I have to agree with Debbie.  The best people to contact are those who
are handling the materials.

Doing some research and comparison with other toxic chemicals and
personal usage, the following may be used (with disclaimer): PVC,
Neoprene, and Latex Rubber.

Note: as researchers, it is very important for us to realize that gloves
are not designed for applications involving prolonged, direct exposure
to chemicals.  For most processes, it is expected that thin gauge
disposable gloves will protect from incidental contact only.  Total or
partial immersion of fingers or hands is not advised or anticipated.
Permeation data predicts for the gloves mentioned above is less than one
hour for chromic acid (toxic) and will protect from incidental contact
where there is NO total or partial immersion.  I assume the same
guidelines can be applied for methaneseleninic acid (toxic).  The
contaminated glove(s) should be removed immediately if they come into
contact with liquid.  The bottom line is that nothing more important
than personal hygiene and vigilance.  If we are not careful, nothing can
be good enough to protect us from exposure.  Gloves MUST be changed
frequently to prevent exposure from the unfriendly absorbed chemicals.
Also, we need to inspect regularly for leaks and cracks.  Good luck.
__________________________________________________ 
Mikhail Alnajjar, PhD 
Senior Research Scientist 
Chemical Hygiene Officer 

-----Original Message-----
From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**list.uvm.edu] On Behalf Of
List Moderator
Sent: Thursday, July 02, 2009 5:04 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] 2 RE: [DCHAS-L] Methaneseleninic acid gloves?

 >We had a question about the correct gloves to wear when working with  
Methaneseleninic acid. The Sigma/Aldrich MSDS helpfully says "Handle  
with gloves", but given the stench and high toxicity of the material,  
the researcher (and we) would like something more specific. The  
process is weighing out and dissolving the powder in water.

From: "Margaret Rakas" 
Date: June 30, 2009 10:47:25 AM EDT
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Methaneseleninic acid gloves?

My suggestion is to call Sigma Aldrich and ask them what their folks  
wear when they handle this stuff.  After all, they either make it or  
repackage it (or can ask their vendor what they use).  Be pushy if you  
need to be; I have had some very inexperienced "safety specialists"  
who basically read the MSDS and some very good ones.  The other  
alternative is to call one of the glove manufacturers, who have always  
been able to help me with these questions if the original vendor  
can't.  But SA is a big company and should be providing this  
information as a matter of 'product stewardship'.  If more people  
'bothered' them for this information they would rightly start adding  
it to the MSDS, where it belongs. Good luck.

The above is my personal opinion only, not legal advice and may not  
reflect the opinion of my employer or any group to which I belong.
Margaret Rakas

===
From: "Debbie M. Decker" 
Date: June 30, 2009 11:46:46 AM EDT
Subject: RE: [DCHAS-L] Methaneseleninic acid gloves?

When I don't know what gloves to recommend (and the manufacturer is no  
help), my fall back is Silver Shield with close-fitting nitrile over  
top.

Good luck!

Previous post   |  Top of Page   |   Next post