How do I select the proper chemical protection?
Chemical risks involve the potential for exposure to, or immersion in, chemical liquids and compounds for extensive periods of time.
The decision on selection of the right chemical glove is based on the type of tasks that a worker does and other key factors.
1. Chemical exposure risks that are involved in the task
2. Level or length of exposure to those chemical hazards
3. Other worker and application needs (dexterity, comfort, temperature, etc.)
CHEMICAL GLOVE TYPES
Chemical protection gloves have different types of construction, grip patterns and cuff lengths. All of these variables offer advantages that are appropriate to individual applications or work processes.
CONSTRUCTION
Chemical gloves come in two types of construction:
Chemical gloves come in two types of construction:
Supported gloves are made by dipping a knitted or woven cloth liner into a liquid glove compound such as nitrile or neoprene; the liner “supports�? the coating and adds strength.
Unsupported gloves are made by dipping porcelain hand forms directly into a material compound. The dried film or “skin�? that is left on the former is later stripped off, leaving perfectly molded gloves, with no liner or fabric “supporting�? the material compound.
About CHEMICAL GLOVE MATERIALS
Chemical gloves are typically made of several materials often found in use across a wide range of industries and work applications. Some of the most common chemical glove materials include:
Natural Rubber Latex
Nitrile
Butyl
Neoprene
LLDPE (Linear low-density polyethylene)
PVA (polyvinylalcohol)
PVC (polyvinylchloride)
Viton®
Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) and Nitrile are the materials most often found in chemical gloves. It should be noted that not all glove materials are suitable for use with all chemical compounds depending on the unique strengths and weaknesses of that material. Safety managers should ensure that workers use the proper glove polymer for each type of chemical hazard risk.
GRIP PATTERN
Chemical gloves are constructed with various grip patterns on the palm and fingers to improve handling of objects in an environment that includes liquid exposure or immersion as part of the work task.
CUFF TYPE
Chemical gloves are designed with various cuff designs to improve worker comfort and functionality based on the environment and work tasks:
Rolled Beaded Cuff
offers increased protection from chemical, oil and fat droplets, and features increased cuff strength
Safety Cuff
helps protect the wrist, slides on and off easily and stays firm, even when exposed to perspiration
Pinked Cuff
features a zigzag design that catches drips in the cuff
Gauntlet Cuff
has the same features as a safety cuff with added protection for lower forearm. Design allows maximum movement of the forearm
Straight Cuff
provides additional length so that the cuff can be turned down or “troughed�? to protect from chemical, liquid and oil runoff
Knit Wrist Cuff
fits snug to the wrist and is designed to hold glove in place while preventing debris from entering the glove
Shop Ansell Chemical Resistant Gloves
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