Exposure at work and protective gloves

Agenda
Skin

Hazards at Work Protective Gloves Selection Gloves Types and Material Gloves Side effects Gloves Use Instructions

Skin hazards at work

Chemicals liquids and splashes (direct contact) gases, aerosols, dusts and droplets (airborne) Hand-washing agents, hand creams and barrier creams Tools and gloves (nickel, rubber and rubber chemicals) Dirty tools, surfaces, clothes and gloves Wet work Use of protective gloves (occlusion, etc.) Mechanical and physical factors Biological agents (micro-organisms)

Decreasing skin exposure

Chemicals and other skin hazards identification, elimination or substitution Work technical arrangements safe working methods ("non-touch techniques") clean work area and tools Worker cleaning and care of skin instructions (use of gloves, working methods) recognition of skin symptoms Preventive measures protective gloves

Material Safety data sheet (MSDS)

Means for manufacturer to present basic safety information on his product single substance, mixture of substances fully finished product Details of all the known safety hazards presented by the product Skin sensitizers are labeled with R-phrases R 43 May cause sensitization by skin contact R 42/43 May cause sensitization by inhalation or skin contact Details of how these hazards should be managed MSDSs are of great help, they may not be exact enough from a dermato-allergist's point of view

Possible reasons for MSDSs being inaccurate

Low concentration of chemicals may not be declared in the EU, if a skin-sensitizing chemical is present at a concentration of 0.1% or more in a chemical preparation, it should be listed in the preparation's SDS Raw materials may contain hidden impurities Final product may contain starting materials Decomposition of components Contamination of residues Manufacturing processes may be poorly controlled Undeclared components may be added intentionally

Selection of protective gloves

Exposure (all skin hazards) chemical, physical, mechanical and biological Work methods and requirements Working conditions and duration Side effects of gloves Worker (allergy) Characteristics of the gloves resistance to chemicals side effects cleansing properties availability price

Ideal gloves

Resistant to all chemicals Dexterous in use Comfortable to use No side effects

Glove types

Disposable (0.007 0.25 mm) surgical or examination gloves Household (0.20 0.40 mm) usually unsupported or unlined or with nappy inside Industrial (0.36 0.85 mm) usually supported or lined Special industial durable surface material, special supports, thick linings wired cloths Inner gloves (cotton, viscose, wool)

Glove materials

Rubber materials natural rubber latex synthetic rubber Plastic materials Leather Textiles Special materials Combinations of different materials

Selection of protective glove types against chemical hazards

Rubber, plastic, totally rubber- or plastic-coated textile wet work harmful chemicals Leather, textile dry work "inert" chemicals Rubber- or plastic-impregnated, or partly rubber- or plastic-coated textile moist work "inert" chemicals Disposable gloves health care work laboratory work

Side effects of protective gloves skin irritation

Friction from the seams of leather and textile gloves Occlusion, sweating, and maceration Occlusion enhances penetration of irritants from e.g., detergents and skin care products Agents that have penetrated the glove membrane from the outside (environmental exposure) Agents/materials emanating from the glove itself, or remaining from glove manufacturing process Agents remaining from the glove washing procedure (detergents and moisture) Glove powders, ethylene oxide, etc.

Side effects of protective gloves skin sensitization

Glove materials rubber chemicals in natural and synthetic rubber gloves (e.g., accelerators and antioxidants) (ACD) proteins in NRL gloves (contact urticaria/protein contact dermatitis, rhinitis, asthma and conjunctivitis) chromium (tanning agents) in leather gloves (ACD) plasticizers in PVC gloves (rarely) (ACD) dyes (ACD) Glove powders (rarely)

Side effects of protective gloves others

Aggravation of dermatitis by glove usage (occlusion) Slowing of the work Increased risk of hand accidents (getting caught in moving or revolving parts of machinery) Increased absorption of hazardous substances through the skin (systemic adverse effects) Impairment of hand dexterity

Instructions for using protective gloves (I)

The use of protective gloves should be started simultaneously with the handling of hazardous materials Clean and dry the hands before putting gloves on Don't use barrier cream with gloves Use inner cotton gloves whenever possible Use better fitting gloves over loose or slippery gloves (PE or 4H glove) When using double gloving, the inner glove should be 1 size larger Protective gloves are meant for personal use only If possible, restrict the use of gloves for relatively short periods (up to 3040 minutes)

Instructions for using protective gloves (II)

Change gloves immediately after getting spillages or splashes inside the glove Wash the gloves after use on both sides (gloves meant for reuse) Cracked or hardened gloves should be discarded Avoid unnecessary wearing of polymer gloves Use protective gloves also at home

After work

Wash hands with luke warm water Use mild hand washing agent After using solvent-based hand washing agent, wash your hands with water immediately, and cream the hands Dab (don't rub) your hands dry

Thank you!