Chemical Hygiene Plan - Queensborough Community College ...

different glove types. Different manufacturers use different formulations, so check the glove
chart of the specific manufacturer for the glove you plan to use.
If the manufacturer’s glove chart does not list the specific chemical you will be using, call the
manufacturer directly and speak with a technical representative to determine which glove is best
suited for your particular application.
It is important to know that not all chemicals or mixtures have been tested by
glove manufacturers. It is especially important in these situations to contact the
glove manufacturer directly.
Some general guidelines for glove use include:
• Wear appropriate gloves when the potential for contact with hazardous materials exists.
Laboratory personnel should inspect gloves for holes, cracks, or contamination before
each use. Any gloves found to be questionable should be discarded immediately.
• Gloves should be replaced periodically, depending on the frequency of use and
permeability to the substance(s) handled. Reusable Gloves should be rinsed with soap
and water and then carefully removed after use. Discard disposable gloves after each use
and whenever they become contaminated.
• Due to potential chemical contamination, which may not always be visible, gloves should
always be removed before leaving the laboratory. Do not wear gloves while performing
common tasks such as answering the phone, grabbing a door handle, or using an elevator.
11.5.2 Double Gloving
A common practice to use with disposable gloves is “double-gloving.” This is accomplished
when two pairs of gloves are worn over each other to provide a double layer of protection. If the
outer glove becomes contaminated, starts to degrade, or tears open, the inner glove continues to
offer protection until the gloves are removed and replaced. The best practice is to check outer
gloves frequently, watching for signs of degradation (e.g., change of color, change of texture,
tears). At the first sign of degradation or contamination, always remove and dispose of the
contaminated disposable gloves immediately and double-glove with a new set of gloves. If the
inner glove appears to have any contamination or degradation, remove both pairs of gloves, and
double glove with a new pair.
Another approach to double gloving is to wear a thin disposable glove (4 mil Nitrile) under a
heavier glove (8 mil Nitrile). The outer glove is the primary protective barrier while the under
glove retains dexterity and acts as a secondary barrier in the event of degradation or permeation
of the chemical through the outer glove. Alternatively, you could wear a heavier (and usually
more expensive and durable) 8 mil Nitrile glove as an under glove and wear thinner, disposable 4
mil Nitrile glove as the outer glove (which can help improve dexterity). However, remember to
change the thinner outer gloves frequently.
When working with mixtures of chemicals, it may be advisable to double glove with two sets of
gloves made from different materials. This method can offer protection in case the outer glove
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