Hand Protection Safety Guide

Understanding Hand Injury Risks

Hand injuries often occur when workers handle tools, machinery, sharp edges, chemicals, or hot surfaces. Common hazards include:

• Cuts and lacerations from sharp objects or edges
  
• Abrasions, punctures, or penetrating injuries
  
• Contact with hazardous chemicals or irritating substances
  
• Thermal hazards – heat, molten metal, hot surfaces
  
• Repetitive strain or ergonomic stress
  

The Hierarchy of Controls

Before relying on gloves, apply the hierarchy of controls:

• Eliminate the hazard (e.g., remove sharp edges or use automated equipment)
  
• Substitute a safer material or process
  
• Engineering controls (e.g., guards, barriers, automation)
  
• Administrative controls (e.g., procedures, training)
  
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)  gloves as the last line of defense.
  

 Selecting the Right Gloves

Glove selection must match the hazard. When selecting gloves, consider:

• Type of hazard (cut, abrasion, chemical, heat, puncture)
  
• Glove performance ratings under AS/NZS 2161.3:2020
  
• Fit, comfort, dexterity, and compatibility with tasks
  
• Material of glove (leather, synthetic, coated, chemical-resistant, heat-resistant)
  
• Maintenance and replacement requirements
  

Key Standards Considerations

Any hand protection should be compliant with the applicable standard:

• AS/NZS 2161.3:2020 -Gloves for general use (performance requirements)
  
• The gloves and their packaging must be marked to indicate compliance with these standards (performance levels, hazard categories, etc.).
  
• For more detailed guidelines on glove selection, see AS/NZS 2161.1 and AS/NZS 2161.4 (if applicable).
  

 Proper Fit and Use

• Choose the correct glove size so that fingers are not too loose or too tight, for a snug but comfortable fit.
  
• Ensure the cuff/gauntlet covers the required wrist or forearm area for the task.
  
• When using coated or chemically-resistant gloves, check compatibility with the chemical or solvent.
  
• Avoid wearing damaged gloves; if gloves are torn, cut, heavily soiled, or degraded, replace them immediately.
  
• Make sure gloves are compatible with other PPE (e.g., wrist guards, sleeves, tool grips) to ensure no gaps or exposed areas.
  

Care, Maintenance, and Replacement

• Clean reusable gloves according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  
• Store gloves in a clean, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight.
  
• Inspect gloves regularly for signs of wear: cuts, holes, seam separation, thinning, and hardening.
  
• Replace gloves after heavy damage, repeated use beyond lifespan, or when the protective coating has worn off.
  
• Maintain a glove inspection log if gloves are part of critical PPE sets.
  

Training and Awareness

Workers should be trained in:

• Identifying hand hazards in their tasks
  
• Selecting the correct glove for each hazard and task
  
• Fitting, using, removing, and storing gloves correctly
  
• Recognizing signs of glove failure and when to stop use
  
• How gloves interact with other PPE and tools
  

Quick Safety Checklist

• Hand hazards assessed and controlled by other means (before gloves) 
• Correct glove type selected for the hazard (cut, abrasion, chemical, heat)
• Gloves are inspected for damage before use
• Gloves fit the wearer properly and are comfortable 
• Gloves cleaned and stored correctly 
• Gloves are replaced when worn, damaged, or no longer fit for purpose 
• Workers trained in glove use, limitations, and care

Hand protection is more than just putting on gloves. It means selecting the right glove, ensuring proper fit and condition, maintaining it, and combining it with other control measures. By doing so, you protect hands from injury and maintain safe and effective work.