Industrial Safety Gloves Buying Guide

Manufacturers produce a variety of industrial gloves that are utilized to ensure employee safety and sanitary conditions in the work place. Composed of synthetic and natural materials, various industrial purpose gloves are chemical, heat, cold and abrasion resistant. Additionally, there are gloves specifically fabricated for electrical equipment use. Determining which type of glove to use generally depends on the occupation environment, the duration of the job, and the type of conditions or contaminants associated with the application process. For instance, chemical and oil resistant gloves have different properties and compositions than heat or cut resistant gloves.

Glove Types and Applications

Chemical and Liquid Safe Gloves

Chemical and liquid proof gloves are suitable to use for protection against abrasive substances, such as acids and various aqueous solutions. A common material used for the manufacture of these types of gloves is nitrile. This durable material is also known as nitrile butadiene rubber, or NBR, which is capable of withstanding exposure to oils, greases and acids, though experts advise against using this material with strong oxidizing agents. Nitrile gloves may be treated or lined with additional materials, such as neoprene, for additional insulation and safety sealing purposes.  

Another material used in the production of water-proof gloves is polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, which is commonly known as vinyl chloride plastic. This material is suitable for use when handling a range of detergents and aqueous solutions. Gloves that are PVC coated are commonly formulated to be germ resistant and may be used for pesticide applications and for handling oil-soaked components. Combinations of butyl and neoprene (synthetic rubbers) are also used for the fabrication of chemical safe gloves, and these materials are resistant to various oils and petroleum. Neoprene, specifically, is also suitable for protection against alcohols, alkalis and an array of hydraulic fluids and oil types. Butyl resists oxidation and is commonly used for processes with highly corrosive acids and solutions, such as nitric and sulfuric substances.

For light duty operations and some laboratory procedures, workers may opt to wear natural latex gloves. This type of glove is suitable for intricate operations as they are not as bulky as various heavy duty materials. Latex gloves are considered multi-purpose gloves and are often used in clean rooms and for processes where solutions such as acids, ketones and salts are involved. They may be treated with a coating of polyurethane for clean room use. Polyethylene is another material used to fabricate gloves for similar operations, and is usually available as thin, disposable gloves. Manufacturers also fabricate variations of these gloves that include liners for sensitive skin types. This material is commonly used for food handling operations.

Cut Resistant & Heavy Duty Safety Gloves

Tear and cut resistant safety gloves are often constructed from high grade stainless steel and commonly feature a mesh aesthetic. They are resistant to tears and punctures from sharp objects such as glass and knives and are often ergonomically designed for a precise fit. Gloves fabricated from cotton flannel are also often used for applications or jobs that require varying degrees of abrasive materials handling, though they are not suitable for extremely abrasive applications, and are often produced with linings composed of stronger materials, such as plastics, for added protection. Manufacturers also produce a combination of materials, such as steel and leather, for maximum protection. Common natural materials used in heavy duty gloves include variations of deerskin and cowhides, and may be lined with additional natural materials, such as sheepskin, for additional insulation.

To effectively prevent shock and burns from electrical contact, manufacturers produce an array of gloves that are constructed from natural and synthetic rubbers and cowhides. Specifically, some of these rubber gloves may contain leather protectors and cuffs and can be lined with wool and thermal materials. Electrical gloves are typically OSHA compliant and are considered either ozone resistant or non-ozone resistant. Both variants should be electrically tested prior to use and on a regular basis after use. Typical applications and processes that require these gloves include plant and facility procedures, and power utility maintenance.

Thermal Proof Gloves

Thermal proof gloves protect against extreme temperatures and are often fabricated from neoprene. These gloves are used for safety against frost and burn injuries, and are often used in fire departments. Some manufacturers fabricate gloves that are able to withstand brief contact with applications that are 480 degrees Fahrenheit. Besides its thermal resistance, neoprene is efficient for various operations because it is a flexible and durable material often outlasts and outperforms than natural rubber when exposed temperatures. Neoprene gloves are commonly used in the petrochemical industry and in wire manufacturing operations. For additional neoprene properties, see “Neoprene Traits and Applications”: http://www.thomasnet.com/articles/plastics-rubber/traits-applications-neoprene