From household cleaning to food handling - nitrile gloves can be used for a wide range of tasks in countless industries. They are durable, puncture resistant, latex free and much more.
Let's take a closer look at your frequently asked questions regarding nitrile gloves - and whether they are suitable for your line of work.
What are nitrile gloves and how are they tested?
Nitrile gloves are a type of synthetic rubber glove - popular in the medical and food industries. Compared to natural rubber gloves and other types of disposable gloves, nitrile holds up well and is favored by many professionals. Nitrile disposable gloves are more resistant to punctures and chemicals than latex gloves, and they can be used by people with latex allergies.
Nitrile gloves are tested for resistance to punctures, chemicals, and abrasion. They must meet standards for these properties in order to be sold as nitrile disposable gloves. To test whether they are puncture resistant, a glove is filled with air and then punctured with a sharp object. The rate of air leakage is measured and compared to the standards.
To test for chemical resistance, the glove is exposed to various chemicals and monitored for signs of degradation. The glove must maintain its integrity in order to pass this test.
For abrasion resistance, the glove is rubbed against an abrasive surface. The amount of wear on the glove is measured and compared to the standards.
Nitrile gloves must meet all of these standards to be sold as disposable nitrile gloves. They are a safe and reliable type of glove that can be used in many different industries.
What do disposable nitrile gloves protect against?
Nitrile gloves are resistant to chemicals, oils, and numerous other substances. They are commonly used in the healthcare industry as they provide protection against blood-borne pathogens and other dangerous materials. Wearing nitrile gloves at home for cleaning has become increasingly popular in recent years, as they provide a barrier against chemicals and other potentially harmful substances.
One of the main benefits of nitrile protective gloves is that they are waterproof and oil-resistant. This is due to the hydrophobic nature of nitrile, meaning it repels water.
Are nitrile gloves impermeable?
It's important to remember that nothing is impermeable forever. There are a few substances that nitrile gloves do not protect against. These include chemicals like acetone and gasoline, as well as concentrated acids and highly corrosive chemicals. It's important to always check the label on any substance you're using to see if it is compatible with nitrile gloves.
In general, nitrile gloves offer good protection against most chemicals, but there are always exceptions. If you have any questions about whether or not a specific substance will be able to penetrate your gloves, it's best to err on the side of caution and find a different pair of gloves made from a different material.
Disposing of nitrile gloves after contamination
You should never reuse disposable nitrile gloves. Contaminated nitrile gloves should be disposed of in a hazardous waste container. If a hazardous waste container is not available, the gloves can be placed in a plastic bag and sealed before being placed in the trash. Gloves that have been in contact with blood or other bodily fluids should be treated as biohazardous waste and disposed of accordingly.
What industries are nitrile gloves suitable for?
Nitrile gloves are most commonly used in the medical and food industries. They are also used in the beauty industry and for cleaning and other general-purpose tasks.
Medical workers use nitrile gloves to protect themselves and their patients from infection. Food handlers use them to keep food clean and sanitary. Nitrile gloves are also used in the beauty industry for hair and skin treatments.
Choosing the right type of disposable glove
Disposable gloves are an important part of any safety program, protecting workers from exposure to hazardous materials and contaminants. You could opt for latex gloves made from natural rubber or vinyl gloves for a more affordable (but less durable) option. With so many different types of gloves available, how do you know which one is right for your application?
Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right disposable glove:
- The type of chemicals you're working with: Some chemicals will permeate through the glove material, so it's important to choose a glove that is compatible with the chemicals you're using.
- Temperature extremes: If you're working in extreme cold or heat, you'll need a glove that can protect your hands from those temperatures.
- Physical hazards: If you're working with sharp objects or dealing with other physical hazards, you'll need a glove that can protect your hands from those risks. Both nitrile and latex gloves offer protection against punctures and tears. However, you may need a more hard-wearing option with thicker protection for sharp objects.
- Toxicity and infection potential: If you're working with materials that are toxic or have the potential to cause infection, you'll need a glove that can protect you from those risks.
