You can never be too safe when it comes to protection. Workplaces of many kinds, including offices and manufacturing facilities, require gloves. Gloves come in a wide variety, each serving a certain function. Certain substances shield you from the elements, while others shield you from dangerous substances. Certain gloves have been specially made to guard against electrical shocks.
We’ll walk through the main types of gloves out there. We’ll discuss materials and features and help you determine the right pair for your needs. Whether you’re looking for heavy-duty protection or touchscreen-friendly fingertips, we’ve researched so you don’t have to.
What are the Different Types of Gloves Used for?
We set out to investigate the vast and varied world of hand gloves with the help of this all-inclusive guide. We’ll explore the 14 different types of gloves, each with special qualities to address particular demands and difficulties.
Nitrile
Three materials make up nitrile, polymer, and curative. These types of rubber gloves are synthetic gloves. Professionals in dentistry and medicine choose nitrile gloves because they are thin, strong, and provide a solid grip. Compared to latex gloves, they also have a lower risk of triggering an allergic reaction.
- It is the greatest glove for all-around use, fitting a wide range of needs.
- Excellent for hydrocarbons, oils, greases, solvents, and some bases and acids.
- Excellent chemical resistance and puncture resistance.
- When harmed or undermined, it is easily visible.
- suitable for biohazards.
- Avoid purposeful contact with oxidizing acids, organic substances containing nitrogen, and ketones.
- For accidental chemical splash protection, nitrile is the best option.
Chloronite
To shield the hands from dangerous chemical exposure, wear gloves resistant to chemicals. They are composed of substances such as nitrile, latex, or neoprene, which provide resistance to various kinds of chemicals. In sectors like chemical processing, cleaning, and healthcare, where employees are frequently exposed to chemicals, these gloves are essential. Because different materials offer differing degrees of resistance to different chemicals, choosing chemical-resistant gloves depends on the type of chemical being handled.
- Co-polymer A complex combination of neoprene and soft nitrile is called chloronite material.
- Suitable for extended periods of use.
- Appropriate for purposeful chemical splashes (depending on the substance).
- EN recognizes strong resistance to a wide range of chemicals and solvents.
Latex
They are an essential component of any medical or dental office. They are disposable gloves made of latex that are used in a variety of settings, such as general hand gloves manufacturer, food service, and health care. Latex gloves are frequently selected for their strength, comfort, and agility. They are available in a range of sizes and colors.
- Excellent for preventing biohazards (risks of infection).
- Excellent for inorganic substances.
- Not suitable for organic solvents.
- Steer clear of grease, oils, and hydrocarbon-derived products.
- It is difficult to find puncture holes.
- May result in or exacerbate allergies to latex.
- There is a considerable risk of dermatitis.
- Extremely dexterous and flexible.
Butyl Rubber
The synthetic rubber used to make butyl rubber gloves has exceptional qualities, including high tensile strength, flexibility, and a long shelf life. However, its most noteworthy quality is that it’s the only elastomer and one of the few materials that can withstand gases.
Butyl rubber gloves are resistant to several hazardous substances, including ozone, acids, ketones, and hydraulic fluid. Additionally, they are resistant to temperatures between -50 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
These gloves are not ideal for precision work due to their low touch sensitivity, excessive thickness, bulkiness, and lack of durability, although they offer excellent protection against harmful substances.
- Favorable to esters and ketones.
- Only reusable versions are offered.
- Insensitive to touch.
- Sturdy against hostile substances.
- Solid and unyielding.
- Exceptionally supple and quick.
Standard Vinyl Gloves: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
A cheap glove type used in the kitchen is made of polyvinyl chloride or PVC. Salts, water solutions, and alcohols are all substances that it can withstand. Due to their lack of strength, these kitchen gloves are frequently used when preparing food, particularly for dishes that require minimal exposure to dangerous substances and microorganisms.
- Several detrimental environmental problems.
- Toxic substances are produced throughout the production process.
- Stops are biodegradable.
- Chemicals may leak into the environment if improperly disposed of.
- The plasticizers in gloves have the potential to contaminate solvents.
- Very affordable.
- Majorly produced in China.
Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)
Because polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gloves are specialized, their cost is higher. Strong solvents and chemicals that would degrade PVC, natural rubber, or neoprene gloves are practically inert to them, and they are extremely resistant to them. PVA is quite sensitive to water and light alcohol, yet it is resistant to cuts and punctures. When dealing with powerful solvents in a scientific, industrial, or laboratory setting, PVA gloves are utilized.
- Excellent with chlorinated and aromatic solvents.
- Inadequate solutions dissolve in water.
