Rank: Forum user 
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We use chemical resistant gloves, while handling a number of hazardous substances, Acetone, caustic, etc, is there a standard in the field method for operatives to leak test gloves prior to use?
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Rank: Super forum user
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Why would you leak test gloves in the field? Any relevant standard (BS and the like) test is too complex to perform in the field. What you should be doing its checking with your supplier that you are using the correct gloves. Most of the big suppliers will provide you with tables and the like showing break-through times etc.
So you and your staff should be checking that the gloves are the ones recommend by the manufacturer for the materials being used and they should do a basic check on the gloves to make sure that they are intact, ie they doing have any holes etc.
Finally make sure that staff dispose of disposable gloves rather than just sticking them back in their pockets and using them again and again for days or weeks. I have seen this and of course they soon can’t work out which side was the inside and which was the outside.
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Rank: Super forum user
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As someone one of whose special interests is selection and use of gloves for protection against chemicals, I do frequently recommend testing gloves for integrity, particularly where they are being redonned. There is a simple technique for this. Also, bearing in mind the comments made, please note that the manufacturers data on breakthrough times relates only to a static test done in a laboratory and will generally not be replicated when gloves are actually used. Also you should be aware that the test (EN374-3) is actually flawed as it tests for permeation breakthrough at the wrong temperature.
In a study together with Sunderland University we found enormous variations in actual performance. For example one glove, with a nominal breakthrough time of 36 minutes, showed no breakthrough in one task after 2 hours but breakthrough after five minutes with a different task.
Irish member - your posting suggests that you use the same glove for acetone and caustic. Only one glove material protects against acetone (butyl) and, whilst it will protect against caustic, will be rather expensive for that purpose.
Chris
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