A Chemical Glove Program is an important part of managing safety in your operation. Workers face a wide range of risks when they are exposed to chemicals as part of their daily tasks. They need to feel equipped against exposure to harmful chemicals, as well as incidental cuts and abrasions, by using the right hand and body protection equipment. This guide serves as an overview of factors in the selection of the right glove in various chemical environments.

Factors in Chemical Glove Selection

Permeation can be impacted by the working temperature of the surroundings and/or chemical. The higher the working temperature, the lower the breakthrough time and vice-versa. Times noted per the standard are based on working at room temperature.

Breakthrough time > 30 min. for at least three chemicals from this list (XYZ represent the code letters for three of these chemicals for which the glove obtained > 30 min. breakthrough time):

A. Methanol                              G.Diethylamine

B. Acetone                                H.Tetrahydro

C. Acetonitrile                           I. Ethyl Acetate

D. Dichlonomethane                J. n-Heptane

E. Carbon Disulphide               K. Sodium Hydroxide 40%

F. Toluene                                L. Sulphuric acid 96%

Low Chemical Resistance

This icon can be used for gloves that do not meet the above requirement and have an AQL of 1.5 or lower.

Micro-Organisms

A glove shall not leak when tested to an air and/or water leak test, and shall be tested and inspected in compliance with the Acceptable Quality Level.

Only applies if the AQL is equal to or below 1.5

For more technical information regarding chemical hand protection from Ansell, please visit https://www.mscdirect.com/products/ansell-chemical.