DATE: August 15, 2010 TO: USP Employees & Contractors FROM: USP Operations Superintendents/Operations Managers SUBJECT: USP Glove Guideline Historically, hand injuries have made up a significant portion of our total hurt index. Although personal protective equipment (PPE) is the last line of defense against hand injuries, we still need to focus attention on it since it functions as our one last chance to prevent hand injuries. Effective immediately, USP Management has endorsed the following USP Glove Guideline for use in our work areas. The guideline applies to employee and contractor activities. Gloves currently being used MUST be evaluated using this document to ensure that they meet our minimum criteria. This USP Glove Guideline is available via the USP Business Processes Globalshare, and will be attached to Exhibit G (Safety, Health, and Environmental Requirements attachment) to service contracts, both new and currently in effect. ___________________________________________________________________________________ While the objectives of this guideline are covered in detail on the following pages, the guideline requirements are summarized below in quick-read format: Base-case glove use requirement (effective immediately):

Improved-technology impact resistant gloves (examples: KONG, GUG, GGT5, Oil Rigger HD, etc.) must be used for daily routine tasks.

NOTE: When confronted with choosing another glove, one must clearly justify that Improved Technology, Impact Resistant gloves are not appropriate for the task.

This type glove must be used until the scope of the task compels greater manual dexterity or the use of specialty gloves (See Figure 1 – Decision Tree).

Employees and contractors must wear gloves the entire time they are present in field and plant process work areas and worksites, and will take them off only to write, interface with keyboard-type equipment (examples: Intel-a-trac units, total flow computers, gas monitoring equipment, etc.) and to see to personal needs.

Posters showing approved gloves are being developed for prominent placement in all field and plant offices and on all process area bulletin boards. These posters will be prominently displayed, particularly at points of ingress to worksites and process areas to remind employees and contractors of the new requirements. Important: Reference the decision tree on the next page and the rest of this package for detailed guidance on glove selection and hand safety.

Figure 1 – Decision Tree

1 Objective The objective of the USP Glove Guideline is to provide guidance to USP employees and contractors working for USP regarding our expectations for glove use for all work-related job tasks on USP locations (does not address office-based job tasks). The use of gloves will not prevent all hand injuries; the primary focus should always be to eliminate hand exposure to pinch points, crush points, impact zones, etc. In rare occasions there will be times when gloves will need to be temporarily removed (for some small, specific task); however it is expected that prior to a worker removing his/her gloves, all potential hand injury risks present in the workplace will be appropriately evaluated and mitigated. For consideration to eliminate & mitigate hazards, one should plan their work to avoid contact with pinch or crush points, hand traps, hot surfaces, and sharp edges. Survey the planned tasks for adjacent strike points that could be hit if the tools you are using slip or lose purchase on the work piece, then select the gloves that are appropriate for the tasks to be performed. 2 Basic Requirements A. Gloves MUST be worn when present in the field and plant and should not be removed until the

tasks that involve hazards are complete. B. Jobs MUST be evaluated to determine what specific hand protection is required. Appropriate

gloves (i.e., impact resistant, cut resistant, electrical resistant, etc.) for the specific job task should be worn until that task is completed. For example, but not inclusive:

• “Improved Technology” gloves MUST be worn while performing all tasks until the scope of

work compels changing to special purpose PPE. This includes use of hand tools and power tools, opening and closing block valves, rig work, hand excavation, all pipe handling, structural assembly, and carrying or shifting materials and equipment.

• Cut-resistant gloves (steel mesh or equivalent) MUST be worn during work that involves knives or other cutting tools (e.g. food preparation, install/remove equipment insulation cladding, sharp edge activities).

• Chemical resistant gloves MUST be worn when using any type of cleaning solvent or chemical

Note: Individuals MUST review the MSDS to determine the appropriate level of PPE required, including gloves).

• Food handling gloves MUST be constructed of Nitrile or Vinyl and should be changed routinely between tasks or when soiled. Latex gloves MUST NOT be used in food handling (due to the potential for cross-contamination and allergic reactions).

C. Gloves should be used, maintained, and discarded according to the manufacturer’s

recommendations.

