The other day I was asked about glove selection for use in a Class III BSC and whether there were options other than butyl rubber.

             Gloves are supplied in a variety of materials from several manufacturers.  These materials include neoprene rubber, butyl rubber, and hypalon and have differing permeability rates with various chemical compounds (including decontamination chemicals). The selection of glove type should be made based on risk assessment that considers chemical permeability, operations (handling of animals or sharps), and the requirement for dexterity.  Start by consulting with a glove permeability chart when use of chemicals is anticipated, and for more specific information, contact the glove vendor for break through rates with the particular glove and chemical you plan to use.  This will help in the selection of the correct glove, as well as the time required to change the gloves before they break through. Strict specifications have been developed for butyl gloves by DOD. Consideration of the operation being performed is essential as the glove types differ significantly in the amount of dexterity needed; with butyl offering less dexterity than hypalon.

             Gloves are available in different thicknesses and hand sizes.  A balance between dexterity and protection should be considered in a risk assessment when specifying glove thickness.  Ordering the correct hand size is important for safety and ability to perform the work when using the gloves.  Gloves that are too large create a ballooning effect making it very difficult to manipulate equipment such as pipetters, small tubes, plates and other common items.  This increases the risk of a spill, contamination of the material and causes worker fatigue.

              Two part arm sleeve and glove systems are available.  This enables the user to select from a variety of gloves and sizes (to include exam gloves, nitrile and other gloves commonly used in microbiological laboratories) which greatly increases dexterity.  However the circular connector between the attachable glove and arm sleeve can be difficult to clean and thoroughly decontaminate. If this system is used, SOPs for thorough decontamination should be in place and personnel should practice decontaminating the glove and ring system (attaches the glove to the sleeve) prior to conducting work with pathogens.

hypalon glove

neoprene glove

Two-part glove system

   Gloves should be carefully inspected before commencing work within a Class III BSC.  While the entire glove and arm length should be inspected, particular attention should be given to the fingertips, the webbing between the fingers, and the connection point to the glove port.  These are areas which are most susceptible to wear, stress and operational damage.  Gloves should be visually inspected periodically for cleanliness during work, and especially if you suspect a breach may have occurred.  One advantage of hypalon gloves is that they are white in color making it easy to spot surface contamination. Gloves should be replaced when any cracks, wear areas, or tears are observed or if break through is suspected. 

             Even though work is conducted wearing gloves (typically an under glove and the outer glove attached to the Class III), personnel should thoroughly wash their hands after working in the Class III and prior to exiting the laboratory.

References:

 1. Glove selection chart

http://www.chem.duke.edu/safety/glove.html

 2. Glove permeability

http://www.himnrbehs.com/himnrbehs/pdf/2002-02-19%20Glove%20Safety%20Booklet.pdf

 3. MIL DTL 43976D (Military Standard for gloves); Dept of Defense, 2003

http://assist.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch/basic_profile.cfm?ident_number=24055