Are you prehensile?

By Angela Galloway, ANAD Safety OfficeApril 5, 2018

Are you prehensile?
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- If you wonder what prehensile means; it means able to grasp.

Try this: fold your thumbs in like you are holding up four fingers. Now, try to write your name or tie your shoes.

The saying is true, "You don't know what you have until it's gone."

Wearing the proper gloves for the proper task is important.

Hand/finger injuries accounted for 28 percent of all incidents and accidents at Anniston Army Depot in fiscal year 2017.

The first step to ensuring you have the correct gloves for the job is to evaluate what could cause harm.

Different work process and hazards require different kinds of protection. You wouldn't wear a catcher's mitt to do a welding job, for example.

Each job process should have a job hazard analysis. Consult the JHA to know what types of personal protective equipment, including gloves, should be worn. If you believe gloves would enhance the safety of a process, contact your safety monitor or supervisor to discuss changing the JHA.

Remember, not all jobs require gloves. In some processes, wearing them could pose a risk of entanglement, meaning the gloves could cause an additional hazard.

If you are in doubt, contact the Safety Office at Ext. 7541, the Industrial Hygiene Office at Ext. 6865 or ask your supervisor.

Be smart. Work safely. Use the PPE required for the job.