Chemical resistant gloves are an important aspect of protection against hazardous materials. It is critical that users select the correct glove material based on the chemicals used and the gloves permeation data. Inappropriate use of glove material may actually injure a worker as chemicals can quickly permeate the barrier. Please review the manufacturer, test data, and our glove usage recommendations. Together the information will allow you to select the best glove material for your application.
All gloves are permeable
- Permeation is a process in which chemicals seep through glove material. This process does not always leave the glove visibly changed, which makes understanding the permeation process essential when selecting gloves
- Breakthrough is the time lapse between first contact of the chemical and glove and the time to detection inside the glove.
- Degradation may cause such noticeable changes as swelling, discoloration, hardening or softening
There is no such thing as the ideal chemically resistant glove
- Some laminate gloves offer protection against a wide range of hazardous chemicals, there may be limitations in dexterity, tactile sensitivity, ability to grip when wet, tear and puncture resistance
- Disposable gloves offer a decreased range of protection against hazardous chemicals but offer greater dexterity and mobility.
Multiple gloves can be worn together
Reusable vs. Disposable gloves
Care of reusable gloves
Use of disposable gloves
Glove Selection
-
Wearing one pair of thinner, more dexterous gloves over a flexible laminate combines the advantage of both.
-
When using this approach, be sure to use the smallest laminate size that will fit comfortably. This allows the greatest dexterity when worn under the outside glove.
- Immersion or prolonged contact is not common for chemical work in the laboratory
- Therefore, reusable gloves do not need to be replaced very often.
- Inspect these types of gloves before each use, and replace whenever they become discolored or show signs of damage.
- Before reusable gloves are removed, thoroughly rinse them off and allow to air dry.
- Disposable gloves provide a barrier protection when working with small amounts of laboratory chemicals
- If a disposable glove becomes contaminated, remove immediately and replace with a new glove
-
Never reuse disposable gloves.
-
Disposable: Vinyl, Latex, Nitrile
- Dry Powders
- Aqueous Solutions
- Do NOT work for solvents/corrosives
-
Neoprene (Black)
- Corrosives, solvents and alcohols
-
Nitrile (Blue or Green)
- Organic solvents (non-halogenated)
- puncture and abrasion resistant
-
Nomex or Zetex
- Temperature extremes
- Do NOT use Asbestos
-
Butyl
- Aldehydes, ketones, and esters
-
Viton TM
- Chlorinated and aromatic solvent
-
Disposable: Vinyl, Latex, Nitrile
-
When using this approach, be sure to use the smallest laminate size that will fit comfortably. This allows the greatest dexterity when worn under the outside glove.
