Micro-training: When to replace gloves
Resources: When to replace gloves
Introduction
Many gloves are disposed of before they’re actually worn out, while others stay in use long after they should have been replaced.
When should gloves be replaced?
Only dispose of gloves if:
1. Holes in the lining
2. Coating has worn away
3. Gloves are damp or have an odour from contaminated oils, greases, or water
If none of these apply, the gloves are still good to use.
Common problems we see:
- Gloves thrown out after light use
- Gloves kept far too long, even when protection has dropped
- Wrong gloves used for the task, leading to faster wear and tear
- Gloves not stored properly, taking damage between shifts
Simple habits to reduce waste and improve safety:
- Choose the right glove for the task, using your activity matrices
- Keep gloves clean and dry between uses
- Store them properly – don’t leave them in wet or dirty areas
- Report early wear so we can review the glove selection with you and make improvements
Download the poster
Download this poster and display it as a quick prompt to help everyone use each pair of gloves to its full, safe potential, and change them at the right time.