- Avert Interaction with water, water-based mixtures, and water-soluble substances.
- Only reusable options are offered.
- Insensitive to touch.
- Solvents are an option for cleaning.
- It is not very bendable and is thick.
Neoprene
Gloves composed of neoprene are known as neoprene gloves. Typically, they are used for cycling, fishing, and aquatic activities. Gloves made of neoprene offer some advantages over other materials. Your hands will stay dry even in damp conditions because they are water-resistant. Moreover, they withstand wind, which is advantageous for cycling in the winter. They are perfect for fishing activities because they are flexible and have a strong grip.
- Excellent with fuels, peroxides, hydrocarbons, alcohols, bases, and phenols.
- Not good for aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons.
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Norfoil Gloves
One kind of disposable glove is the norfoil glove, which is composed of non-woven polypropylene. They are constructed from a specific kind of foil that deflects heat away from your hands. As a result, you can grip hot objects without fear of burning yourself. Because of their single-use design, they are perfect for protecting hands from dirt, dust, and other impurities. To guarantee a snug fit, Norfoil gloves come in normal and extra-long sizes.
The fact that Norfoil gloves shield your hands from burns while you work makes them a remarkable idea. In addition, they are incredibly reasonably priced, costing a small portion of what other gloves with comparable protection levels cost.
Vinyl Gloves
Vinyl gloves are single-use, vinyl-made gloves. They are frequently utilized in food service, medical, and laboratory contexts. Vinyl gloves come in a range of sizes and are less costly than other kinds of gloves. They are a fantastic option for those who are allergic to latex because they are also devoid of latex.
Polythene Gloves
Different types of disposable gloves composed of polyethylene are called polyethylene gloves. Because it is made of a sturdy, easily sanitized material, this kind of glove is frequently employed in medical environments. Polyethylene gloves are ideal for a variety of applications because they are also resistant to chemicals.
Thermoplastic Elastomer Gloves
Gloves built specifically of thermoplastic elastomer are known as thermoplastic elastomer gloves. They are frequently employed in lab and industrial environments. Since they are non-latex and non-allergenic, they offer excellent protection against heat, chemicals, and other dangers. Gloves made of thermoplastic elastomer are strong and resilient to significant wear and tear. Furthermore, TPE gloves are dishwasher-safe and reusable.
Cloth Gloves
One kind of glove is constructed of cloth: cloth gloves. To keep the hands warm in cold weather, they are usually worn. Different types of fabric, such as wool, cotton, and synthetic materials, can be used to make cloth gloves.
Compared to other different kinds of gloves, cloth gloves are frequently more pleasant to wear since they are less bulky. They are a practical choice for anyone who requires a glove that is simple to clean because they can be machine-washed and dried.
Leather Gloves
One kind of clothing that covers the hands and fingers is a pair of leather gloves. Usually, they are made of lambskin, pigskin, or cowhide. Leather gloves are useful for driving, riding, and handling tools, in addition to protecting from cold and rainy conditions. Law enforcement officers, emergency medical technicians, and workers in the construction and auto repair industries frequently wear leather gloves.
Viton Gloves
The fluorocarbon polymer Viton is used to make Viton gloves. The automotive, chemical, food, and medical industries are just a few of the businesses that use them. Numerous chemicals, oils, and solvents cannot penetrate Viton gloves. Additionally, they endure flames and heat well.
Things to Consider While Choosing the Right Gloves
The first step in choosing the appropriate glove for a task is determining the risks and hazards that the user is likely to face. Even seemingly little wounds like cuts or scrapes can result in infections that need medical attention and time away from work.
Additional things to think about are:
- Fit and size: tight gloves could impair dexterity, while tiny gloves might rip.
- Sometimes a trade-off between protection and dexterity is inevitable, so you’ll need to decide how to rank them in order of importance.
- Protection levels: gloves come in different degrees of defense against a particular risk; therefore, it’s important to make sure the glove is appropriate for the job.
- Wear and tear: Constantly look for physical damage to gloves, such as rips, discoloration, or swelling.
- Expiration: These types of safety gloves should never be used after their expiration date.
What Type of Gloves are Better?
When it comes to choosing the right type of gloves for the job, consider what tasks you need them for and what conditions they’ll be used in.
Leather Gloves
Leather gloves are durable and long-lasting. They protect from the elements while still allowing good dexterity and flexibility. These gloves are a great all-purpose choice for tasks like gardening, driving, or handling tools. For wet conditions, look for gloves specifically treated to be water-resistant.
