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Protective Gloves

Agricultural Tailgate Safety Training for Operators and Supervisors
AEX-591.3.7
Date: 
08/02/2019
Agricultural Safety and Health Program

Objective: To be able to choose what type of gloves are needed for the job, if any at all.

Trainer’s Note

Many jobs on the farm or ranch require the use of gloves. Display various type of gloves during the session and discuss their proper use. It is as important to discuss when NOT to use gloves as it is to discuss the use of gloves. Review the true or false quiz.

Background

Gloves can protect hands and forearms from cuts, abrasions, burns, puncture wounds, skin contact with hazardous chemicals, and some electrical shocks.B&W image of array of gloves in various styles and materials

Not every job requires gloves. In some cases, it may be dangerous to wear gloves. Never wear gloves while working with or around moving machinery, such as mills or lathes. If the glove got caught in the machinery it could pull the hand and arm in, causing amputation.

Choosing Protective Gloves

Gloves are made of a variety of materials. It is important to know what kind of protection each glove type can offer. Using the wrong glove can cause injury. Cotton gloves could absorb dangerous chemicals causing the skin to burn. Using the correct glove reduces hazards in the work place. It is the employer's responsibility to determine how long gloves can be worn and if they are reusable. However, the employee should inform the employer if they that feel their gloves should be replaced.

TYPE OF GLOVE LEVEL OF PROTECTION
Metal mesh and Kevlar knit Prevents cuts from sharp objects.
Leather Protects against rough objects, chips, sparks, and moderate heat.
Cotton fabric Protects against dirt, splinters, and abrasions. Helps grip slippery objects. Do not use when working with rough, sharp, or heavy materials.
Rubber, neoprene, vinyl Protects from chemicals. Check chemical package for specific instructions.

Proper Care

Inspect gloves before each use to make sure they are not torn, punctured, or compromised in their ability to provide protection. Discard and replace any glove that impairs protective ability. Whether they can be reused or discarded depends largely on the work they are being used for and the desired protection. Reuse of gloves used to handle chemicals should be carefully considered and depends on the toxicity of the chemical, manufacturer’s recommendations, chemicals handled and factors related to exposure duration, condition of gloves, and temperature.

Review the Following Points

  • Choose the right glove for the job.
  • In some situations, using gloves can be dangerous.
  • Check with specific recommendations for the type of glove to use when working with chemicals.

About These Modules

The Ag Tailgate Training Series was developed by members of the Agricultural Safety and Health Program in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering. Revised by Dee Jepsen, State Agricultural Safety Leader, with editing assistance by Lisa Pfeifer and Cody McClain.

True or False Answer Key

  1. T
  2. T
  3. T
  4. T
  5. T
 

Quiz: Protective Gloves

 

Name_____________________________________     

True or False?    

1. Use neoprene, vinyl, or rubber gloves when working with chemicals.

2. Leather gloves protect hands from rough objects, chips, sparks, and moderate heat.

3. Metal mesh or Kevlar knit gloves protect against cuts from knives or other sharp objects.

4. Not every job requires the use of gloves.    

5. Cotton fabric gloves protect against dirt, splinters, slippery objects, or abrasions.

Originally posted Aug 2, 2019.
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