PPE/Specific/TBT-PPE-005

Glove Selection for Different Hazards

Personal Protective Equipment › Specific › Glove Selection for Different Hazards

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Construction workers face multiple hand hazards including cuts, abrasion, chemical burns, impact, vibration, and thermal exposure.
The correct glove must be selected based on the specific hazard, not used as a generic one-size-fits-all solution.
Cut-resistant gloves rated to EN 388 protect against sharp edges on steel, glass, and cut materials — rated from A to F.
Chemical-resistant gloves in nitrile, neoprene, or PVC protect against specific chemicals — the SDS specifies the correct type.
Waterproof gloves prevent cement and concrete contact with skin, preventing the chemical burns and dermatitis cement causes.
Thermal gloves protect against heat when handling hot materials, welding, or working with hot asphalt and bitumen.
Anti-vibration gloves reduce transmitted vibration from power tools but are not a substitute for exposure time management.
Impact-resistant gloves with dorsal protection guard the back of the hand from crush injuries in mechanical and plant work.
Gloves must fit correctly — oversized gloves reduce grip and dexterity; undersized gloves restrict movement and cause fatigue.
Gloves are disposable or reusable depending on the type — contaminated disposable gloves must not be reused.

Match glove to hazard	Using the wrong glove type provides false protection — chemical gloves do not resist cuts, and cut gloves do not resist chemicals.
Cement dermatitis	Waterproof gloves prevent the cement contact that causes permanent allergic dermatitis — standard rigger gloves do not protect.
Correct fit	Poorly fitting gloves reduce grip, cause hand fatigue, and create a false sense of protection that leads to injury.

Don't

Select gloves based on the specific hazard identified in the risk assessment.
Use cut-resistant gloves when handling steel, glass, sharp edges, and cut materials.
Wear chemical-resistant gloves matching the SDS recommendation for each substance.
Wear waterproof gloves when handling cement, concrete, mortar, or alkaline substances.
Use thermal gloves for handling hot materials, welding, and hot asphalt operations.
Check the EN 388 cut resistance rating matches the protection level required.
Ensure gloves fit your hands correctly — not too loose and not too tight.
Replace disposable gloves after each use — do not reuse contaminated disposables.
Inspect reusable gloves for holes, tears, and degradation before each use.
Carry the correct glove types for the tasks you will perform during the shift.

DON'T use one generic glove type for all tasks — match the glove to the hazard.
DON'T handle sharp steel or glass without gloves rated for cut resistance.
DON'T handle chemicals with gloves not rated for that specific substance.
DON'T use standard rigger gloves for cement work — only waterproof gloves protect.
DON'T handle hot materials without thermal gloves rated for the temperature involved.
DON'T assume anti-vibration gloves eliminate HAV risk — they only reduce it slightly.
DON'T wear oversized gloves — poor grip increases the risk of dropping loads.
DON'T reuse disposable gloves — contamination inside exposes your skin on the next use.
DON'T continue wearing gloves with holes or tears — replace them immediately.
DON'T leave the correct gloves behind — carry the types you need for today's tasks.

See also: PPE Awareness and Responsibilities | Dermatitis Prevention

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