Latex or Nitrile Gloves
For tasks where you need sensitivity and dexterity, like mechanical work, cleaning, or first aid, latex or nitrile gloves are a good option. They protect you from contaminants while still allowing your hands to breathe. Nitrile gloves are latex-free, so they’re a great choice if you have a latex allergy. Disposable latex or nitrile gloves should only be used once.
Insulated Gloves
When working in cold conditions, insulated gloves will keep your hands warm while protecting them from the elements. Insulated gloves often have a waterproof outer shell with a layer of insulation like fleece, thinsulate, or down. For extremely cold temperatures, heavier insulated gloves or mittens may be needed.
Consider the tasks at hand and choose gloves specifically suited to provide the level of dexterity, protection, and comfort you need. With the right gloves for the job, you’ll be able to work efficiently and safely in all conditions.
What are the Types of Medical Gloves?
There are several types of medical gloves designed for different purposes. The most common are latex gloves, nitrile gloves, and vinyl gloves.
- Latex gloves are made of natural rubber latex and are often used for procedures where dexterity and sensitivity are important. However, latex allergies have become more common, so latex-free options like nitrile gloves are popular alternatives.
- Nitrile gloves are made of synthetic nitrile material and are more durable and chemical-resistant than latex gloves.
- Vinyl gloves are made of PVC plastic and are latex-free, inexpensive, and suitable for short, routine tasks. However, they tend to be less flexible and tear more easily than latex or nitrile gloves. For this reason, vinyl gloves may not be ideal for intricate procedures.
- In addition to these general types, there are surgical gloves, which are specially designed for use in surgery and other sterile environments. Surgical gloves are made from materials like latex, nitrile, and neoprene and must meet strict standards for durability, dexterity, and sterility.
There are also specialty medical gloves for chemotherapy, veterinary use, and other areas of healthcare. The specific type of medical glove used depends on the task at hand, practitioner preference, patient allergies, and several other factors. The options are many, so there’s the right medical glove for every need.
What are the Most Commonly Used Gloves?
Numerous industries utilize gloves primarily for protection, improved grip with equipment, and aesthetic appeal. The purposes of gloves in the following industries are listed:.
Health Care Sector
Gloves are widely used in the medical industry. To prevent the spread of infections and diseases, gloves are required for all healthcare personnel to use when giving medical treatments to patients. Examine and surgical gloves are the two main types of gloves used in the medical field. In the medical field, Chinese latex examination gloves are widely used. Chemotherapy gloves are an additional.
Lab
Experts wear gloves during experimentation as well. Gloves are used to prevent body contact because most laboratory work involves handling substances that are irritating to human skin.
Beauty and Tattoo Services
When they come to work, beauticians put on gloves to protect their hands from the chemicals they employ. The chemicals are composed of potentially hazardous ingredients.
Cleaning Services
The type of chemicals used in cleaning are typically taken into consideration when choosing gloves for the janitorial profession. Tough glove materials that are resistant to chemicals and other harsh elements should be chosen if harsh chemicals are to be employed.
Preparing and Cooking Food
The FDA regulates gloves used in food preparation and cooking. This company guarantees the safety and non-harmful composition of the materials used to make these gloves. The gloves must be thrown away after use; that is, one glove should not be used for any part of the food preparation process.
Security Employment
Using instruments that can get slick from excessive grip is necessary for security-related work. Gloves are used to get rid of this. These gloves also provide better dexterity and comfort.
Massive Industries
Industries that handle heavy machinery employ gloves in their operations. To enhance their control and protect themselves, they put on gloves that improve their grip on the instruments.
FAQs
What do Gloves in Category 3 Mean?
Types of gloves in PPE Category III are the very minimum needed for personal protection in situations involving chemicals or microorganisms. It does not imply defense against every chemical or microbe. Evaluate the danger and consult the glove performance data for EN374-1 and EN374-5 test requirements.
Which two Categories of Safety Gloves are There?
Vinyl and nitrile gloves are the two primary varieties. Since nitrile is formed of natural rubber, it is more durable and resistant to chemicals than vinyl, but it is not heat-resistant.
Which kinds of Gloves Have Color Coding?
Health professionals are using color coding more and more frequently to guarantee user and patient safety. Medical/exam-grade gloves made of vinyl, latex, or nitrile come in a range of colors, which makes them perfect for use with color-coding techniques.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it—a complete rundown of all the different glove types! From latex and nitrile gloves to vinyl and polythene gloves, you now know the main differences, features, and uses of the most common kinds. Pick the right pair for the task or occasion. And if you’re ever unsure, just refer back to this guide for a quick refresher.
For all your disposable glove needs, Tack Apparel has a large selection. If you are not sure which gloves are appropriate for your case, please get in touch with us, and we will be pleased to assist you in making the right decision.
