Body Protection

Proper selection and use of appropriate hand and body PPE will prevent or minimize the potential for worker injuries due to chemical or physical hazards. For example:

• When using solvents, improper glove selection may allow the solvent to leak through the gloves, leading to skin contact.

Appropriate gloves and protective clothing must be used to protect workers from hazards such as burns, cuts, electrical shock, amputation, and absorption or contact with chemicals. [29 CFR 1915.152(a)]

Potential Hazards:

Injuries and illnesses such as:

• Skin absorption of harmful substances
• Cuts or lacerations
• Abrasions
• Punctures
• Nerve or tendon damage caused by exposure to vibrations
• Chemical burns
• Thermal burns
• Heat stress, frostbite, and hypothermia due to harmful temperature extremes
• Shocks and burns from electricity

Note: Improper selection of gloves, boots, and other protective clothing may give workers a false sense of security since chemicals may penetrate the “protection” without it showing any signs of failure. No fabric (including leather, neoprene, latex) can provide protection against all potential hazards. It is important to select the appropriate glove and protective clothing for each specific hazard.