Hand Protection

Sharp edges are just one of many hazards

"Hand protection is often the only practical means to avoid injury."

 

In construction, exposed hands are susceptible to physical, chemical, and radiation hazards. Hand protection is often the only practical means of preventing injury from

• physical hazards ­ sharp or jagged edges on materials and tools, heat, vibration
• corrosive or toxic chemicals
• ultraviolet radiation.

For measures to protect hands and skin from ultraviolet radiation, see the Summer 2001 issue of this magazine (Volume 12, Number 2).

Physical Hazards

For physical hazards such as sharp edges, splinters, and heat, leather gloves are preferred. Cotton or other materials do not stand up well and are recommended only for light-duty jobs.

Vibration transferred from tools and equipment can affect hands and arms. One result may be hand/arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). This disease causes the following changes in fingers and hands:

• circulation problems such as whitening or bluish discoloration, especially after exposure to cold
• sensory problems such as numbness and tingling
• musculoskeletal problems such as difficulty with fine motor movements.

Workers who use vibrating tools such as jackhammers, grinders, riveters, and compactors on a daily basis may develop HAVS. Preventing this disease requires cooperation between employers and workers.

Employers

• Provide power tools with built-in vibration-reducing components.
• Review exposure times and allow rest breaks away from vibrating tools.
• Ensure proper tool maintenance (worn grinding wheels or tool bearings can lead to higher vibration levels).
• Train exposed workers in prevention techniques.
• Provide anti-vibration gloves.

Workers

• Wear appropriate clothing in cooler weather to maintain core body temperature.
• Wear gloves whenever possible.
• Wear anti-vibration gloves when using power tools and equipment.
• Avoid smoking (smoking contributes to circulatory problems).
• Report any poorly functioning tools immediately.

Chemical Hazards

For protection against chemical hazards, the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for the product being used should identify whether gloves are needed and what they should be made of. MSDSs must be available on site for all controlled products being used.

The table below identifies glove materials to be worn for protection against chemicals that may injure the skin. This information can be used when the MSDS does not specify the type of glove to be worn.

CAUTION: Common glove materials have limited protective properties and do not protect against all hazards. Some solvents, degreasers, and other liquids can penetrate and/or dissolve rubber, neoprene, or PVC.