ARM
AND HAND PROTECTION
Examples
of injuries to arms and hands are burns, cuts,
electrical shock, amputation and absorption
of chemicals. There is a wide assortment of
gloves, hand pads, sleeves and wristlets for
protection against various hazardous situations.
Employers
need to determine what hand protection their
employees need. The work activities of the employees
should be studied to determine the degree of
dexterity required, the duration, frequency
and degree of exposure to hazards and the physical
stresses that will be applied.
Also,
it is important to know the performance characteristics
of gloves relative to the specific hazard anticipated;
e.g., exposure to chemicals, heat or flames.
Gloves' performance characteristics should be
assessed by using standard test procedures.
Before
purchasing gloves, the employer should request
documentation from the manufacturer that the
gloves meet the appropriate test standard(s)
for the hazard(s) anticipated. For example,
for protection against chemical hazards, the
toxic properties of the chemical(s) must be
determined -- particularly, the ability of the
chemical(s) to pass through the skin and cause
systemic effects. There is no one glove available
that is resistant to all chemicals. Different
glove materials offer varying protection to
different chemicals. Examples:
- Neoprene:
resistant to mineral acids, organic acids,
caustics, alcohols and petroleum solvents.
- Nitrile:
resistant to mineral acids, caustics and petroleum
solvents.
- Natural
rubber: resistant to ketones, alcohols, caustics
and organic acids.
- Polyvinyl
chloride (PVC): resistant to mineral acids,
caustics, organic aids and alcohols.
- Polyvinyl
alcohol (PVA): resistant to chlorinated solvents,
petroleum solvents and aromatics.
The
protective device should be selected to fit
the job. For example, some gloves are designed
to protect against specific chemical hazards.
Employees may need to use gloves, such as wire
mesh, leather and canvas, that have been tested
and provide insulation from burns and cuts.
The employee should become acquainted with the
limitations of the clothing used.
Certain
occupations require special protection. For
example, electricians need special protection
from shocks and burns. Rubber is considered
the best material for insulating gloves and
sleeves from these hazards.
Rubber
protective equipment for electrical workers
must conform to the requirements established
in the American Society for Testing and Materials
(ASTM) as specified in Standard 29 1910.137.
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Section: Torso Protection
Next Section: Foot and
Leg Protection
