Gloves

Gloves protect workers from hazards including, but not limited to, chemicals, biologicals, electricity, sparks, molten metal and ionizing or non-ionizing radiation. Since there are many types of hazards, hand protection can be provided in various ways. It’s important to choose hand protection that adequately protects from the hazards of a specific job and meets the specific tasks involved (such as flexibility or dexterity).

Part 6 [6.8 (1)(a)] of the Workplace Safety and Health Regulation (WSH Regulation) indicates that if there is a risk of injury to a worker’s skin from sparks, molten metal or ionizing or non-ionizing radiation, an employer must provide personal protective equipment that:

1. meets the requirements of CAN/CSA-W117.2-01 (R2006), Safety in Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes
2. is appropriate for the risk, or a safeguard that provides equivalent protection

If a worker’s skin is at risk of injury, an employer must provide appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Gloves should be inspected before use.

Part 6 of the WSH Regulation also indicates that an employer must provide a worker with hand, arm, leg or body protective equipment appropriate for the risk of workplace injury.