h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Entry: How to use Rubber Gloves properly - A30529118
Author: Felonious Monk: Piano Thief - U108659

Short and mundane but totally practical. And *diagrams* would help a very great deal.

Nice Entry FM .

My immediate observation is that, although it is implied, you don't state explicitly that many organic chemicals are fat-soluble and therefore harmful/toxic by skin-absorption.

... also, (as I state in A6359060) the vast majority of chemicals are organic.

This gives an opportunity to link to Dr Smiths Entry on 'Organic Chemistry' at A388217.


(Happy New Year, BTW, FM)

You might also be able to engineer a link to Ecoworrier's (aka Myna's) Entry on Pediculosis (the technical term for nit infestation) at A457111.

(Strangly, given her interests/pedigree, EW hasn't dwelled on the subject of anti-nit shampoos in her Entry. I thought she might've been a bit scathing about 'em ).

Where you say that (the active ingredient) of nit shampoo is a cousin of the nerve gases, it might be worth expanding this by saying WTTEO:

A common ingredient is Malathion - an organophosphate insecticide related to the nerve gases which acts as a cholinesterase inhibitor.

OK: thanks for those comments. I don't want to get too mired in the chemistry side as the entry really isn't about that, but I've incorporated some of your suggestions.

Happy New Nose to you as well.

Worth mentioning that vinyl gloves are available for those with latex allergy?

No, not really. This isn't about vinyl gloves or protective handgear in general.

And I thought that rubber gloves were straightforward to use

The best place to put them is on something you can dispose of later, and this is several sheets of paper kitchen towel.

Does old newspaper work as well? (This is a real question - they don't absorb so much liquid, and they might stick more, and you may end up with - Heaven forbid - ink on the gloves.)

'... the realisation that at some point, you are going to have to handle a nasty chemical.'

The thought(s) that ran through my mind as I read this bit were to do with COSHH/'elf & Safety etc, etc.

Dunno if this is a complete red or whether mention of this might add something worthwhile...

I've put in the bit about the newspaper. I've also put in a crucial extra detail to avoid contamination of the work surface.

PS: do I do this every time I clean the oven? Yes, I do. How often do I clean the oven? Infinitely more frequently than any other bugger in Felonious Abbey...

The other activity I just thought of where it is advised to wear gloves is in de-fleaing ones pets (A1112211)

'Fronline' spray (which we use) is predominantly a herbicide, but has anti-flea activity. There are also concerns over human toxicity:

http://www.pan-uk.org/pestnews/actives/fipronil.htm

Put in the link about fleas.

It's looking good FM

Hi FM, and best of the wotsits to you.

Another one that I was informed of is to either put talc inside the gloves or put talc on the hands, This makes it easier to put them on and take them off. It also helps to reduce the unpleasant feel that gloves can leave after use.

Tp put talc in the glove, expel the excess air. Spray a reasonable amount of talc into the glove, partially inflate then, squeezing the cuff tightly, hit the body of the glove against the palm of the other hand a number of times and shake. Afterwards, gently allow the air to escape to prevent plumes of talc erupting in the work area, and sabotaging the event, then...

Once the gloves have been removed, wash hands and apply moisturiser or it's equivalent. This is because some areas where gloves are used the hands can perspire and/or chaff. For example, de-greasing an engine, cleaning a bicycle, cleaning a gunged chain using diesel or paraffin, de-greasing an oven's racks and baking trays in very hot water containing soda crystals, washing the rugrats' nappies etc.

This may or may not be of use and use or discard as you see fit. This was taught to me by a bike and Auto mechanic when I used to strip and build second hand bikes for a hobby. The moisturiser was Swarfega!!! Does that still exist?



MMF

It was very useful; in fact, so useful, I'm making you a co-author.

Any other comments?

Come on: I know the subject matter is as dull as ditchwater, but if this pearl of wisdom ain't published here then I'd like to know where. Does somebody have anything to say?