Are you working with hazardous materials? Best chemical resistant gloves are your ultimate protection against harsh chemicals, ensuring your safety in various industries. These gloves are not just a mere accessory; they are necessary for anyone in the automotive, electronics, construction, and metal and glass fabrication industries.
But how do you know which gloves are suitable for you? Understanding the design and materials of chemical-resistant gloves is crucial for choosing the right ones for safety in the workplace.
Don’t take any chances when it comes to your safety. These work gloves adhere to safety standards and regulations and are categorized based on their resistance to specific chemicals and ability to provide the necessary level of protection. By knowing the requirements for particular jobs and applications, you can choose the appropriate gloves and safeguard your hands against potential hazards.
Chemical Resistant Gloves Basics
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Chemical-resistant gloves are crucial personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers who handle hazardous substances. PPE may also include chemical-resistant clothing, eye/face protection, and respiratory protection. Employers must provide suitable PPE and communicate its proper use to ensure workplace safety.
Chemical Resistance Guide
When it comes to chemical-resistant gloves, it’s crucial to consider the type of chemicals being handled. Not all glove materials provide adequate protection against every chemical. A chemical resistance guide can help users determine the appropriate glove material for specific chemicals and tasks. Factors to consider include breakthrough time, degradation, and permeation rate.
Types of Chemical Resistant Gloves
Chemical resistant gloves come in various materials to protect against different types of chemicals. Some common materials include nitrile, neoprene, and latex. Nitrile gloves, such as the NLJ8000/CKJ800 by Hanvo Safety, provide excellent resistance to corrosive hazards and have a double-dipped, sandy surface for extra grip. Neoprene gloves offer good resistance to a wide range of chemicals, while latex gloves generally have a lower resistance but offer great flexibility and dexterity.
Applications and Uses
Industrial and Manufacturing
In industrial and manufacturing settings, chemical gloves are crucial in protecting workers from hazardous substances. Gloves like the NLJ8000/CKJ800, with their nitrile Super Grip® technology, are commonly used to handle oily materials thanks to their double-dipping and sandy surface. These gloves, typically available in S, M, and L sizes, provide flexibility and dexterity, which is essential for workers dealing with machinery and heavy equipment.
Handling Acids and Bases
Ensuring personal safety when dealing with acids, bases, and other corrosive chemicals is a crucial matter that should not be taken lightly. Chemical resistant gloves offer the necessary chemical protection against these substances. Manufacturers like HANVO Safety provide specialized gloves designed to withstand harmful chemicals while maintaining grip and comfort.
Oil and Grease Work
Mechanics, technicians, and others who handle oil and grease regularly require gloves to resist these substances while providing a solid grip. Gloves embedded with latex Super Grip® technology, such as the LKX3001/LKX301, provide triple-dipping and a sandy surface for improved friction when handling wet or slippery objects. These gloves offer full coverage for protection against water, dirt, and petroleum products, ensuring safety for workers in various industries.
Glove Design and Features
Coatings and Finishes
Chemical resistant gloves often feature different coatings and finishes to enhance protection. PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) is a common material utilized for its resistance to degradation by chemicals. Other options, such as nitrile and PU (Polyurethane) coatings, are also employed for better abrasion resistance and compatibility with light oils.
Linings
Various linings are used in safety gloves for comfort and safety purposes. Flock linings provide a soft, comfortable interior layer, making it easier to put on and take off the gloves. In contrast, knit linings can enhance breathability and help prevent dirt and debris from entering the glove.
Grip Options
A good grip is essential when handling hazardous chemicals or slippery materials. Glove manufacturers often add textured finishes, such as sandy surfaces or micro-foam nitrile coatings, to improve grips. These finishes provide extra friction, ensuring a secure hold during use.
Ergonomic Design
Ergonomic design is crucial for providing users with comfortable and functional chemical resistant gloves. Features like nylon-spandex liners offer superior dexterity and flexibility, making it easier to perform tasks without compromising safety. Reinforcements at specific areas, such as the thumb crotch, can also extend the gloves’ usage life and enhance overall performance.
Safety Standards and Regulations
BS EN 374:2019 Standard
BS EN 374:2019 is the latest version of the European standard for protective gloves against dangerous chemicals and microorganisms. It specifies the requirements and test methods for gloves that protect against chemical hazards and microorganisms.
OSHA Standards
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates workplace safety, including using chemical resistant gloves. OSHA requires employers to provide appropriate hand protection when employees are exposed to hazards such as harmful substances, severe cuts, or burns.
Permeation and Degradation
Chemicals can seep through glove materials at a molecular level, exposing the wearer to such chemicals. This process is referred to as permeation. Degradation refers to the breakdown of glove materials due to chemical exposure. Employers must select gloves based on their resistance to permeation and degradation by the chemicals used in their workplace.
