Our hands are used in almost all daily activities, work or leisure. For some reason, we often overlook how frequently our hands are used until they are injured.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the hands are involved in one of every five occupational injuries. This is not surprising when workers consider the array of occupational hazards—tools, solvents, and chemicals—that can cause burns, contusions, and lacerations.
Workers can protect their hands and avoid many unnecessary injuries by taking a few precautions; for general workplace guidance, see Occupational Safety.
Material Safety Data Sheet
Some chemicals can burn your hands immediately after contact. Before handling any chemical, review the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for instructions on safe handling and required protective equipment.
Hand Washing/Cleaning Procedures
- Apply lotion if your job requires frequent hand washing.
- Use mild soap and water to wash hands; dry them thoroughly.
- Avoid harsh and abrasive cleaners.
- When removing tar, grease, or paint, use a waterless cleaner.
- Never wash hands with benzene, paint thinner, gasoline, or other harsh solvents.
- Flush hands under running water for 20 minutes or longer after contact with any corrosive chemical.
- If a minor skin laceration occurs, wash it immediately and seek medical treatment.
Using Gloves
- The MSDS can alert you to what type of glove should be donned when handling potentially harmful chemicals.
- Throw any frayed, tattered, or worn gloves away.
- Never share gloves with co-workers.
- Never immerse your hand in chemical agents, even if gloved.
- Asbestos or leather gloves are used to protect against heat.
- Neoprene or rubber gloves are used to protect against corrosive chemicals.
- Cotton, leather, or PVC gloves are used to protect against abrasives.
- Synthetic knit or cotton gloves with gripping dots are used when hand-grip is needed.
- Kevlara, heavy leather, or metal-mesh gloves are used to help prevent cuts to the hand.
- Never wear gloves with any metal features when working near electrical hazards.
- Avoid wearing gloves around moving equipment.
Avoiding Contusions and Lacerations
- All tools should be properly maintained on a regular basis.
- Safety guards should never be removed and a tool without the appropriate guard shouldn't be used until it's in proper working order.
- Lock out equipment when making repairs or cleaning it.
- Wear metal-mesh, leather, or Kevlara gloves when handling or operating sharp and bladed tools.
- Don't do a job if you don't have the appropriate tool.
These simple safety precautions can help you keep one of your most important assets—your hands—intact.
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If you need personalized guidance, talk to an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of gloves protect against chemical exposure?
Glove selection depends on the chemical; consult the MSDS and use neoprene or rubber gloves for many corrosives, while specialized materials may be required for other solvents.
How long should I flush my hands after exposure to a corrosive?
Flush under running water for at least 20 minutes and seek medical attention for any signs of severe burning or persistent pain.
When should I seek medical care for a hand injury?
Seek professional care for deep cuts, heavy bleeding, signs of infection, loss of function, or exposure to highly corrosive substances.
Can I reuse gloves?
Disposable or degraded gloves should be discarded; reusable gloves must be inspected and cleaned according to manufacturer guidance before reuse.