Space-age idea may shield meat workers

By Keith Perry

science reporter

Nasa scientists could help to reduce the number of knife injuries among New Zealand meat workers, by designing a protective glove using space-suit technology.

Meat New Zealand says workers who inspect the quality of carcasses after slaughter often injure themselves because for hygiene reasons they are not allowed to wear the chain-mail gloves used in other parts of the abattoir.

Now, Massey University researchers have teamed up with colleagues at Nasa to develop a glove from material that normally protects astronauts during space walks on shuttle missions.

Dr Stephen Legg, of the university's Ergonomics Research group, said: "It's a significant problem for the industry because the normal chain-mail protective gloves worn in other parts of the processing operation can't be used in the pre-inspection process because of the risk of cross-contamination.

"So workers work ungloved and wash their hands between each carcass. But while hygiene is high, safety isn't, with staff risking cuts and puncture wounds from the very sharp knives used in preparing the meat."

Dr Legg said Meat New Zealand approached Massey researchers to develop a bacteria and cut-resistant glove that would also allow workers good dexterity while using knives.

He contacted an American colleague who believes he can modify the space-suit material to produce a glove strong enough to withstand knife injuries.

"Our preliminary discussions with the design team that supplies the space programme have been very promising," Dr Legg said.

"They believe a new elasticated fabric they are testing may be just the answer for our meat workers.

"Durability is vital in space suits because astronauts are exposed to such extreme conditions."

If the cost of developing the space-age butcher's glove reaches sky-high proportions, the Massey researchers have an alternative.

United States Army field surgeons have also been working on a cross-contamination problem - avoiding HIV infection while operating on the wounded in the battlefield.

They are developing a glove that protects surgeons from both bacterial infection and sharp shrapnel during emergency surgery. The same glove could perform a similar protective role in meat processing.

The Massey team will present its findings to Meat New Zealand in October.