Dexterity and Worker Comfort in an Ergonomically Designed Glovebox Glove

Journal Article · Sat Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 2017 · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society

OSTI ID:23050250

Chan, Martha; Lawton, Cindy; Ticknor, Lawrence ^[1]

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1. Los Alamos National Laboratory, M.S.E-500, Los Alamos, NM, 87545 (United States)

Gloveboxes are prolifically used in nuclear facilities as the primary means of separation between the hazardous material and operators. Due to extended duration and high repetition of hand tasks in glovebox gloves, improperly fitting gloves can be uncomfortable and increase injury risks. Poor fit can increase time necessary to perform work tasks and stress the glove itself. The Plutonium Facility has the largest inventory of glovebox gloves at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) with approximately 6000 gloves installed. The current glove mold dates back to the 1960's and is not based on the true anatomy of the hand. Design flaws (poor anatomical fit and biomechanics) are directly related to injuries of the elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and thumb (DeQuervain's tenosynovitis) injuries. The current design also contributes to 30% of unplanned glove openings. A new glovebox glove was developed and manufactured, incorporating over forty dimensions to produce the most comprehensive ergonomically sound design. The new design received a LANL patent (patent attorney docket No: LANS 36USD1 'Protective Glove'), one of 20 highest patents awarded by the Richard P. Feynman Center for Innovation. A SolidWorks model was given to the manufacturer for production of the glove mold.

• OSTI ID: 23050250
• Journal Information: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society Vol. 116; ISSN 0003-018X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
42 ENGINEERING
DESIGN
GLOVEBOXES
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
HUMAN FACTORS
HUMAN FACTORS ENGINEERING
LANL
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
PLUTONIUM
RADIATION PROTECTION