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

2. 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
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

3. 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

4. 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.
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

5. 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