OSHA Hand Protection (Glove) Requirements: Complete Employer Guide

Employees use their hands for nearly every workplace task, making hand injuries among the most common occupational injuries. Cuts, punctures, burns, chemical exposure, electrical hazards, abrasions, and crushing injuries can often be prevented by selecting the proper protective gloves and implementing an effective hand protection program.

OSHA requires employers to assess workplace hazards and provide appropriate hand protection whenever employees are exposed to hazards capable of causing hand injuries.

Stay OSHA & Labor Law Compliant

Hand protection is only one part of workplace compliance. Most employers are also required to display current Federal and State Labor Law Posters where employees can easily review their workplace rights.

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Why Hand Protection Matters

Every year, thousands of employees suffer preventable hand injuries while performing routine work tasks.

Common hand injuries include:

  • Cuts
  • Lacerations
  • Puncture wounds
  • Chemical burns
  • Thermal burns
  • Electrical burns
  • Abrasions
  • Crushing injuries
  • Amputations
  • Skin irritation

Selecting the correct gloves significantly reduces the risk of injury.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers should:

  • Conduct workplace hazard assessments.
  • Identify hand hazards.
  • Select appropriate gloves.
  • Provide required PPE.
  • Train employees.
  • Replace damaged gloves.
  • Enforce glove use where required.

The type of glove should match the hazards employees may encounter.

Common Workplace Hand Hazards

Hand protection may be required for exposure to:

  • Sharp edges
  • Cutting tools
  • Chemicals
  • Solvents
  • Oils
  • Hot materials
  • Cold temperatures
  • Electrical hazards
  • Biological hazards
  • Rough materials
  • Vibrating tools

Each job task should be evaluated individually.

Types of Protective Gloves

Different hazards require different gloves.

Cut-Resistant Gloves

Used in:

  • Warehouses
  • Glass handling
  • Sheet metal work
  • Food processing
  • Manufacturing

Chemical-Resistant Gloves

Designed to protect against:

  • Acids
  • Solvents
  • Oils
  • Cleaning chemicals
  • Industrial chemicals

Different glove materials provide protection against different chemicals.

Heat-Resistant Gloves

Commonly used for:

  • Welding
  • Foundries
  • Kitchens
  • Metal fabrication
  • High-temperature manufacturing

Cold-Protection Gloves

Protect employees working in:

  • Refrigerated warehouses
  • Freezers
  • Outdoor winter conditions

Electrical Protective Gloves

Specially designed insulating gloves help protect qualified employees working around electrical hazards.

Only gloves rated for the appropriate electrical hazards should be used.

Proper Glove Selection

When selecting gloves, employers should consider:

  • Type of hazard
  • Duration of exposure
  • Dexterity requirements
  • Grip needs
  • Chemical compatibility
  • Glove material
  • Proper fit

No single glove protects against every workplace hazard.

Inspection and Maintenance

Employees should inspect gloves before each use.

Look for:

  • Tears
  • Holes
  • Cracks
  • Worn fingertips
  • Chemical damage
  • Contamination
  • Loss of flexibility

Damaged gloves should be replaced immediately.

Reusable gloves should be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Employee Training

Training should include:

  • When gloves are required
  • Proper glove selection
  • Correct removal techniques
  • Inspection procedures
  • Cleaning and storage
  • Glove limitations
  • Replacement procedures

Employees should understand that wearing the wrong glove may provide little or no protection.

Common OSHA Hand Protection Violations

Frequently cited issues include:

  • Failure to conduct hazard assessments
  • Employees not wearing required gloves
  • Improper glove selection
  • Damaged gloves remaining in service
  • Lack of employee training
  • Failure to replace contaminated gloves
  • Missing PPE enforcement

Routine inspections help employers identify these issues before injuries occur.

Best Practices

Employers can improve hand safety by:

  • Reviewing hazard assessments annually.
  • Maintaining multiple glove sizes.
  • Replacing worn gloves promptly.
  • Posting "Gloves Required" signs.
  • Training employees on proper glove selection.
  • Inspecting PPE regularly.
  • Monitoring employee compliance.

A proactive hand protection program helps reduce injuries while improving OSHA compliance.

Hand Protection and Other PPE

Hand protection often works together with:

  • Safety glasses
  • Face shields
  • Respirators
  • Protective clothing
  • Safety footwear
  • Hearing protection

Employers should ensure all PPE is compatible and appropriate for the work being performed.

Keep Your Workplace Compliance Current

Hand protection should be part of every employer's PPE program. Businesses should also display current Federal and State Labor Law Posters along with OSHA safety signage throughout their facilities.

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Our compliance products help businesses improve workplace safety while meeting federal and state posting requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does OSHA require protective gloves?

OSHA generally requires employers to provide appropriate hand protection whenever employees are exposed to hazards such as cuts, chemicals, burns, abrasions, punctures, or harmful temperatures.

Can one type of glove protect against every hazard?

No. Different gloves are designed for different hazards. Employers should select gloves based on the specific workplace risks identified during their hazard assessment.

How often should gloves be inspected?

Employees should inspect gloves before each use and replace gloves that are damaged, contaminated, or no longer provide adequate protection.

Who pays for required protective gloves?

When OSHA requires hand protection, employers generally must provide the required gloves at no cost to employees, subject to applicable regulations.

Are leather gloves chemical resistant?

Not necessarily. Leather gloves provide protection against certain physical hazards but generally are not appropriate for protection against many chemicals. Employers should select gloves based on the specific chemicals involved.

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