Which tools should not be operated while wearing gloves?

Question

Does anyone know of any safety organization like osha that gives a list of tools that should not be operated while wearing gloves? It has always been my understanting that a person should not wear gloves when operating any rotating tool because of the danger of the gloves getting caught in the rotating part and breaking fingers or loosing a limb. Unfortutatenly the safety department does not agree with me and I am concerned for the safety of my crew.

Answer 1

from OSHA Guide for Protecting Workers from Woodworking Hazards

Hand and Arm Protection

Your workers' hands and arms will need protection from burns, bruises, abrasions, cuts, and exposure to the chemicals used in finishing.

Protective gloves are the primary means available for direct hand protection. Extra-long gauntlets or sleeves attached to the gloves can extend protection up the arm. However, the appropriateness of glove use in the woodworking workplace should be carefully reviewed on a task-by-task basis. Gloves should not be worn when operating woodworking equipment due to the potential for getting caught in moving parts.

Answer 2

For Osha, I only see a chemical list for gloves, for tools I don't see a list. If you are required to wear gloves or other PPE, the company should have proper training and/or documentation for the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). I know it sounds kind of silly (how do I use gloves) but it is required.

General Statement of Glove PPE from Osha

For hand protection, there is no ANSI standard for gloves but OSHA recommends that selection be based upon the tasks to be performed and the performance and construction characteristics of the glove material. For protection against chemicals, glove selection must be based on the chemicals encountered, the chemical resistance and the physical properties of the glove material.

http://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3151.pdf

The above link/document has lots of details on PPE.

I don't think there is any hard rules on glove use. For starters, whatever tool is being used, look at the manual to see if glove use is forbidden. It should be clearly marked. Usually there is a safety page that shows what PPE equipment should be employed for the operation of the tool.

Also, as others have pointed out in the comments, use a glove that fits and is right for the job at hand.

Answer 3

Search for the word "glove" in this OSHA publication Safeguarding Equipment and Protecting Employees from Amputations for examples of accidents caused by wearing gloves near machinery. Also see this thread at the Practical Machinist forum for a discussion of the issue.