• Employers must train employees on the specific hazards the employees may be exposed to, and on the proper use, care and maintenance of whichever type of hand protection they will be using.
• Hand protection equipment such as gloves should be kept clean and dry as much as possible and inspected regularly for damage.

Employers must select and train employees to use appropriate hand protection when workers’ hands are exposed to hazards such as:

• Skin absorption of harmful substances,
• Caught-in hazards,
• Severe cuts or lacerations,
• Severe abrasions,
• Punctures,
• Chemical burns,
• Thermal burns,
• Harmful temperature extremes, and
• Excessive vibration.

Employers should train workers on the proper use, care, and maintenance of the equipment. In addition, employers must train employees on each of the hazards above that may be associated with the work they do. Selection of appropriate hand protection and training in how to use such protection should be based on the performance characteristics of the hand protection relative to the tasks to be performed, conditions present, duration of use, and the hazards and potential hazards identified.

Employers must teach employees to wash hands often to prevent a build-up of sweat and dirt. It’s this combination that can cause skin irritation for the glove wearer.

Maintenance and inspection requirements

Employees should check gloves for cracks and holes, especially at the tips and between the fingers, and employers should replace worn or damaged gloves promptly. Employees should be trained to keep gloves clean and dry as much as practical, and to keep a spare pair of gloves for unexpected damage or loss.