New Test Method for Needlestick-Resistant Gloves Released

IRSST conducted the study and produced a report with recommendations for choosing the best gloves for a given task.

IRSST, a safety research organization located in Montreal, Canada, has published a new study in response to joint requests to identify gloves that afford adequate needlestick protection. A growing number of workers face this hazard, according to the agency, which says health care employers' control strategy should include administrative measures, protective clothing, and needlestick-resistant gloves.

The study's goal was to continue work on puncture resistance that began in an earlier project and to develop a test method for characterizing needlestick resistance. IRSST said the study confirmed needlesticks are different from punctures by standard probes, in terms of fracture mechanism and force levels measured. "While puncture by standard probes is governed by the maximum rate of strain of the material, needlesticks include a large measure of cutting and friction because of the cutting edge at the tip of the needle," its report states.

The report includes recommendations for choosing the best gloves for a given task. To download the report, visit http://www.irsst.qc.ca/en/-irsst-publication-needlestick-resistance-of-protective-gloves-development-of-a-test-method-r-753.html.

IRSST (the Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail) also issued a call for proposals in October along with NanoQuébec, asking Québec researchers to submit worthy projects on nanoparticles. The two organizations' announcement said they believe new strategies are required for measuring exposure and ensuring appropriate protection for workers.

The call for proposals aims to fund projects in two categories:

  • Exposure and risk: evaluation of workers' exposure to manufactured nanoparticles and potential health risk.
  • Control and protection: development of methods for evaluating the effectiveness of control measures providing protection against exposure to different types of manufactured nanoparticles on a person's health and determining and optimizing the effectiveness of protective measures.

A $700,000 budget has been allocated, allowing as many as four projects to be supported. The maximum duration of projects is two years. For information, visit http://www.nanoquebec.ca/.

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