Gloves effectiveness

It is reported that mild carbon steels may be effectively protected by as little as 55 ppm of KTc04 in aerated distilled water at temperatures up to 250oC. This corrosion protection is limited to closed systems, since technetium is radioative and must be confined. 9sTc has a specific activity of 6.2 X lOs Bq/g. Activity of this level must not be allowed to spread. 99Tc is a contamination hazard and should be handled in a glove box. 

Fluorine, the most reactive element known, is a dangerous material but may be handled safely using proper precautions. In any situation where an operator may come into contact with low pressure fluorine, safety glasses, a neoprene coat, boots, and clean neoprene gloves should be worn to afford overall body protection. This protection is effective against both fluorine and the hydrofluoric acid which may form from reaction of moisture in the air. 

Extreme caution must be taken to prevent the possibility of fire when using flammable removers. Extra care must be taken when stripping on location to secure the area of ignition sources. When used on lacquer finishes, the dissolved finish and remover combined are extremely flammable. Natural mbber, neoprene, or other gloves suitable for use with the remover formula must be worn. The effect of skin contact with the remover is limited because there is immediate irritation and discomfort. Canister respirators are available for most petroleum and oxygenate remover solvents. Symptoms of long-term overexposure should be compared to symptoms of the major ingredients in the formula. 

Specially designed impervious suits, eg. Level A suits, are utili2ed by workers handling some rocket fuels and other highly ha2ardous compounds (see Explosives and propellants). Barrier creams are much less effective than gloves for preventing skin contact. 

Poly(tetramethylene ether) glycols were found to have low oral toxicity in animal tests. The approximate lethal oral dose, LD q, for Terathane 1000 has been found to be greater than 11,000 mg/kg (272). No adverse effects on inhalation have been observed. The polymer glycols are mild skin and eye irritants, and contact with skin, eyes, and clothing should be avoided. Goggles and gloves are recommended. In case of contact with the skin, wash thoroughly with water and soap. If swallowed, no specific intervention is indicated, because the compounds are not hazardous. However, a physician should be consulted (260). 

NIOSH/MSHA-approved respiratory protection devices should be used. For skin protection, use of protective garments and gloves of Viton, Nitrile, or PVA constmction should be made. The acute effects of overexposure to styrene are shown in Table 6 (74). 

A simple, quahtative method is the skin stripping technique (322) which strips off a sampling from the skin with ceUophane tape. Methods have been developed (330,331) in which organisms on the hands ate transferred to gloves and sampled. These methods assess both immediate and persistent effects of antiseptics. In aH tests with antiseptics, suitable neutralizing chemicals for the antiseptics employed are necessary so that surviving bacteria may be recovered and counted. Some of these are lecithin, Lubrol W, Polysorbate, and sodium thiosulfate (322). 

Tests have been developed that test different products for their effectiveness as a healthcare personnel handwash (327) evaluate hand disinfectants for use in surgery (333) determine the effectiveness of a surgical hand scmb, ie, the glove juice test (311,329) evaluate antiseptics for the oral cavity to be used in mouthwashes (334,335) and test antiseptics for the periurethral area and appHcation to catheters (336,337). A method used for a test comparing four antiseptic products was adopted as recommended practice by the Association of Practitioners of Infection Control (338). 

Some glove suppliers also provide data on, or a noting of, degradation, i.e. die physical effects which a chemical will have upon a particular glove material. 

Sensitizer A sensitizer is defined by OSHA as "a chemical that causes a substantial proportion of exposed people or animals to develop an allergic reaction in normal tissue after repeated exposure to the chemical." The condition of being sensitized to a chemical is also called chemical hypersensitivity. Certain chemicals have no immediate health effect. But if you are exposed to them several times, they can make you allergic or sensitive to other chemicals. A classic example is formaldehyde (HCHO). Typical reactions to sensitizers can include skin disorders such as eczema. When working with sensitizers, always use proper protective equipment such as gloves, respirators, etc. Once you are sensitized to a particular chemical, even minute amounts will cause symptoms. Sensitization is usually a lifelong effect. 

Health Hazards Information - Recommended Personal Protective Equipment U.S. Bu. Mines approved toxic dust mask chemical goggles rubber gloves neoprene-coated shoes Symptoms Following Erqrosure Inhalation produces slight toxic effects. Contact with eyes irritates eyes and causes skin rash General Treatment for Exposure INHALATION remove to fresh air. EYES wash with water for 20 min. call a physician. SKIN wash with water Toxicity by Inhalation (ThresholdLimit Value) Data not available Short-Term Exposure Limits Data not available Toxicity by Ingestion Grade 2 oral rat LDjq 820 mg/kg Late Toxicity Data not available Vapor (Gas) Irritant Characteristics Data not available Liquid or Solid Irritant Characteristics Data not available Odor Threshold Data not available. 

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