Laboratory assessment of the effect of heavy rubber glove thickness and sizing on effort, performance and comfort

Powerline maintainers often work hands-on with live electrical circuits wearing rubber gloves of considerable thickness. The gloves interfere with touch, object manipulation and extra effort is required during manual work. A laboratory study was performed with twenty naïve participants to document the effort required to use gloves of different sizes and thicknesses. The electrical activity (EMG) of seven forearm muscles was measured whilst performing a set of standardized tasks. Ratings of effort, performance times and ratings of comfort, fit and dexterity were also made. Large and statistically significant differences were observed as glove thickness increased: Performance decreased, effort and EMG amplitude increased and self rated comfort, fit and overall rating decreased. Even to make an aperture prior to grasping, a substantial effort was required, especially for the extensor muscles of the forearm. When moving from the bare hand to the thickest glove, the rating of perceived exertion and muscle activity approximately tripled. The ratings of effort and performance time were not different for the three glove sizes but ratings of comfort and fit favoured the correct size.Relevance to industryThe rapid increase in the gloves’ effects with thickness argues that selection of the thinnest glove consistent with the task and safety demands is important.