, SDS for the materials you're handling, and your supervisor for guidance on selecting appropriate gloves. [1] [12]

Summary

Recap of main points:

• Hands are vulnerable; proper protection is essential. [1]
• Always assess hazards before starting a task. [12]
• Select and use the right gloves for the job. [10]
• Comply with EAG's glove policy and procedures. [2]

Action Items

Specific actions participants should take:

1. Review the company's glove policy and SDS for chemicals you handle. [12]
2. Participate in hands-on glove selection and fit testing. [9]
3. Report any glove-related concerns or incidents to your supervisor. [9]

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

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