Characterization of glove resistance to needle puncture. Development of a test method

Project IRSST

Characterization of glove resistance to needle puncture. Development of a test methodJaime Lara / IRSST
Toan Vu-Khanh / École de technologie supérieure
Chantal Gauvin, Pierre Drouin / IRSST

IRSST publications Scientific publications and communications

0099-4900 : Ongoing

Hand injuries, which represent approximately 21% of CSST-compensated injuries, affect several professions, including blue collar workers, prison guards, and police officers, who run a high risk of being pricked by contaminated needles. Current standardized test methods do not correctly evaluate the resistance of protective gloves to these punctures and do not take into account the effect of the presence of a hand inside the glove. The aim of this study is to develop a method for characterizing the actual resistance of gloves to puncture by very pointed objects such as needles, with this method later becoming the subject of a standard. It will also determine the degree of dexterity and sensitivity that this protective equipment offers to workers. The data collected will help users choose the puncture-resistant gloves most appropriate for their task, thus promoting their wear and helping to reduce the number of injuries to workers’ hands. These results will be exportable to other activity sectors, including the hospital environment, and will be useful to manufacturers for improving their products.

IRSST publications
Vu-Khanh, Toan; Dolez, Patricia; Nguyen, C.Thang; Gauvin, Chantal; Lara, Jaime
Résistance des gants à la piqûre par les aiguilles - Mise au point d’une méthode d’essai (Glove resistance to needle puncture - Development of a test method)
Études et recherches / Rapport R-711, Montréal, IRSST, 2011, 123 pages. Free download More Info

Scientific publications and communicationsDolez P. I., Nguyen C. T., Vu-Khanh T., Gauvin C., Lara J.

Resistance of protective materials to needle puncture: mechanisms and mechanics
in International Conference of Engineering Against Fracture (ICEAF II), (2nd : June 22-24 : 2011, Mykonos, Greece), 2011, 8 p.

Dolez P., Vu-Khanh T., Thang Nguyen C., Guero G., Gauvin C., Lara J.

Influence of medical needle characteristics on the resistance to puncture of protective glove materials
Journal of ASTM International, vol. 5, no 1, 2008, 12 p.

Gauvin C.

Résistance des matériaux de protection à la piqûre par les aiguilles - Développement d'une méthode d'essai
in Partenariat innovation 2011, (21-23 novembre, 2011 : Québec, Canada), 2011.

Gauvin C., Lara J.

Study on the needle puncture resistance of protective glove materials
in Ninth Symposium on Performance of Protective Clothing and Equipment (9th : June 16-17, 2011 : Anaheim, USA), 2011.

Gauvin C., Lara J., Robin C.

Advancement on needle puncture characterization : is the maximal force the best indicator of material needle puncture resistance?
in ASTM International Technical Committee F23 Meeting : Physical Hazards (June 8-10, 2010 : St-Louis, MO), 2010.

Gauvin C., Dolez P., Lara J., Nguyen C. T., Guero G., Vu-Khanh T.

Glove resistance to hypodermic needle puncture – Method development and gloves characterization
in For more (than) safety : 1st International Conference on Personal Protective Equipment / CENTEXBEL, (1st : May 21-23, 2008 : Bruges, Belgique), 2008.

Gauvin C.

Résistance des gants de protection aux aiguilles
in Congrès de la Fédération des policiers et policières municipaux du Québec (35e : 25-29 juin, 2007 : Mont-Tremblant, Québec, Canada), 2007.

Nguyen C. T., Dolez P. I., Vu-Khanh T., Gauvin C., Lara J.

Resistance of protective gloves materials to puncture by medical needles
Journal of ASTM International, vol. 7, no 5, 2010, 16 p.

Nguyen C. T., Vu-Khanh T.

Mechanics and mechanisms of puncture by medical needles
Procedia Engineering, vol. 1, no 1, 2009, p. 139-142.

Nguyen C. T., Vu-Khanh T., Dolez P., Lara J.

Puncture of elastomers membranes by medical needles. Parte I: Mechanisms
International Journal of Fracture, vol. 155, no 1, 2009, p. 75-81.

Nguyen C.T., Vu-Khanh T., Dolez P., Lara J.

Puncture of elastomers membranes by medical needles. Part II: Mechanics
International Journal of Fracture, vol. 155, no 1, 2009, p. 83-91.