§ 627.54 - Glove box.

(a) Description. A glove box is an enclosure that provides a positive barrier from liquids, solids, and chemical vapors. A glove box has viewing ports and glove ports for access. The box maintains personnel protection through solid barriers and maintenance of a negative pressure relative to its surroundings.

(b) Uses. Glove boxes are used when extreme containment is needed for highly toxic chemicals, especially for dry chemicals that can be swept out of containers by the airflow in hoods.

(c) Prohibitions. Unventilated boxes must not be used with volatile flammable materials and should be used with volatile toxic materials unless dilution ventilation is provided.

(d) Additional certifications and requirements. (1) The glove box will be maintained at a pressure of at least 0.25 inches water guage less than its surroundings.

(2) The pressure differential will be indicated by a manometer or magnehelic guage. Indicator devices will display a loss of pressure below 0.25 inches water guage.

(3) Gloves will be changed at appropriate intervals (dependent on the box contents) to ensure they provide the protection needed.

(4) Inlets that provide dilution air will be protected by HEPA filters.