The Industrial Hygiene 'Hierarchy of Controls' should be followed whenever practicable. The use of protective gloves, as with all personal protective equipment (PPE), is considered a 'last resort' approach to the protection of human health. First on this list of controls is Engineering Controls, such as the use of closed-systems, automated operation, remote operation, and local-exhaust ventilation. The second is Administrative Controls, which includes designated work practices and housekeeping procedures that will eliminate or minimize exposures to workplace hazards. Only then should PPE be considered as an acceptable means of worker protection. Protective gloves are available in a wide variety of styles and materials of construction for protection against cuts, abrasions, thermal burns, and chemicals. The choice of an inappropriate glove, however, may be potentially more harmful than using no glove at all. If a leather or fabric glove is contacted by methacrylic acid (MAA) or a methacrylate ester, the chemical will be conducted to the skin's surface and will be held in contact with the skin in a manner similar to that of a chemical patch test. This can occur often without the knowledge of the wearer. In contrast, if no glove at all is worn, chemicals contacting the skin would have the opportunity to evaporate.