GLOVE SELECTION GUIDE
Gloves can protect your hands from a variety of hazardous substances. They are great tools, but they work best when they are used properly. The saying, "the right tool for the right job," is the same for gloves: "the right glove for the right job."
Look at a glove chart to select the proper kind of glove. There are many types of gloves, but probably the most used - and possibly misused - is the latex glove. They are readily available and relatively cheap. They are good for work with biological hazards and aqueous solutions, but are not useful when working with strong (concentrated) acids and bases, or organic solvents. For more specific information see the following website for the Ansell™ gloves used on campus http://www.ansellpro.com/specware/index.asp.
- Know your glove type: Is it appropriate for the job? See below for a glove selection guide.
- Change your gloves often.
- Remove your gloves to prevent contaminating other things.
- Wash your hands after using gloves.
- Double-gloving is helpful when you change gloves a lot.
- Use this handy glove guide to help you select the right one for the job. Remember, before using any glove, read the MSDS and, when in doubt, check with the glove manufacturer for specific use.
| GLOVE TYPES |
Uses and notes: |
| Butyl |
Resistant to medium polar organics, such as acetone, pyridine and dimethyl formamide. Moderately resistant to punctures and abrasions. NOT EFFECTIVE with hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents. |
| Butyl/Neoprene |
Resistant to most chemicals, petroleum products, oils. |
| Latex (natural rubber) |
Chemically resistant to most acids and bases, alcohols and detergents. NOT EFFECTIVE against chloroform. |
| Disposable Latex |
Resistant to acids, bases and alcohol. NOT EFFECTIVE against chloroform. |
| Neoprene |
Resistant to most organic and inorganic acids, bases, solvents, oils, alcohols. |
| Nitrile (synthetic rubber) |
Resistant to most chemicals and excellent in its resistance to physical deterioration from heat, sunlight, age and abrasion. Not very gas or water permeable. NOT EFFECTIVE against ketones, strong oxidizing acids, or nitrogen-based organic chemicals. |
| Disposable Nitrile |
A better choice up from Latex. More durable. |
| Plastic Laminate |
Resistant to most chemicals (acids, bases, organic solvents, adhesives) for long periods of time (up to 24 hours). |
| Polyurethane |
Resistant to alcohols, organic solvents, ketones, terpines, hydrocarbons. |
| Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) |
Resistant (but use caution) to chlorinated solvents, esters, ethers, most ketones, aliphatics and aromatic compounds. Physically strong, but NOT EFFECTIVE when exposed to water and light alcohols. |
| Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
Resistant (but use caution) to acids, bases, alcohols. Physically very strong. NOT EFFECTIVE with some ketones and solvents which break down plastic. |
| Viton (trademarked) |
Resistant to organic solvents such as benzene, methyl chloride and carbon disulfide. NOT EFFECTIVE with ketones, esters and amines. |
| Disposable Polyethylene |
Resistant to most chemicals, but for a limited period of time. |
| Disposable Vinyl |
Resistant to irritating materials. |
NOTE: Many of the tests performed to determine chemical resistance is based on its reaction to the chemical exposure in an hour and only with that one chemical. Often we work with a mixture of chemicals which may react quite differently than to a single chemical.
The list above should be used as guideline for selecting the type of glove applicable to the work performed. It is best ot contact your favorite glove manufacturer for the type of glove they supply for the specific task at hand. Often gloves companies, such as Ansell Edmont Industrial, Inc. and North Safety Products, offer really nice glove charts in small and large formats.