D. Permit-to-work systems and job safety analysis MUST identify the appropriate gloves.

E. “Improved technology” gloves having the following characteristics are acceptable (see Table 1.2 for examples of “New Technology” gloves that meet these criteria). • Thermo Plastic Resin (TPR) impact protection to the hand and full length of the fingers • High visibility to the palm and dorsal areas of the hands • Adequate grip; good dexterity; anti-fatigue properties • Penetration/cut protection • Weather/environmental protection (where applicable)

F. Barrier creams CANNOT replace gloves; however, barrier creams should be used selectively to

provide increased protection against contact dermatitis and irritation caused by chemical exposure to any exposed skin.

G. When changing from gloves used for daily routine tasks, consideration should be given to using

break-away glove clips to ensure that other appropriate gloves (e.g. specialty or gloves used for greater dexterity) are available at all times (examples are in the appendix).

H. Incident reports MUST capture the following data for all finger/hand/wrist incidents and should

include photos safely simulating the incident with the same glove type used. Corrective actions MUST consider improvements in hand protection including glove enhancement suggestions.

• Did pre-job planning specify glove requirements? • Were gloves being worn at the time of the incident? • Type of glove used (general purpose, leather, chemical, electrical, light duty, etc.). • Manufacturer/model of glove used. • Area of hand or wrist affected by the incident.

I. Every worker should reference the USP Glove Guideline to select the appropriate gloves for each

job task they may perform. Local PPE and glove training MUST address the following:

• Proper selection and acquisition • Proper use • Limitations • Care instructions • USP Glove Guideline document

J. These guidelines are not intended to address office-based job tasks (paperwork, keyboarding,

etc.). However, these guidelines do apply to certain work-related job tasks that may occur in the office setting (cleaning, carpentry, electrical, etc.).

K. New gloves, and new glove designs, will come into the market place; please provide feedback to

RSO on evaluation of new products. 3 Exceptions A. This guideline does not cover the selection and use of specific hand protection/PPE pertaining to

qualified workers performing tasks that present a potential hazard from shock, electrocution, or electrical flash burn. Specific PPE requirements are outlined in the Upstream Safety Manual (USM) Section 8.8 as outlined per NFPA 70.

The table below lists various glove types, with primary benefits and common uses for each.

Table 1.1 Glove Type Primary Benefit Common Uses

“Improved Technology” Daily routine/general purpose gloves with dorsal / full-finger impact protection TPR (Thermo Plastic Resin)

• Protects from impacts / caught between hazards

• Provides adequate grip and dexterity

• Provides warmth (where applicable)

• Cuts/puncture resistance • Washable and reusable

All work as base case (i.e., daily routine/general-purpose work; handling pipe, hand and power tools, and materials with rough surfaces). • Cotton work gloves shall no

longer be used for most daily work; however they may be used for light-duty tasks.

“Improved Technology” Increased Dexterity Gloves with partial impact protection

• Protection from minor cuts and abrasions

• Abrasion resistance • Excellent grip • Good dexterity • Comfortable and machine

washable

Partial Impact Protection - • Field work activities with

finer dexterity is required; eg: fine electrical (de-energized) or instrumentation work

Cut resistant glove for food preparation • Chain mesh • Dyneema / Steel core • Kevlar

• Protection from knife/ cutting injuries and cuts

• Catering; cutting & food preparation

Heat resistant or Insulated Leather

• Protection from thermal exposures

• Burns (hot or cold)

• Welding, operating cryogenic equipment,

• Working on equipment around engines, boilers, and steam lines

Chemical resistant • Butyl Rubber • Nitrile • Polyvinyl Alcohol • Neoprene • PVC • Viton

Protection from chemical exposures • Skin contact • Skin irritation or absorption • Chemical burns

• Handling chemicals such as acids, caustics, soda ash, most hydro-carbons, pesticides and cleaning products

• Note: The MSDS must be

reviewed to determine appropriate level of PPE

Electrical insulated (Voltage Dependent)

Protection from electrical exposures • burns and shocks

• Work on electrical equipment

Medical evaluation/ response • Latex (not for use in

handling food) • Nitrile

Protection from exposures • Blood-borne pathogens • Mild detergents

• First aid, emergency response

Food Handling • Nitrile • Vinyl

Protection from exposures • Blood-borne pathogens • Mild detergents

• Food preparation not involving cutting,

• glove liners

This table lists some of the currently available gloves that meet USP minimum criteria for daily routine work gloves. NOTE: The table is not exclusive and other gloves that meet the criteria can be used.

