Chemical Resistant Gloves
Hand injuries from chemical exposure can be easily prevented with the right protective gloves. However, choosing the appropriate chemical-resistant glove isn't a "one size fits all" solution. At Liberty Safety, our knowledgeable sales team is ready to assist you in selecting the ideal glove for your specific needs. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Chemical Resistant Gloves Length: Depending on your tasks, you might require additional splash or immersion protection. Our gloves can reach up to 22 inches long to…
Hand injuries from chemical exposure can be easily prevented with the right protective gloves. However, choosing the appropriate chemical-resistant glove isn’t a “one size fits all” solution.
At Liberty Safety, our knowledgeable sales team is ready to assist you in selecting the ideal glove for your specific needs.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Chemical Resistant Gloves
Length:
Depending on your tasks, you might require additional splash or immersion protection. Our gloves can reach up to 22 inches long to provide extended coverage for your arms.
Thickness:
Thicker gloves offer superior chemical resistance but may sacrifice some flexibility. Conversely, thinner gloves enhance dexterity and touch sensitivity, though they may not provide as much protection against certain chemicals.
Finishes and Linings:
For improved grip, consider gloves with a textured finish. Many styles feature soft knit or fabric linings for added comfort, perspiration absorption, and temperature regulation.
Supported vs. Unsupported:
Supported gloves come with an additional layer for enhanced protection and are ideal for industrial chemical handling, farming, janitorial tasks, and gardening. Unsupported gloves, typically ranging from 11 to 30 mil in thickness, are disposable and commonly used in oil industries, food preparation, automotive work, and more.
At Liberty Safety, we offer a wide selection of both supported and unsupported gloves to suit your requirements.
Industries That Require Chemical Resistant Gloves
Chemical-resistant gloves are essential in any environment where workers handle chemicals. According to OSHA’s Code of Federal Regulations 29 (CFR) 1910.138, employers must ensure that employees use proper hand protection. This includes gloves that safeguard against skin absorption of harmful substances, punctures, and chemical burns.
FAQ
When selecting chemical resistant gloves, it’s crucial to remember that some chemicals can damage your skin without proper protection. In certain conditions, these substances can even enter your bloodstream, leading to serious health issues. This underscores the importance of using the right gloves.
OSHA recommends considering the following questions to determine when and what type of chemical resistant glove is necessary:
- What types of chemicals are being handled?
- What is the nature of contact? Is it total immersion or just splashes?
- What is the duration of contact?
- Is it only the hands that need protection, or do the forearms and arms also require coverage?
- What kind of grip is needed?
Once you’ve identified the specific solvents, chemicals, or solutions you’ll be exposed to, you can choose the appropriate material and glove model to ensure optimal protection.
Choosing the best glove for your workplace application involves not just selecting the right size but also the appropriate protective material. The material of your chemical resistant gloves must match the specific processes you’ll be using them for, as both your job and skin health depend on it.
After identifying the chemical hazards you’ll encounter, consider how the glove material—or polymer—will perform against those hazards. Different glove materials offer varying degrees of protection, texture, flexibility, and thickness.
Here are the four most common types of chemical resistant materials:
- Rubber (or Latex):
Rubber-coated gloves resist bases, acids, alcohols, and diluted aqueous solutions. They provide superior grip and cut resistance, making them ideal for handling ceramic, glass, and sharp-edged products. While commonly used in less expensive protective gloves, they’re primarily effective against bloodborne pathogens, often found in the food industry. Be aware that rubber can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, so a skin test before use is advisable. - Nitrile:
Nitrile gloves are excellent for oils, petroleum, and certain acids and caustics, often referred to as synthetic rubber. They offer additional abrasion resistance and a non-slip grip, making them suitable for general-purpose use. Widely used in the oil and gas, as well as medical industries, nitrile is a staple in chemical-resistant glove construction. However, they lack flame resistance and are not recommended for use with strong oxidizing acids or organic chemicals containing nitrogen. - Neoprene:
Neoprene shares many of the chemical resistance qualities of nitrile but has less abrasion resistance. Available in both unsupported and coated options, neoprene provides excellent protection against certain acids, alcohols, oils, and inks. Its flexibility and dexterity make it ideal for work environments requiring sensitivity and grip. However, neoprene gloves are not recommended around oxidizing acids like nitric or chromic acids. - Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC):
PVC is a cost-effective choice for protecting against chemicals, oils, and grease. It’s particularly suitable for petrochemicals, refining, and construction sites. Available in laminated (PVC sealed to a baseliner) or impregnated forms, PVC offers durability and good resistance to cuts and snags. While it excels in chemical and abrasion resistance where moisture is not a concern, it should not be used with acetone or chlorinated solvents, as these can harden the material and affect usability.
When choosing any personal protective equipment (PPE), the environment where you’ll be using it is the most significant consideration. Reflect on the physical hazards you’ll face and the tasks you need to accomplish while wearing the gloves.
