As of January 18, 2017, the FDA has banned powdered surgeon’s gloves, powdered examination gloves, and absorbable powder for lubricating a surgeon’s gloves. Manufacturers of powered gloves have been sending notices to customers to advise them of the ban and request that any banned products currently available in the workplace be disposed of.
The FDA issued the ban after careful review of the risks associated with powdered gloves, and the determination that the risks of injury or illness associated with glove powder exceed the benefits of these products being available for use. Although this ban may not affect you directly, it should serve as a reminder to evaluate the gloves in use at your facility. If there are individuals with allergies or sensitivities to particular gloves, be sure to offer alternative products.
And of course, the importance of conducting assessments of the hazardous materials present in the work place and the effective gloves for each hazard should not be overlooked.