HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CHANGE YOUR WORKING GLOVES?

Not only users, but also safety officers probably wish they had a clear-cut answer to that. I say it mostly depends on what type of work you do and what glove you are wearing. To understand better, we need to examine different types of gloves and what makes them different to each other.

Disposable gloves

The easiest glove to answer since the name says it all. Disposable gloves are meant for single use only as it protects against cross-contamination and unknown hazards from spreading. This type of glove is commonly used in medical, food, or industries that practice enhanced hygiene. Nitrile disposable gloves is also commonly used in the industry as quick and convenient protection against oil. Anyone who uses disposable gloves should replace them with a new pair for the next task they do.

Specialized safety gloves

Specialized gloves provide protection for as long as they remain in top condition. Example of these gloves includes high voltage gloves, welding gloves, cold-resistant gloves etc. As soon as the gloves show signs of wear or damage, you should replace them. Damaged gloves may no longer give adequate protection and wearing them can give a false sense of safety. Some gloves even require re-testing regularly to minimize the risk of injury. Inspect the gloves before use and replace them if there are visible signs of damage.

General safety gloves

For the more common working gloves, such as all-round gloves and assembly gloves, safety is and should always be the priority. It is perfectly natural to replace gloves. If the glove is no longer able to serve its purpose of protecting our hands, discard them!

The big question is when to replace gloves after use, 2 days, a week, even a month? If you follow these steps, it might prove helpful:

Clean your gloves

It can be hard to see wear and tear if the gloves are dirty. Be sure to wash them before they become too dirty to monitor for safety. This helps identify if a glove is worn out and makes them last longer, which means more savings!

Slow down, take a good look

The best way to know if your gloves are in good condition is to make it a habit of examining them before wearing. Wear and tear will increase with time, so it is crucial to check the glove before every shift starts.

With visible wear and tear, or if the gloves are dirty beyond salvation, it is time to replace them. Never hesitate to discard a glove early rather than too late, risking an injury. Better safe than sorry.

Do you have other ways of determining when it is time to replace your gloves? Please share it in the comments below.