What Does
Abrasion-Resistant Gloves Mean?
Abrasion-resistant gloves are safety gloves designed to protect workers from hand injuries caused by contact with abrasive surfaces.
Safeopedia Explains Abrasion-Resistant Gloves
An abrasion is an injury that is caused when the skin scrapes against a surface in such a way that it damages the surface layers of the skin.
Hand abrasions can happen in a number of ways, including workers manipulating rough materials, accidentally touching grinding tools, or pulling on frayed ropes.
Abrasion-Resistant Glove Materials
In occupations where the risk of abrasion is less severe, fabric gloves are often sufficient to protect against abrasion.
Where the risk of abrasion is severe, employees may require gloves designed with anti-abrasion properties. These are made of materials such as reinforced heavy rubber or staple-reinforced leather.
Where chemicals are used, anti-abrasion gloves are often made with butyl or nitrile rubber, which is impermeable to certain chemicals and resists corrosion or degradation.
Abrasion-Resistant Glove Requirements
Employers must provide workers with abrasion-resistant gloves in any work environment where those workers might face significant exposure to abrasive materials and surfaces. In the United States, this obligation is mandated by OSHA standard 1910.138.
The amount of abrasive protection required will vary depending on the severity of the abrasion risk. The suitability of a glove used for abrasion protection will also depend in part on the environment in which it’s used. Fabric gloves may not be suitable if they might become wet, while typical abarasion-resitant gloves might not be adequate for handling chemicals and other hazardous materials.
Ready to learn more? Check out our free webinar on How to Use Assessment & Wear Tests for Validating Your Glove Choice!
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