Factors In Glove Selection: Disposable Protection

What are the differences between the various disposable gloves?

Disposable gloves are primarily differentiated by their features, polymer science and manufacturing technologies.

The primary features of disposable gloves are…

Grade

• Examination

• Classified as a medical device

• Prevents contamination between caregiver and patient

• Industrial

• Industrial or general purposes

• Not for contact

Powder

• Powdered – Easier on/off; better moisture absorption

• Powder-Free – No powder to contaminate products

Texture

• Full – Entire glove has a raised texture to improve grip

• Fingers-only – Texture on fingers only

• Smooth Finish – No texture; good when less resistance is desired

Glove Length

• Standard glove length is 9.5 inches

• Extended cuff provides additional protection to wrists and forearms

How Do I Select The Proper Disposable Glove?

What manufacturing applications are the gloves to be used in?

• What are their performance requirements?

• What tasks are they doing?

• What do they like or dislike about their current glove?

Confirm their requirements for the following factors:

• Wet/ Dry Grip

• Comfort/Ergonomics

• Tactile Sensitivity

• Durability

• Residue Free

• Chemical Splash Protection

• Expanded Protection

• Cost

Chemical permeation tests are based on any 3 of the 12 chemicals from the list below. If the permeation time is 30 minutes for those 3 chemicals, the glove can receive theErlenmeyer “chemical resistant” pictogram with at least 3 code letters.

This does not mean this glove only works with the selected chemicals, but that the selection reflects the glove material’s primary application.

The EN374 standards also determine:

• Gloves achieving a breakthrough time less than 30 minutes but pass penetration test requirements (Acceptable Quality Level [AQL] <= 4.0) shall carry the “waterproof” pictogram (commonly seen with disposables);

• Gloves that pass penetration test requirements and achieve an acceptable quality level (AQL <= 1.5) shall carry the “microorganism” pictogram.

Penetration time is used to determine the material’s performance level or rating. Levels range from “0” (under 10 minutes) to “6” (up to 480 minutes, the maximum time that can be claimed under the current EN374 standards).

Penetration test requirements are met when no evidence of air or water leak occurs, based on an acceptable quality level (the percentage of allowable rejects from a known number of inspected samples).

Gloves not complying with the permeation test but meeting penetration requirements must use the pictogram marking with a question mark.