Glove Buying Guide
Finding the Right Disposable Gloves
Gloves are a key component of personal safety and the most common piece of personal protective equipment (PPE). The gloves you choose should protect against hazards unique to your work and environment, such as physical hazards (punctures or flames), chemical hazards or biohazards. Similarly, you should be sure that the design of the glove meets your needs:
Size
Gloves that are too small or too large may compromise your ability to work effectively and safely.
Length and Cuff
Consider whether the gloves should be long enough to cover the wrist, and choose a glove with beaded cuffs to help prevent liquids from running onto your skin or clothing.
Texture
Choose textured gloves if the objects being handled are wet slippery.
Thickness
Disposable gloves are typically less than 6mil thick.
Conditions
Choose gloves with an adequate breakthrough rating to resist the chemicals, temperatures and exposure times of your applications.
No glove will protect against all hazards or be appropriate for all applications. Check your safety data sheets to see if a specific glove is recommended. Train your employees to properly use gloves and to always wash their hands after removing gloves.
Latex
- Fits like a second skin
- High level of touch sensitivity
- Very elastic and strong
- Biodegradable
- Works well in high-risk situations involving infectious materials
Vinyl
- Fits loosely; does not conform to hand
- Contains NO latex
- For short-term, low-risk tasks
- Most economical solution
- Best for non-hazardous materials
Nitrile
- Improved fit, but but not as good as latex
- High level of touch sensitivity
- Contains NO latex
- Chemical resistant
- Works well in high-risk situations involving infectious materials
Chloroprene
- Also known as Neoprene
- Synthetic material
- Same advantages as nitrile
- Delivers distinct wet grip
- Greater chemical-resistance
- Higher price than latex and nitrile