We are often asked what type of disposable gloves are suitable for our clientele in a variety of industries. There are plenty of options to choose from and selecting the right one is important. As we stand, we are currently experiencing a price drop on all types of disposable gloves, from nitrile to vinyl and heavy-duty ones. So why buy any old glove when you can have job-specific products?
P.S. - Feel free to use your gloves however you like :)
Let's get technical:
Nitrile Gloves
Nitrile is a synthetic rubber (or ‘man-made’) compound composed of acrylonitrile, butadiene and carboxylic acid monomers. This man-made rubber is free from natural rubber latex (NRL), and thus, offers a great alternative to latex, as it is safe for use by those suffering from latex allergies.
Nitrile gloves are often classed as medical-grade or examination gloves, and the monomers used in nitrile gloves allow for a high level of resistance to a range of hazards, including oil-based chemicals and solvents, and biohazards (such as blood, viruses and other infectious material). Nitrile gloves are also strong and flexible, making them more puncture resistant relative to latex or vinyl gloves.
Nitrile gloves have seen a surge in popularity in recent years due to advances in manufacturing which have seen them become more flexible and comfortable with a high degree of touch sensitivity, meaning that contemporary nitrile gloves are more latex-like in feel and fit. This is especially important in roles where extended use is necessary. In fact, nitrile gloves are increasingly being used in fields where latex gloves have traditionally been favoured; these include medical and hygiene fields such as nursing and dentistry, as well as in automotive industries, tattooing and piercing.
Nitrile gloves are available in powdered or powder-free varieties and come in a variety of colours which make puncture detection easy. Another of the key features of nitrile over latex gloves is that the material tends to tear rather than pinhole puncture, adding to the ease of puncture detection.
Nitrile glove attributes include:
- Chemical resistance against a range of hazardous chemicals
- High levels of durability and puncture resistance (versus latex or vinyl gloves)
- Medical grade (if to EN455 standard)
- Latex-free
- Protection against biohazards and infectious material
- Are most puncture resistant
- Mould to your hand for a greater fit
- Available in powdered or powder-free varieties
- Available in a range of colours
- Have a long shelf life
Vinyl Gloves
Vinyl gloves are a synthetic disposable glove made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride). This type of glove is widely available, generally a less expensive option, and offers protection against a range of household and industrial hazards. Typically less durable than latex or nitrile gloves, vinyl gloves are usually used for shorter periods of time and preferred in fields where loose fit and ease of use are important, but where durability and protection are less of a concern. These include food preparation, cleaning, assistance and care, manufacturing and processing, painting and dyeing fields.
Due to their composition, vinyl gloves are also less elastic than nitrile or latex gloves and are therefore less form-fitting and can shift around on the hands.
Although vinyl gloves are often used in the food industry, it is worth noting that they are not approved for use with fatty foods. For this reason, certain food processing and handling firms often prefer the use of nitrile gloves.
Vinyl glove attributes include:
- Flexible and easy to use
- Latex-free
- Inexpensive
- Preferred for short-term, low-risk tasks
- Have a looser fit
Latex Gloves
If you are looking for an incredibly versatile type of gloves, latex is a great choice. While it does contain a protein that can cause allergic reactions in some people, this material is useful for nearly any application other than high risk uses.
Polyethylene Gloves
Poly gloves are very thin and made for light-duty tasks. They are also very economical and great for food use when workers are constantly changing gloves between prep tasks.
Neoprene Gloves
Flexible, heat-resistant, and sometimes available with a flock lining, neoprene gloves are thick and reusable. They are perfect for high risk applications, dishwashing, wet handling, and more.
Source: Uni Gloves & Webstaurantstore.