Protective Gloves for Trainers and Supervisors

Tailgate Safety Training for Landscaping and Horticultural Services

AEX-892.2.52

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Date:

06/07/2018

Agricultural Safety and Health Program

Objective: Identify what types of gloves are needed for the job, if any at all.

Trainer’s Note

Many jobs in the green industry require the use of gloves. For this module:

Review the information below on the different types of gloves and the protection each offers.
Give examples of when gloves are needed and when they should not be used.
Display various types of gloves during the session and discuss their proper use.
As you display each type of glove, ask workers to identify an appropriate use for the type of glove.
Review the important points.
Have workers take the True/False quiz to check their learning.

Background

Gloves can protect hands and forearms from cuts, abrasions, burns, puncture wounds, skin contact with hazardous chemicals, and some electrical shocks.

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, lathes, moving conveyors, or power-take-off (PTO) shafts. 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 workplace. It is the employer’s responsibility to determine how long gloves can be worn and if they are reusable. However, employees should inform the employer if they feel their gloves should be replaced.

Type of Glove	Level of Protection
Metal mesh and Kevlar knit	Prevents cuts from sharp objects like knives, blades, cutter bars when cutting, sharpening, mowing, trimming.
Leather	Protects against: handling rough objects like stones or wood chips. stones thrown up while mowing; chips or splinters from sawing. sparks from welding or grinding. moderate heat from equipment you use.
Cotton fabric	Protects against dirt, splinters, and abrasions when handling materials. Helps grip slippery objects. Do not use when working with rough, sharp, or heavy materials.
Rubber, neoprene, vinyl	Protects from chemicals being used or handled. Check chemical package for specific instructions.

Review These Important 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 author team for the training modules in the landscape and horticultural tailgate training series includes Dee Jepsen, Program Director, Agricultural Safety and Health, Ohio State University Extension; Michael Wonacott, Research Specialist, Vocational Education; Peter Ling, Greenhouse Specialist; and Thomas Bean, Agricultural Safety Specialist. Modules were developed with funding from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Grant Number 46E3-HT09.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the U.S. Department of Labor.