Chemical resistant gloves are an important part of any worker's personal protective equipment (PPE). They help to protect the hands from harmful chemicals that can cause burns, chemical irritants or even permanent damage. However, when it comes to choosing the right type of glove, there are a lot of factors to consider. These include the chemical hazards that are identified in a hazard assessment, material resistance to physical hazards (such as hot or sharp objects) and the gloves' comfort and dexterity.

    There are different kinds of solvent resistant gloves, including natural rubber, neoprene and nitrile and fluorocarbon (viton). Each kind has its own advantages and disadvantages. Viton is the most expensive because of its very specific and high chemical protection, but it does work well against benzene, toluene and other polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Natural rubber is inexpensive and has good oil and grease resistance, while nitrile has a nice grip and provides excellent protection against acids and caustics. Neoprene is comfortable to wear and is resistant to some chemicals, while acrylonitrile has good chemical and tear resistance.

    The best way to determine what kind of solvent resistant gloves are needed is to consult a chemical resistance chart and the safety data sheet (SDS) for the chemicals being handled. The level of hazard and the chemical's concentration will affect the levels of protection required. It is also worth noting that the gloves' permeation and degradation testing can be affected by the temperature of the test, flexing, mixtures and combinations of chemicals and abrasion.

    When selecting a pair of solvent resistant gloves, it is also important to think about how the gloves will be used and whether they are to be used alone or in conjunction with other PPE. For example, a pair of thicker nitrile gloves may be preferred when using the glove for a long time because they offer more support to the fingers and palms. On the other hand, a thinner neoprene glove is often preferred for shorter periods of use because it is more flexible and offers more dexterity.

    When using solvent resistant gloves, they should be clean and sanitized at the beginning and end of each shift to prevent cross contamination. The gloves should be rinsed with cool water and allowed to dry before using them again. The gloves should be stored in a clean area out of direct sunlight. They should also be inspected regularly to make sure they are still in good condition. If they are not, they should be replaced as soon as possible. It is important to remember that gloves should be used in combination with other safety measures such as eye and face protection and proper ventilation. It is also a good idea to consult with safety professionals if there are any doubts about the correct type of gloves for a particular task. This will ensure the safety of the workers, as well as the health and wellbeing of the community at large.

Tags:solvent resistant gloves | acid proof gloves | acid resistant gloves