Simple first aid guide to gloves

So what needs to be considered when selecting gloves for first aid?

This simple first-aid guide to gloves details what you need to consider when buying appropriate gloves for first aid.

Things to consider:

• What kind of substance you may be handling – for example, body fluids or chemicals

• Other hazards, such as a risk of cuts or puncture

• What level of dexterity and grip is required

• What type of contact may occur (splashes or immersion)

• The range of sizes required

• The organisation’s policies in regards latex allergies.

The organisation should have a suitable risk assessment, which would indicate the instances when gloves are needed and the kind of substance you may have to encounter.

What types of gloves are there to choose from?

There are several different glove materials, including:

• Latex,

• Nitrile,

• Vinyl.

Each type of glove will differ in thickness and dexterity. The appropriate material is dependent on the substance you are required to handle or encounter.

Gloves may be powdered or powder-free.

Powdered gloves absorb perspiration and can be easier to put on, BUT, they carry an allergy risk and are not recommended for use in clinical care. Gloves can be sterile or non-sterile.

Different materials for gloves

Nitrile gloves

• Nitrile gloves will work well for situations where there is a risk of contamination.

• Nitrile will react to your body temperature and conform to the shape of your hand for a high level of dexterity.

Vinyl gloves

• Vinyl gloves are looser fitting than nitrile gloves.

• Vinyl is ideal for use in low-risk, short-term procedures that require lower strength and protection.

Latex gloves

• Latex gloves are close-fitting and strong.

• Latex does work well for high-risk tasks and environments.

Latex gloves may cause allergic reactions and because of this, we would recommend that vinyl or nitrile disposable gloves be used instead. You should always check your organisation’s policies on latex before ordering latex gloves because of the chance of an allergic reaction.

Does the glove size matter?

Simply answered YES. Getting the size right for the wearer is important to ensure the gloves are comfortable. If employees know that their comfort has been considered in purchasing, this will help to encourage them to wear gloves.

Tight gloves

may restrict circulation, which in turn makes the hands feel tired.

Too large gloves may be too loose, with less dexterity, making the task at hand harder.

The best way to ensure the right size of gloves is chosen is by Using the Health and Safety Executive’s sizing chart.

Longer gloves

Longer gloves will be required for total immersion. The length of the glove should be greater than the depth of immersion.

Whereas, short gloves will protect the wearer if the contact is only from occasional splashes.

What gloves should you put in your first aid kit?

Vinyl gloves can split, therefore nitrile powder-free gloves are the recommended gloves for use in any first aid kit and clinical care where contact with body fluids is possible.

Hand Washing

It’s important to remember that wearing gloves is not a substitute for hand washing. Good hand hygiene must still be practiced even when gloves are worn.

Always take extra care when you remove the gloves safely, this is so your hands do not come into contact with the harmful substance. Follow the Health and Safety Executive’s guide for safe removal of gloves: HSE safe removal of gloves.

Gloves may be single-use or reusable. Gloves for clinical care are single-use and must be disposed of appropriately after one use.

Simple first aid guide to gloves

Dynamo Training Solutions provides training throughout London, Kent, and the southeast.

Simple First Aid Guide to Gloves is on of a series of simple first aid guides produced by Dynamo Training Solutions