Just ask a HAZMAT worker who has watched a seemingly durable, latex-coated glove disintegrate when used in oil. Or ask the worker who has watched helplessly as an oily object slipped from his or her hand in a rescue effort. Or ask if using the wrong glove has led to inadequate barrier protection and exposure to contaminated bodily fluids.
Gloves are supposed to protect and aid - not hinder - the HAZMAT worker in handling the cleanup job. While a whole range of personal protection equipment (PPE) is available to address every need, the challenge comes in understanding which gloves to use and when to use them.
Hazardous materials typically possess at least one of four characteristics: