Health and Safety

Research with animals presents more than a fair share of hazards. From the inevitable bites, scratches, and even kicks, to the handling of metal cages, cage racks, and cage washers, there is danger at almost every turn. In addition to these physical hazards, you then add those risks common to a research environment such as chemicals and flammable solvents. It is no wonder the single most common item of personal protection in these laboratories, including animal research labs, is the glove. Yet, the glove is also most likely to receive the least amount of thought or consideration and may be the most misunderstood. In the animal laboratory, when we need to protect our hands, we often reach for whatever is closest, put it on, and think we are good to go. We are protected from.… anything, everything. Whoever put that box of gloves on the shelf must have known the hazards faced and selected the proper type. Right? Why else would they be there?

Not so fast. You might remember the terrible fatality of the New Hampshire researcher in 1997 working with dimethyl mercury. While transferring material only a few small drops spilled onto her latex gloved left hand. She died from mercury poisoning almost three hundred days post-exposure and after three months of aggressive treatment. ^1,2 Latex offers no protection for this organic substance and glove permeation occurred in about fifteen seconds. In addition, the American Industrial Hygiene Association has compiled a host of lab accidents stemming from using the wrong glove or no gloves at all.³ So, do not assume those gloves sitting on the shelf are the right ones for your particular task.

Assess the Job and the Risks
Granted these tragic accidents are extreme examples and not expected in animal research labs, but thousands of accidents occur every year due to improper hand protection. Given the myriad of glove types and materials it is imperative that both employees and supervisors know which gloves are suitable for the task at hand (no pun intended). This brings us to the first step in a good hand protection program—conduct a detailed and thorough glove audit and job hazard analysis (JHA).We have written articles on JHA previously, but it boils down to simply identifying the hazard and the employees at risk, then selecting the right control measures, which includes personal protective equipment, for the job. Things to keep in mind when performing the audit and hazard analysis are questions like:

• Can the procedure or process be changed to prevent or eliminate the hazard?
• Can a less hazardous material or substance be substituted?
• Will personal protective equipment solve the problem?
• Is the risk acceptable?

Identify the Hazard(s)
Hazards faced in an animal laboratory are broad and varied. Physical hazards such as bites and scratches and cuts or punctures from broken glassware or burns from hot equipment or containers demand a much different protective glove than for chemical hazards such as dermatitis, corrosive burns, or absorption. Fortunately, innovations in materials and technology have produced a huge selection of protective gloves for nearly any purpose. Advanced polymers and fibers provide superior protection from abrasion, punctures, and lacerations compared to the old standbys cotton and leather. These new materials provide even more protection when various coatings are applied.