Protection against contact with hazardous materials is important for health and safety. Many chemicals can cause skin damage or provoke allergic reactions. Some toxic chemicals can be absorbed through the skin. Skin can be damaged by friction or from extremes of heat. In biological work, skin contamination can lead to infection.
Given the wide range of work being done at the University no single glove will meet the needs of everyone. Gloves must be selected on the basis of the materials being handled and the type of work undertaken.
This guidance aims to facilitate the glove selection process and to lay down principles that can be used across the University. However, the vast array of potential uses and the ever increasing number of available glove types effectively precludes making specific recommendations for individual tasks.