Medical and industrial gloves are both used where there is a possibility of exposure to biological hazards in manufacturing operation. Testing of medical gloves for their resistance to viral penetration is very important. It is risky to wear gloves that have not been tested for viral penetration resistance when there is a chance of contact with blood, human body fluids, or materials containing biological hazards. Chemical hazards It is critical to identify the hazards that can result from exposure to any chemical before working with it. Chemical hazards are classified as localized when injuries are caused directly through contact with chemicals, or systemic when injuries are caused by absorption of chemicals through the skin.
Human skin is a well-designed organ that is an excellent barrier to most agents.
However, skin can be seriously injured by local chemical exposure, and the skin s barrier protective ability can be compromised, allowing ingestion of toxic chemicals. Chemicals can cause excessive drying and defatting of the skin, chemical burns, irritation and sensitization. Using the correct chemical resistant glove can effectively reduce injuries from localized exposure. In the case of some chemicals, skin does not provide a barrier. Exposure to these chemicals can cause systemic injuries if the chemical is absorbed into the bloodstream where it can migrate directly to a body organ or system and cause a toxic effect.