Get the latest news all over the world in just one place. Be it entertainment, music, movies, it's all here!

Why People Use Work Gloves

By Miranda Sweeney


Protective clothing is compulsory in many jobs in the economy. There are numerous hazards in different occupations, so for some people wearing such clothing is part of the job description. Human health is subject to many potential dangers in modern professional environments, which makes it necessary for people to stay sensible about their safety. That extends to the choice and use of protective work gloves.

Gloves are used to protect their wearer against several kinds of hazard. The most common one is physical injury through strain, friction or incision. Even the handles of basic tools like pliers or axes can lead to grazes and calluses, or muscular trouble. Some workers don't wear hand protection when using these tools, since their hands are accustomed to them. But even they sometimes cut themselves or lose fingers, injuries which would not have happened if they had invested more in their safety clothing.

Temperature is another issue. Some industries make use of high-heat machinery and processes. The human hand cannot take a very high temperature or tolerate even mild heat for more than a matter of seconds. A standard, everyday item like a home geyser can cause discomfort or pain to its users. Burns are extremely serious because they can mean a lengthy layoff from work and they can also turn septic.

But it isn't only heat which is a factor. Extreme cold also requires protective measures. People who work in frigid environments needs to use gloves that are both protective and enable enough dexterity for the wearer to perform their tasks. One sometimes sees reports of mountaineers who removed their gloves in an emergency and suffered from frostbite.

Another issue is exposure to hazardous chemicals. This may involve corrosive substances or those which are biologically dangerous, such as medical waste. This is extremely important because some of these chemicals are lethally toxic (such as methyl mercury) or contain fatal diseases.

Some substances are so corrosive that they destroy human tissue on contact. Acids are typical examples, but there are others, such as benzene. Caustic soda is another, and is so strong that only PVC material offers significant protection against it and only for a matter of hours. Deciding on the appropriate material to wear depends on the substance in question and the concentration in which it is present.

Modern medical practice involves research and invasive treatment procedures. Scientists and their assistants sometimes handle deadly samples or terminal patients, so the use of protective clothing is one measure that they can use to increase their confidence and associate with the patient in the professional manner that is appropriate to their occupation. One publicized risk in present times is infection by HIV through needle-stick injuries. It is also standard practice during surgery to eliminate contact with the internal fluids and tissue of the patient. Medical staff use nitrile gloves, or sometimes the latex option, which allows the practitioner more hand motion.

Some occupations would be impossible without the use of safety gear. A hand injury, if permanent, has the potential to lead to unemployment. Taking hold of your safety is an important part of staying professional and staying safe.




About the Author:



  © Blogger template 'Ultimatum' by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP