HAND PROTECTION

HAND PROTECTION

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Hands are capable of a wide range of uses from a gentle caress of a baby to heavy physical work. Protecting your hands will enable you to enjoy the full sensitivity and use of your hands throughout your life. Your hands may never recover form unnecessary abuse.

HAZARDS

• Physical Hazards - Cuts, Abrasions, Crushing
• Chemical Hazards - Burns, Irritation, Dermatitis
• Temperature Hazards - Cold Burns, Loss of feeling, Searing
• Vibration Hazards - Causing nerve damage

CON DAO

HEALTH AND SAFETY POINTS

• Simeple washing with soap and water will prevent skin damage from the majority of construction materials.
• Barrier creams, although not to be relied upon as sole protection, can be a valuable additional protection. Barrier creams need to be reapplied after washing.
• Using the right type of glove will protect your hands, using the wrong type may well add to the risk of injury or damage.
• Using leather gloves when handling wet cement or concrete will  mean that your hands are contact with the harmful chemicals in the cement. Impervious gloves, PVC for example, must be worn.
• Wearing gloves can help by increasing your grip making it easier to handle materials and making it less likely that you will drop something on your Feet.
• Gloves will keep your hands dry and warm in cold weather so that you will not loose feeling and sensitivity making handling accidents less likely.
• Do not grip tools that vibrate too tightly and take frequent breaks to prevent nerve damage.
• If you wear finger rings then wearing gloves may help to stop the rings getting caught on equipment or plant and injuring your fingers.
• If you are using, mixing or handling chemical products or materials for which there are COSHH assessments then the type of glove and any other special equipment will be told to you as part of the training given to you. You must ask if you are not sure.
• Keep your hands out of areas where they could be crushed, when slings for example.
• Never use solvents to clean your hands, wear gloves to stop them getting dirty in the first place, and if they do get contaminated with something that will not wash off with soap and water then ask your supervisor for a stronger hand cleanser.
• Always get first aid attention for damage, cuts and abrasions, to your hands.

QUSTIONS

• What effect does cement have on the skin?
• What effect does using petrol or solvent for cleaning hands have?
• What benefits are there in using gloves at work?

SAFETY REMINDER

Suitable gloves for use at work are detailed in this page and homepage. You would be at a loss without your hands - so protect them