QAL Laws & Regulation Practice Exam

What is the minimum thickness required for chemical-resistant gloves?

1. 10 mils

2. 14 mils

3. 20 mils

4. 25 mils

The correct answer is: 14 mils

The minimum thickness required for chemical-resistant gloves is 14 mils, which is consistent with industry safety standards designed to ensure adequate protection against chemical exposure. This thickness provides a balance between flexibility and durability, allowing wearers to perform tasks while minimizing the risk of chemicals penetrating through the glove material. Choosing 14 mils as the minimum ensures that the gloves can effectively resist permeation and degradation from various chemicals, which is critical in environments where employees may encounter hazardous substances. Selecting a thickness that is too low might compromise safety, whereas a thickness that is excessively high can decrease dexterity and comfort for the user. Other thickness options, like 10 mils or thicker varieties such as 20 and 25 mils, may either fail to meet necessary safety thresholds or provide unnecessary bulk that hinders task performance. Thus, 14 mils stands as the most practical and recommended minimum thickness for chemical-resistant gloves, ensuring both safety and usability.