A Human Factors Evaluation of Two Types of Rubber CB Protective Gloves

摘要

This study was conducted to determine the effects on manual dexterity capabilities of two types of rubber chemical and biological protective gloves, the standard Army butyl glove and a neoprene glove. Six men and six women performed a battery of six manual tasks during 14 daily sessions under each of the following handwear conditions: bare hands, butyl gloves, butyl gloves under leather gloves, neoprene gloves, and neoprene gloves under leather gloves. Lightweight cotton gloves were worn next to the skin whenever either the butyl or the neoprene gloves were used. One of the tasks performed was a measure of the angular force which could be exerted on a cylindrical handle. Five tasks measures finger or hand dexterity. One of these included the use of wrenches and screwdrivers and another and the disassembly and assembly of an M16A1 rifle. The greatest amount of angular force was exerted when butyl gloves were worn and the least amount of force was exerted with the neoprene and leather glove combination. (Author)