Disposable Gloves

Use of Disposable Gloves in SLS

(Approved by SLS H&S Management Committee on 3/11/06; updated 9/2/16 following SRC approval)

This document sets out the procedures governing the use of disposable gloves in SLS, including natural rubber latex gloves and synthetic alternatives. Procedures are in accordance with University Safety Policy Arrangement 16/2002 (revised) – Latex Allergy.

  1. SLS personnel are advised to wear nitrile gloves unless risk assessment* shows that latex or another synthetic glove material is more appropriate. If latex gloves are shown to be the best option, only the non-powdered variety may be used. *See SLS H&S Staff for advice on risk assessment.
  2. SLS Stores will stock only nitrile gloves and these will meet the minimum standard agreed by SRC. Individuals requiring latex gloves may order them from an external supplier, but they MUST also meet the minimum standard.
  3. All gloves used in SLS must meet the minimum standard.
  4. If many gloves are found to be defective in any given batch, this must be reported immediately to SLS H&S staff and, if the gloves were purchased from SLS Stores, the Stores Manager.
  5. Adverse reactions to disposable gloves – i.e. irritant dermatitis and chemical/latex allergy – and chemical resistance issues will be covered during lab staff induction and included on the H&S Basic Training Checklist. Click here for details on types of adverse reactions.
  6. If an adverse reaction to disposable gloves is suspected, the glove wearer must immediately report this as per the SLS Accident/Incident Reporting Procedure.
  7. Glove wearers must check that the glove material is suitable for the purpose. Click here for information on the chemcial resistance of different types of glove.
  8. Disposable gloves should only be worn when there is likelihood of hands coming into contact with hazardous substances or if gloves are required to protect the work.
  9. Gloves must be removed before the wearer moves from a lab area into a non-lab area or writing room, and before touching items routinely used by people not wearing gloves, e.g. telephones, computer keyboards, door handles. Always wash hands after removing gloves.