Chemicals and Latex gloves
Disposable latex gloves provide excellent protection against a wide range of solvents and chemicals, but it's important to plan out a “total safety strategy” when working with any hazardous substance.
When you're handling chemicals or solvents with latex gloves, consider implementing the following safety tips:
1. If any chemicals, solvents, residues, or other contaminants get inside your black latex gloves, remove them immediately. Even a small amount of some chemicals is sufficient to cause serious burns and adverse reactions.
Once you have removed the gloves, wash your hands immediately, taking care to completely neutralise any chemicals present on your skin. When you're done, dry your hands thoroughly, put on a fresh pair of gloves, and properly dispose of the used pair. If your workplace requires that you report such incidents, do so promptly.
2. Choose powder free latex gloves. The powder used on latex gloves has been linked to an increased risk of irritation and allergic reactions. As irritation is distracting (and therefore raises the risk of making an error while working with hazardous substances), purchasing our durable powder free latex gloves is strongly recommended.
(Note that you should never simply switch to gloves made from a different material without first consulting your supervisor; some types of safety gloves, like cloth or leather work gloves, are permeable by chemicals and will thus be ineffective.)
3. Never touch any pair of used gloves with your bare hands. Contaminated gloves should only be handled by persons who are wearing latex safety gloves; the residues present on used gloves are not inert and may cause serious injury if they come into contact with bare hands.
4. Store your gloves in a cool, dry place that is far away from any chemicals. This will reduce the risk of contamination greatly.
5. If you plan to mix or load highly toxic chemicals or caustic liquids, make sure to take additional safety precautions. These include wearing shoulder-length gloves or pairing your usual gloves with chemical-resistant sleeve guards.
As a final note, be sure to pay close attention to any on-the-job training you have been given as well as following the above tips.
Review your workplace safety protocol at least once every few months in order to make sure that you don't forget any key points. Remember, you only have one set of hands—it's imperative that you keep them safe.
