Policy on the use of latex gloves

Introduction

Latex is a substance hazardous to health and so ‘Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations’ apply
Anyone using latex gloves is at risk of developing an allergic reaction to free latex protein or chemicals residues left over from the manufacturing process.
Increased use of latex gloves means prolonged and close contact with the skin, resulting in an increased risk of skin sensitisation
Use of latex gloves needs to be managed: exposure to latex should be prevented or, where this is not reasonably practicable, it should be adequately controlled.
The following describes how the Department of Biology manage exposure to latex from latex gloves to prevent or reduce the risk of developing the harmful health effects associated with their use.

Avoiding exposure

Exposure to latex gloves must be avoided if it is reasonably practicable to do so:

Use alternatives to latex gloves (e.g. nitrile)

If gloves are considered necessary for a work activity, alternatives to latex gloves (e.g. nitrile) must always be used where practicable. However, note that users of alternatives to latex occasionally develop reactions to chemical additives (accelerators).

Use of disposable non-powdered latex is only permitted if:

a) latex provides a distinct advantage over alternative gloving materials for the task (e.g. superior microbiological barrier protection, sensitivity and elasticity over other glove materials)

Note: the advantages to using latex gloves have reduced significantly over recent years with greater availability of suitable alternative gloves (includes greater variety of glove type, thickness and size). These alternatives need to be considered by research groups fist before latex gloves are used

b) the reason for selecting latex is documented in a risk assessment (MS Word , 23kb) (to be reviewed annually and kept on record by Biology Supplies & Goods Services)

c) latex gloves meet the following quality criteria:

extractable protein level is less than 50 micrograms/gram (measured by the modified Lowry assay), and
available residual accelerator is less than 0.1% w/w total residual accelerator.

Note: The standard disposable latex glove available via Biology Supplies & Goods Services meets the quality criteria.

Reducing exposure

1. Use of non-powdered latex gloves

Use of powdered latex gloves is prohibited in the Department of Biology, because of the increased risk of spreading latex proteins. The latex proteins in the glove leach into the powder, which becomes airborne when the gloves are removed. This creates a risk of respiratory or asthma reaction to the user and any sensitized individuals in the vicinity.

2. Purchase of gloves with low levels of latex proteins / process chemicals

The following latex glove purchasing policy applies:

extractable protein level is less than 50 micrograms/gram (measured by the modified Lowry assay)
available residual accelerator is less than 0.1% w/w total residual accelerator.

The standard disposable latex glove available via Biology Supplies & Goods Services meets the quality criteria

3. Limit exposure to latex gloves

Do not wear gloves when there is no requirement for gloves to be worn. Latex gloves should only be worn (where justified over other glove materials) for work involving handling materials:

where contact may present a hazard to health and where risk of exposure cannot be avoided through more reliable means of control e.g. elimination, substitution or containment
that need to be protected from contamination by the worker

4. Follow good hygiene practices: always wash and dry your hands after removing gloves. If you suffer from dry skin or dermatitis, use an emollient cream after washing. Barrier creams should not be used in conjunction with latex gloves as they may increase the penetration of the allergens.