IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Characterization of the coefficient of friction of protective glove materials. Development of a dynamometric method for determining coefficients of friction that takes into account hand-glove interactions – Exploratory study

Abstract

A worker wearing gloves with poor adherence may have to make an additional efforts to hold the object that he is manipulating, which can cause discomfort, pain and even musculoskeletal problems. This preliminary study’s main objective was to explore different approaches for characterizing the adherence of protective gloves. The researchers modified a biomechanical method previously developed at the IRSST to measure the coefficient of friction of gloves. They applied it to tests with subjects, and then with a mechanical device requiring no human intervention. They also developed a laboratory method for measuring the coefficient of friction of 27 glove models. This study demonstrates that the mechanical method, although improvable, makes it easier to control the variables that affect adherence measures. It is a simple, reproducible and rather inexpensive test method that can be useful for protective glove manufacturers for measuring the adherence of their products.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0099-3780
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 2008
Team:
  • Toan Vu-Khanh (École de technologie supérieure)
  • Jaime Lara (IRSST)
  • Yvan Petit (École de technologie supérieure)
  • Said Jazouli (École de technologie supérieure)
  • Jérôme Boutin (IRSST)
  • Chantal Gauvin (IRSST)
  • Bernard Caron (IRSST)
  • Pierre Drouin (IRSST)
  • Christian Sirard (IRSST)