1910.138(b): Choosing the Right Gloves
Employers must choose hand protection based on an evaluation of how well it performs for the tasks to be done, the conditions present, how long it will be used, and the hazards and potential hazards identified.
Key takeaways
- 1910.138(b) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 57 times in the last 3 years, in 57 inspections, with $160,283 in current penalties.
- Most citations: VA (7), OH (5), NV (5).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.138(b) ("Selection") is one requirement inside 1910.138 Hand protection, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart I). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(b) Selection. Employers shall base the selection of the appropriate hand protection on an evaluation of the performance characteristics of the hand protection relative to the task(s) to be performed, conditions present, duration of use, and the hazards and potential hazards identified. 57 citations
[59 FR 16362, Apr. 6, 1994; 59 FR 33911, July 1, 1994]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.138.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 25 |
| 2025 | 18 |
| 2026 | 12 |
Top states: VA (7), OH (5), NV (5), WI (4), ID (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA, LLC | FARGO, ND | $16,131 |
| MAVERICK NV, LLC | ELKO, NV | $16,131 |
| PETCO ANIMAL SUPPLIES STORES, INC. | NORTH RIVERSIDE, IL | $15,000 |
| 155925 - LABORATORY CORPORATION OF AMERICA | RALEIGH, NC | $14,062 |
| DAEHAN SOLUTION NEVADA, LLC. | FERNLEY, NV | $12,445 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.138(b), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.138(b).
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
How should an employer pick gloves for a job?
By evaluating the glove's performance against the tasks, conditions, duration of use, and the hazards and potential hazards identified.
Is one type of glove good for every job?
Not necessarily. The selection must be based on the specific task, conditions, duration and hazards.
Who is responsible for selecting hand protection?
The employer.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.138 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-22
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.