Posted By Russell Wilkinson I have a query about the right kind of gloves to supply for operatives who are using Galvanised Spray Paint.This is short duration spraying of cut unistrut.(less than a minute at a time,they have goggles and masks!!) The COSHH sheet states Xylene 8hr TWA 100ppm Acetone-*hr TWA 750 ppm 1 Methanoal 2 Propanol- 100ppm Butane-600 ppm The gloves in use are PVC. Does anyone know which type of gloves would be suitable?

Posted By Jack The MSDS should say which gloves are recommended. If not speak to the suppliers. Also his may help: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg330.pdf

Posted By John J Russell, if its a shelf bought spray your more than likely ok with PVC gloves if that's what the manufacturer is recommending. The information that will help you determine this is the percentages of each of the constituent products. Its more than likely that some will be a tiny fraction of the product to the extent that their affect is negligible. Others, such as the propellant, will not really cause a contact problem as they are dispersed during the spray part. Regards, John

Posted By clairel Russell, Sorry to be critical but can I raise two issues with you. 1) Please do not refer to the data sheet as a COSHH sheet. It isn't. It's a data sheet or a safety data sheet (SDS) or a materials safety data sheet (MSDS) but not a COSHH sheet. Sorry, I know it's picky but such things drive me nuts. 2) The ppm you quoted are completely irrelevant to this question as they relate to concentrations in air and are therefore irrelevant to what type of gloves to wear. Other than I can't recommend. However, for info a GOOD data sheet would tell you what gloves are suitable.

Posted By Chris Packham John I have a document reviewing what is required when selecting gloves for protection against chemicals. If you would like a copy drop me an e-mail. Chris

Posted By Paul Leadbetter Russell Is significant contamination of the gloves likely during your spraying process? Paul

Posted By Chris Packham Gary You have every right to feel uneasy. However, as has already been stated on this thread, safety data sheets are not intended for COSHH but for CHIP. Identifying the true chemical hazard in a workplace is not as simple as many assume. To go into all the reasons why I say this is beyond the scope of this forum, but if you would like a further explanation I have documentation on this, such as the notes to a presentation I gave recently to a local IOSH branch. I will happily e-mail these to you if you so wish. Incidentally, the Chemical Hazard Communication Society carried out a survey of, I believe, around 500 safety data sheets selected at random and less than 2% were accurate in all respects. Some of the inaccuracies were minor, but some were significant. This problem makes me wonder; if we cannot get accurate safety data sheets, what chance have we of getting accurate the, far more complicated, Exposure Scenarios under REACH? Chris

Posted By Dave Adams. There is a way to validate the efficacy of gloves in use by using sensitive indicator pads. We use this supplier but there may be others found by using your favourite search engine http://www.skcltd.com/ca.../detail.php?item_id=3493 We have found that these are best used in conjunction with free advice from glove suppliers and helpful consultants (doffs cap to Mr Packham!!). These pads have been crucial in demonstrating to users that gloves are not necessarily an impenetrable barrier and establishing which are the best gloves for each situation.

Posted By GaryC40 Hi Chris, can you please forward me your notes on this issue as we have a situation ongoing at the moment in regard to transferring chemicals. We have been using the MSDS sheets as the cornerstone of the RA and control measures required.