Table 1.2 Improved Technology -(Daily routine task gloves w/ dorsal TPR impact protection)

Purpose Protects from abrasions / cuts, from impacts / caught between hazards. Provides adequate grip and dexterity and warmth (where applicable).

Common Uses General-purpose work and surveillance; hand tool use, pipe handling, opening and closing valves, lifting/carrying, and materials with rough/sharp surfaces.

Manufacturer Glove Model HexArmor GGT5 Ironclad KONG, GUG, RWG, Super Duty

MCR ForceFlex

Mechanix Oil Rigger HD Mpact 2 & 3

Ringers Roughneck West Chester R-Series

This table provides the recommended glove type for handling specific chemicals in operations (not an all-inclusive list).

Table 1.3 Chemical/Product Name Recommended Glove Type

Acetone Butyl Rubber Amines Nitrile Breaxits with Naptha, Toluene, and Xylene Polyvinyl Alcohol Chlorine Neoprene Cleaning Solvents Nitrile Corexit (s) with Isopropanol Nitrile Corexit (s) with Gluteraldehyde Neoprene Crude, Condensate, NGLs Nitrile Diesel Fuel Nitrile Ethylene Glycol Nitrile Gasoline Nitrile Greases Nitrile Inorganic Acids (i.e., Sulfuric Acid) Neoprene or Nitrile Inorganic Bases (i.e., Caustic Soda) Neoprene or Nitrile Lube Oils/Napthas Nitrile Methanol Butyl Rubber Methylethyl Ketone Butyl Rubber NAF (Non-Aqueous Fluid) Neoprene or Nitrile OBM (Oil Base Mud) Neoprene or Nitrile Pesticides Nitrile Sulfur Compounds Neoprene Trichloroethane, 1, 1, 1 Polyvinyl Alcohol Varsol Nitrile

Table 2.1 Example Impact Resistant Gloves (Examples; not an all-inclusive list)

Benefits include: • Thermo Plastic Resin (TPR)

impact protection to the hand and full length of the fingers

• High visibility to the palm and dorsal areas of the hands

• Adequate grip • Anti-fatigue properties • Penetration/cut protection • Hot/cold weather environmental

protection (where applicable) • Comfortable • Washable • Not a one-size-fits-all; offers a

size-appropriate glove for individuals

Table 2.2 Cut Resistant Gloves (Examples; not an all-inclusive list)

Uncoated Cut Resistant Gloves

• Cut resistant • Soft, comfortable Dyneema, wrapped around a

stainless steel core • Can be laundered and bleached repeatedly for

long glove life

Encapsulated Stainless-Steel Cut Resistant Gloves

• Cut resistant • Unique elastic cover banding in cuff for comfort

and safety with color-coding for size identification • Durable, flexible and ambidextrous • Washable and bleach safe

Steel Mesh Gloves • Cut resistant • Easily cleaned and sanitized • 3” cuff offers additional wrist protection • Flexible and ambidextrous • Comfortable, without excessive hand fatigue

Cut Resistant Gloves • Unique polyurethane coating with a slip resistant

grip • Kevlar, Spectra and stainless steel construction • 3” cuff offers additional wrist protection • Color coded cuffs provide easy size identification • Not for general-purpose work • Good for handling glass or sheet metal

Table 2.3 Partial Finger / Dorsal ThermoPlastic Resin Impact Protection (for Dexterity) and Specialty Task Gloves

(Examples; not an all-inclusive list)

• Partial Finger / Dorsal TPR Impact protection • Good for every day partial impact potential jobs and

increased manual dexterity • Protection from cuts and abrasions • Abrasion resistance • Excellent grip • Good dexterity • Comfortable and machine washable

Examples: MCR’s 900 or 907 Series Glove Mechanix’s FastFit Glove or Utility Glove Ringer’s QuickFit West Chester’s 86110 All Task Glove Ironclad Super Duty

• Neoprene - Protects against cuts, abrasions, organic solvents, oils, greases, and petrochemicals

• Nitrile - Offers excellent abrasion resistance; protects against solvents and chemicals

• PVC - Protects against most acids, fats and petroleum hydrocarbons; excellent liquid and solvent protection.

