IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Development of a standard test for the evaluation
of the chemical resistance of protective gloves

Abstract

Skin contact with certain industrial solvents can result in chemical burns, dermatitis, and, in some cases, systemic poisoning. Protective gloves are one way to prevent skin contact on the hands and forearms. However, the protection afforded by gloves of the same general type may vary from one manufacturer to another. The development of standard test procedures would therefore be a useful step in classifying the solvent resistance of gloves available in Canada. A gravimetric technique was therefore developed for the measurement of the chemical resistance of protective gloves.

The project's results indicate that glove resistance decreases in the presence of certain solvent mixtures. Theoretical calculations demonstrated the validity of using Hansen three-dimensional solubility parameters as approximate predictors of the solvent resistance of gloves.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0088-0390
Status: Completed
Team:
  • Jaime Lara (IRSST)