Rank: Forum user 
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does anyone know if pre-powered gloves are no longer advised to be used .I rememeber reading something to this effect a while ago but can't find it again .
regards
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Rank: Super forum user
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I assume you are referring to powdered latex gloves which are known to cause allergic reactions to latex because of the interaction between the powder and proteins in the matrix. Look up latex on HSE website for information. The NHS stopped the use of powdered latex gloves some years ago and it has had a dramatic effect in reducing the problem. If you are using latex gloves consider changing them for something less hazardous e.g polyethylene and use powder free ones as the powder can ball in the glove with sweat from the hands and result in awarding of the skin leading to skin problems.
One question that must be asked is why are staff wearing gloves - if it is to prevent cross contamination they can actually increase it. This is because staff with soiled hands will wash them regularly whereas with gloves on they do not see the need to.
Take care
Johnc
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Rank: Super forum user
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Johnc is mainly correct regarding glove powder. The latex issue arose when, due to concern about AIDs/HIV there was an enormous increase in the use of gloves, mainly in health care. Many new manufacturers started to produce natural rubber latex (NRL) gloves and, due to the increased cost to health care organisations from the (unnecessary) use of gloves, were under pressure to produce cheaper gloves. By eliminating some of the quality steps they could reduce the cost but were left with a glove with a high free protein (and free chemical) content and with a sticky internal surface, making it difficult to don the gloves. The answer to this problem was the use of a powder, generally a modified form of corn starch. This is irritant to the skin. However, the main problem was that the surface attracted the proteins from the NRL, which could then become airborne and inhaled. By using only low free protein, unpowdered gloves this problem is virtually eliminated. In the German state health care system NRL examination gloves are the standard and, as one of the experts there has stated, latex allergy is history. In their evidence based study on latex allergy the Royal College of Physicians could find no reason why low free protein, unpowdered NRL gloves should not be used.
NRL gloves offer the best protection against biological hazards and superior dexterity.
There is now a considerably body of case reports of allergic reactions to both vinyl and nitrile gloves so, except where chemical protection is required, my view is that there is no reason to avoid NRL gloves, provided that these are low free protein, unpowdered. (Of course this relates to the thin, single use NRL gloves. The thicker, reusable NRL gloves were never part of the 'latex allergy epidemic'.)
Chris
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Interesting stuff Chris, certainly facts there I was unaware of
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks for all your replies .
to extend the question abit then .
Chefs are now being asked to wear anti cut gloves on the prone hand (not chain mail) I have argued that this will increase the risk of cross contamination as the gloves used are usually the kelvar cloth type that get wet and are reused through out the day .
the argument is it is for the users protection but causes me concern as a cut hand verus food poision outbreak due to cross contamination .the procedure seems incompatable with good food handling .
any input kindly accepted
regards
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Rank: Super forum user
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I can see where they are coming from and why they are seeking to prevent cuts from knives. I can also see your point. My suggestion would be to wear the chemical/bacterial protective and occlusive glove outside the anti-cut glove. In this way the anti-cut glove cannot become contaminated nor contaminate the food. The procedure would be that should the outer glove become damaged then it would be immediately replaced. This would also help with the issue of hyperhydration of the hands due to occlusion, since the anti-cut glove will actually absorb some of the perspiration and natural bacteria from the skin. This glove will need regular rinsing and drying.
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