• Butyl Rubber - Resistant to oxygenated solvents and most oxidizing chemicals

• Polyvinyl Alcohol - Excellent chemical resistance against polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), aromatic hydrocarbons, esters, aliphatic and organic solvents, and most ketones

• Heavy leather • Full leather gauntlet cuff • All seams fully welted • Turned leather hems • Flame-resistant sleeves • Heat, flame and spark protection

• Constructed of a seamless rubber with the glove class marked on the cuff

• Electrical gloves and protector gloves MUST be selected based on the class of glove required to do the job

Note: ONLY QUALIFIED electricians should perform

electrical work.

Table 2.3 Specialty Task Gloves (cont.) (Examples; not an all-inclusive list)

Nitrile or Latex • Abrasion resistant • Puncture resistant • Good dexterity • Comfortable • Rated for medical usage

Nitrile or Vinyl • Abrasion resistant • Puncture resistant • Good dexterity • Comfortable • Rated for food handling

Gloves Clips (Examples; not an all-inclusive list)

Glove Guard, Handi Klip, Utility Clip or Glove Grabber • 15 lb. break-away design • Keeps gloves at hand while using other types of gloves • Strong grip • Interlocking teeth

Improved-technology - Impact Resistant Gloves (e.g. - KONG, GUG, GGT5, Oil Rigger HD, etc.)

These must be used for routine daily tasks.

Glove Selection Table 3

¹TPR – Thermo Plastic Resin (protects from impact/caught between hazards) ²HexArmor gloves are also cut and puncture resistant 3This list is provided as a guide and is not all inclusive, when additional gloves are located or desired, contact the RSO Safety Group for guidance

Daily Routine Tasks Tasks requiring manual dexterity Specialty Tasks

Full finger/dorsal TPR¹ impact protection Partial finger/dorsal TPR impact protection Other Hand Protection Specialty gloves for task execution

Manufacturer Model # Model #

HexArmor² HexArmor GGT5 HexArmor GGT5MUD HexArmor Impact Hi Viz

4020 4021 4026

Ultimate L5 Mechanics glove Chrome 360 Chrome Series Cut 5

4018 4023 4022

Ironclad KONG Original KONG SuperGrip KONG Cold Weather

IPWSDX0 IPWSDXG

0 IPWSDX

W

SuperDuty Ranchworx Workcrew General Utility I-Viz Cold Condition Heavy Utility

SDG RWG WCG GUG

IVO/IVG CCG HUG

MCR MCR Force Flex MCR Force Flex MCR Force Flex

HV100 HV200 HV300

MCR Force Flex MCR Force Flex MCR Force Flex MCR Force Flex MCR Multi Task MCR Multi Task

ZB100 B100 Y200 Y300 900 907

Mechanix M-PACT ORDH M-PACT 2 M-PACT 3

SHD-91 SP2-91 MP3-05

M-PACT FastFit Original Cold Weather

SMP-91 SFF-91 SMG-91

MCW2-08 Ringers Roughneck

Roughneck Shortee Roughneck Vented Roughneck Insulated

267 257 258 266

Heavy Duty Impact Extrication Hi Vis Rescue Authentic Quickfit

213 146 314 347 133 113

West Chester R² Safety - Orange R² Safety - Blue R² Safety - Winter R² Safety -

86713 86712B 86711

86710B

Brute Safety Box Handler Tank Extreme Cold Weather Job 1

86540 86525 86650 86500 96650 86150

Partial finger / dorsal TPR impact protection gloves are preferred for these tasks, however, there are minor exceptions: Neoprene coated cotton gloves may be used if the only potential hand hazard is dust / dirt exposure Bare hands may be used in the work area for brief periods if gloves do not provide sufficient dexterity for: • Writing • Utilizing flow computers

or other electronic monitoring or communication devices

Refer to Table 1.1

Note: Leather gloves may be used for carpentry work unless there is a potential for hand impact.