Breakthrough Time
Breakthrough time is the elapsed time between initial contact with a chemical and when the chemical permeates the glove material consistently. Glove manufacturers provide breakthrough time information, which can be used to determine appropriate glove choices for specific tasks.
Inspection
Regular inspections of chemical-resistant gloves are crucial to ensure worker safety. Look for signs of deterioration like discoloration, swelling, or brittleness, and replace any damaged gloves immediately to minimize chemical exposure and provide optimal protection.
Material Properties
Nitrile Gloves Properties
Nitrile gloves are made from synthetic rubber and offer excellent resistance to various chemicals. They are known for their heat resistance and can withstand high temperatures without melting or degrading. Some key properties of nitrile gloves include the following:
●Chemical resistance: Nitrile gloves provide protection against oils, fuels, and certain chemicals.
●Abrasion resistance: This material has a good level of resistance to friction, which is beneficial in many work environments.
●Temperature tolerance: Nitrile gloves can function efficiently in various temperatures.
Neoprene and PVC Gloves
Neoprene and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) gloves offer protection against various chemicals and liquids. Some features of these materials are:
●Neoprene: Neoprene gloves have excellent solvent, oil, and weather resistance. They are also suitable for use at low temperatures.
●PVC: PVC gloves are an affordable, versatile option that provides protection against acids, alkalis, and certain solvents. They are durable and offer good resistance to abrasion.
Latex and Rubber Polymers
Latex and rubber polymers are utilized to produce gloves that possess specific properties. These materials offer users comfortable and flexible gloves while also protecting against chemicals.
●Latex: Latex gloves offer excellent resistance to chemicals, especially to acids and alkalis. They provide good elasticity and dexterity, making them ideal for many tasks.
●Rubber polymers: These materials can be formulated to create rubber gloves with varying levels of chemical resistance, temperature tolerance, and flexibility. They offer durability and protection for users across multiple industries.
Factors to Consider
Dexterity and Flexibility
When selecting chemical-resistant gloves, consider the dexterity and flexibility required for the task. Gloves like the HANVO Safety NLJ8000/CKJ800 have an 18-gauge nylon spandex liner that provides superior agility and flexibility, ensuring ease of movement and maximum comfort.
Length of Exposure
The exposure time to chemicals is vital in choosing the right glove. Gloves tested according to the EN374-1 standard provide directions on how to test permeation and degradation by 18 chemicals, ensuring protection against cracking or holing during prolonged exposure.
Chemical Concentration
The concentration of the chemicals being handled is another important factor to consider. Gloves should be tested against various chemical concentrations to ensure adequate protection in different environments.
Protection Against Skin Absorption
To prevent skin absorption of harmful chemicals, a glove with appropriate barrier properties is essential. Look for gloves with a reliable cut resistance rating, such as the HANVO Safety NJC4377DQ ultra-lightweight glove, that offer optimal protection while maintaining tactile sensitivity.
Glove Sizing and Options
Sizing (S, M, L, XL)
Choosing the right size of chemical resistant gloves is essential for ensuring proper protection and comfort. Most gloves come in sizes like S, M, L, and XL. It is crucial to refer to the manufacturers’ size charts to find the perfect fit.
Antistatic and Heat Resistant Options
While selecting chemical resistant gloves, it’s also important to consider additional requirements, such as:
●Antistatic Properties: Some gloves offer antistatic protection, particularly useful in electronics and other industries handling sensitive components.
●Heat Resistance: Certain tasks require protection from high temperatures, so selecting gloves with heat-resistant properties is necessary.
Color and Material Varieties
Chemical resistant gloves come in various materials and colors, providing options that suit specific industries or preferences:
●Color Options: Popular choices include black and other colors that showcase contaminations better, like white or bright hues.
●Material Varieties: Gloves can come in materials such as nitrile, latex, or neoprene, chosen based on their resistant properties and user comfort.
When purchasing protective gloves, always consider factors such as sizing, antistatic and heat-resistant properties, and material varieties to ensure proper protection and ease of use in your specific work environment.
Maintenance and Replacement
Proper Use and Inspection
To ensure the effectiveness of chemical resistant gloves as personal protective equipment (PPE), follow proper use guidelines and regularly inspect them. Users should:
●Check gloves for signs of wear, such as tears or punctures, before each use.
●Ensure gloves fit well and are comfortable to wear, as a poor fit can compromise protection.
●Clean gloves after use, following the manufacturer’s recommendations, to prevent chemical buildup.
Disposing of Torn or Damaged Gloves
If chemical resistant gloves become torn or damaged, prompt disposal is essential to maintain safety. Users should:
1.Remove gloves carefully to avoid direct skin contact with any chemical residue.
2.Dispose of damaged gloves in an appropriate hazardous waste container, as required by your facility’s guidelines.
3.Replace the damaged gloves with a new pair to ensure continued protection.