Impact of Gloves on User Performance and Comfort in the Semiconductor Industry

Abstract

AbstractThe potential impact of using single and double gloves on workers’ performance and comfort in the semiconductor industry was assessed in an experimental investigation. Four gloves configurations were included in the study: bare hands without gloves, single vinyl gloves, latex rubber gloves over vinyl gloves, and tripolymer gloves over vinyl gloves. Also, each gloves condition was examined under wet and dry configurations. Three basic tests were devised: 1) carrying out a test task, 2) using a testing rig to assess subjects’ abilities to exert pull‐down forces while using a power grip, and (3) using a pinch grip. The test rig included end effects that are identical in dimensions made of polypropylene, stainless steel, and Teflon. Sixteen male and 7 female workers participated in the study. Results indicated that, in comparison to using dry and bare hands, using double gloves increased the level of effort exerted, reduced comfort, and reduced the sense of security during the test task (p < .05). Also, it was concluded that wearing gloves may reduce workers’ capacity to perform material‐handling tasks. The ability to exert pull‐down forces using both power and pinch grips was reduced but by different degrees, depending on the gloves configurations and the material comprising the end effects. Other than the differences in reference to dry bare hands, differences between glove‐using study conditions were statistically insignificant.