PPE and Workplace Safety: How Showa’s ChemRest Site Finds the Safest Gloves for Chemical Applications

Now that many more companies are disinfecting their workplaces in response to COVID-19 safety recommendations, they’re using potentially harmful chemicals every day. Here’s how Showa is helping safety managers select the best gloves to keep their workers safe.

Consider this scenario: You’re a safety manager at a manufacturing facility looking to prevent and reduce worker injuries and claims. To do so, you’re busy disinfecting and cleaning workspaces, including offices, bathrooms, common areas and shared machining equipment. 

Workers who clean your facility wear disposable gloves to clean and disinfect, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But those workers may not always be certain which gloves are the most appropriate for the task at hand.

That’s where Showa Group’s ChemRest® website comes in.

One of the world’s largest glove manufacturers, Showa recently relaunched the platform, which is a comprehensive research guide for chemical-resistant hand protection. 

Originally launched by Showa in 2001 and still free to use, the site is now upgraded with a new design and better functionality. It is designed to inform users about the best gloves for the resistance of hazardous chemicals in the workplace, incorporating the profiles of over 350,000 chemicals. 
 

ChemRest ensures that any end user can find the best chemical protection for any application or hazard. Along with access to this immense database, the ChemRest program platform offers three key pillar services 24/7: 

• End User Education & Recommendation 
• Evaluation & Consultation
• End User Equipment Review & Consultation

Users start with a search by CAS number or chemical name, or a search by product name or model number. The site then serves up a list of gloves and their degradation rating. By clicking on the window icon next to the search results, users can see information about each product on Showa’s website (you can read more about how the website works here.)

Need help making sure you select the right product for your application? Check out MSC Direct’s Safety Products Selector

ChemRest displays recommended products for thousands of chemicals as well as test data related to specific chemicals, according to Showa. Users can also access details such as glove sizing, color, material/polymer, grip texture, length, dexterity and lining. Information about specific chemicals and exposure requirements is also available.

Read more: Biodegradable Gloves and More: How Showa Is Driving PPE Innovation in the Workplace

Putting Protection First

Showa’s ChemRest platform is likely a welcome addition for safety managers at a time when worker well-being is a top priority.

As reported recently by EHS Today, 54 percent of business leaders say they are more aware of the stress their employees now feel versus before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Indeed, worker safety is replacing attracting top talent as a No. 1 priority for businesses, according to the survey, which was originally published by Oasis, an employee services organization that specializes in human resources. Oasis studied the top priorities for 300 business leaders across the United States.

Keeping workers safe is a particular challenge for manufacturing companies where most of the work cannot be done remotely. Instead of asking employees to work from home, manufacturers must instead rely on safety measures designed to keep employees safe in the workplace, such as frequent cleaning and sanitizing of work areas, splitting work shifts and using social distancing rules.

Read more: How to Manage Employee Anxiety in the Workplace During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Working amid the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to create a significant amount of stress for workers. In addition to this, companies face the challenge of understanding how to sanitize a workplace and navigate new safety procedures.

Many have likely consulted the latest guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the difference between products that disinfect, sanitize and clean surfaces. Understanding the level of personal protective equipment (PPE) that is required for using these chemicals is important, too.

For those dealing with stress at work related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC has published advice on coping with the stress and building resilience. Those tips include: 

• Communicating with co-workers, supervisors and employees about job stress while maintaining social distancing (at least 6 feet).
• Increasing your sense of control by developing a consistent daily routine when possible—ideally one that is similar to your schedule before the pandemic.
• Knowing the facts about COVID-19; making sure you are informed about how to protect yourself and others.

Read more: 10 Steps to Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls in the Workplace

How are you managing with daily disinfection schedules in your workplace? Share your thoughts in the comments below.