During the Virus pandemic, it has been crucial for researchers to ensure they have the right gloves and are wearing them properly.plastic gloves This includes changing them frequently, keeping them clean, and disposing of them correctly. It also means not touching anything outside of the lab, using carts or carriers for transporting research materials, and avoiding touch of common area objects.

However, this doesn’t mean a researcher should ignore their other protective equipment (PPE), such as face masks and goggles.plastic gloves In fact, these can be equally important to reducing the spread of Virus.

While all disposable gloves may look the same, they are not all equal in terms of their performance.plastic gloves A glove’s material, thickness, and chemical resistance are just a few of the factors that determine their effectiveness.

There are four primary materials used to make gloves: nitrile butadiene rubber, natural latex, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene.plastic gloves Various specialty gloves combine these materials, but the most common are made of one of these four. Each of these materials has unique properties that can affect a glove’s performance, including their tensile strength, puncture resistance, and heat resistance.

Choosing the correct glove for the environment in which you work can be confusing.plastic gloves Fortunately, many manufacturers offer chemical compatibility charts and glove application selection tools to help users choose the best gloves for specific environments. These can be consulted along with facility standard operating procedures, manufacturer recommendations, and safety data sheets.

While a high level of chemical resistance is important, the fit and feel of a glove are vital as well. For example, a dental worker handling small, delicate items like tooth caps and tiny packets of polish needs gloves that conform closely to the hand for greater dexterity and tactile sensitivity. Latex gloves can provide the fit and sensitivity necessary for these tasks.

It is also critical to change gloves regularly, as they can become contaminated with chemicals and germs from the hands of others. It’s a good idea to keep an eye out for holes or tears, and to discard them as soon as they are soiled or no longer fit properly.

Not disposing of gloves properly can also cause contamination and potential risk to your colleagues and the public. It’s important to throw away contaminated gloves in a designated waste receptacle, not the sink or on the floor.

In conclusion, a successful glove recycling programme can reduce waste and save your lab money. It’s a simple solution that’s worth considering for your facility, especially as the number of cases continues to climb.