This is a picture of a glove box. It is appropriate to use when handling chemicals that require an inert environment (e.g., pyrophoric, extremely water reactive). It is also used when handling chemicals that are highly toxic. However, a glove box is also sometimes used to protect a product or sample from the environment, and are not critical to worker safety. For example, some semiconductor metals will be stored or used in a glove box to protect them from atmospheric oxidation. If you see a glove box, gain an understanding of why the glove box is there and what it is used for from the laboratory workers.
Some of the most common situations where this checklist item would be appropriately cited:
- Use of highly toxic, pyrophoric, or extremely water reactive chemicals without having a glove box.
- A glove box that is compromised. Most often this means that there are signs of deterioration in the seals or gloves.
- Use of a “lab-made” glove box for worker protection.