Abstract

Hand injuries account for approximately 30% of all accident compensation paid by the CSST (Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail du Québec, Québec Occupational Health and Safety Commission). The most frequently encountered injuries are lacerations and punctures caused by tools or metal objects. Appropriate protective gloves can however reduce the number and severity of these accidents.

This project was undertaken to develop standard testing procedures for the evaluation of the mechanical protection afforded by protective gloves. A test bed was designed, constructed, and tested for reliability. The effect of various parameters potentially affecting trial results - such as the shape and diameter of the puncture point, the speed with which the point moves, and the thickness of test materials - were also analyzed.

The laceration- and puncture-resistance of 92 models of industrial gloves was evaluated, and a classification system developed which should allow end-users to choose the type of glove which is best suited to the mechanical risks to which they are exposed. The results of this study will be transmitted to various standardization agencies.