Evaluation of Functional Fit of Chemical Protective Gloves for Agricultural Workers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional fit of commercially available protective gloves recommended to agricultural workers and to investigate the effect of polymer type, thickness of glove materials, and glove shape on such fit. The study was conducted in two parts. First the hand dimensions of the user population were estimated by conducting an anthropometric survey of 380 agricultural workers. This was followed by a fit evaluation of four test gloves by 38 farmers whose hand dimensions were representative of the user population. Fit was assessed by subjective evaluations of 15 specific hand dimensions for each glove and by conducting two standardized dexterity tests with participants bare-handed and wearing each of the four gloves. Significant differences in fit were found among gloves differing in polymer type, thickness and shape. Thinner gloves made from flexible polymers gave the most acceptable fit. Major design and sizing problems were identified for each of the four gloves. Gloves that fit snugly and enabled participants to complete dexterity tests at a rate comparable to bare hands received the highest subjective fit ratings. To enable agricultural workers to achieve optimum performance while completing fine manipulative tasks, the fit of gloves, especially in the fingers, must be improved.