Best practices for wearing disposable gloves Gloves: The basics Best practices for wearing disposable gloves

Gloves Select gloves made of material known to be resistant to permeation by the substances in use. Lab Safety Supply Company provides chemical compatibility guide for gloves at http://www.labsafety.com/refinfo/ezfacts/EZ166.pdf. Check gloves (even new ones) tears or pinholes. Select gloves of the correct size and fit Too small  uncomfortable and may tear Too large  low dexterity Remove rings and jewelry that can tear gloves UofM, Department of Environmental Health and Safety. Bio Basics Fact Sheet: Glove Selection and Use http://www.dehs.umn.edu/PDFs/gloves.pdf

Gloves Replace gloves when Contaminated Permeated by solvent Torn You have been wearing them awhile Some gloves, especially lightweight disposables, may be flammable Keep hands well away from flames or other high temperature heat sources Consider double gloving, if working with A highly hazardous compound Radioactive materials Situations were there is a high potential for spills or splashes UofM, Department of Environmental Health and Safety. Bio Basics Fact Sheet: Glove Selection and Use http://www.dehs.umn.edu/PDFs/gloves.pdf

Gloves Remove gloves before leaving lab area. Remove in a way that avoids skin contact contaminated glove exterior Dispose of gloves in non-hazardous (normal) trash If radioactive chemicals were used, place in radioactive waste. www.hsc.wvu.edu/safety/Laboratory-Safety/Personal-protective-Equipment/Hand-Protection Wash hands Do not attempt to re-use disposable gloves. Increased risk for contamination UofM, Department of Environmental Health and Safety. Bio Basics Fact Sheet: Glove Selection and Use http://www.dehs.umn.edu/PDFs/gloves.pdf

Gloves To prevent the unintentional spread of hazardous substances, when wearing gloves don’t touch Anything used outside the lab Doorknobs, personal telephones, pens, etc. Your face or clothes If you are transporting a chemical in the hallway, only wear a glove on one hand. Have a policy (gloves or no gloves) for lab computer use. Post your policy on the computer to remind visiting researchers. UofM, Department of Environmental Health and Safety. Bio Basics Fact Sheet: Glove Selection and Use http://www.dehs.umn.edu/PDFs/gloves.pdf