Glove Use

Proper glove selection and use is important as your gloves are one of your last lines of defense from potential contamination, injury or exposure.  

The following sections provide guidelines for glove selection, inspection, use, storage and disposal.

• No single material can protect against all chemical, physical (e.g., cuts, abrasions, burns, temperature extremes) or biological hazards. It is critical to select the correct glove for the hazard.
• Incorrect selection results in a false sense of security and increased exposure.
• See the Laboratory Chemical Glove Selection for information for selecting gloves for chemical use.

• Inspect gloves before and after each use.
• Check for perforations by inflating gloves with air or water.
• Inspect visually for tears or rips.
• Discoloration or stiffness may indicate chemical degradation.
• Torn or damaged gloves should be replaced immediately.

• For disposable gloves, replace when chemical contact occurs, or when damage is suspected.
• Wash hands after removing gloves (even when double gloving).
• Remove gloves before you leave the lab or handling objects such as doorknobs, telephones, or computer keyboards. View the "Don't Wear Protective Gloves Outside the Laboratory" sign).
• Use designated pens when wearing gloves.

• For reusable gloves, wash after removal and air dry in lab.
• Store gloves in clean area away from chemicals, temperature extremes, and other hazards.

• Do not reuse disposable gloves.
• Dispose of contaminated gloves in the proper hazardous waste container.

The following are links to various companies providing gloves that may be used at the University of Michigan - Dearborn. Available on each site are the glove compatibility or chemical resistance charts.

• Ansell Chemical Resistance Guide_8th Edition
• Glove Sizing Chart