Chemical Glove Selection

Chemical Glove Selection

Chemical-resistant glove selection begins with an evaluation of the type of work to be performed and the chemical(s) that personnel will be contacting. No glove provides protection against all potential hand hazards, and available gloves may provide only limited protection against many chemicals. It is important, therefore, to select the most appropriate glove for a particular application and to determine how long it can be worn and whether it can be reused. It is often advantageous to select two different types of gloves and wear one pair over the other, thus increasing the range of protection. Chemical-resistant gloves should be inspected prior to use for discoloration, punctures, or tears. Consider the following issues:

• The type of chemical(s) to be handled or used.
• The frequency and duration of the task for chemical contact. Different chemicals will affect the protective qualities of a glove in different ways.
  • Breakthrough time: the time it takes for the chemical to pass to the inside of the glove. Some gloves are not recommended for certain chemicals. Some specified a time limit before the chemical breakthrough of the glove material was detected. Some did not detect a breakthrough (under laboratory test conditions). Follow manufacturer guidelines or supplier "Chemical Compatibility Guides" for additional information.
  • Permeation: if a chemical will pass through a glove material.
  • Degradation: how the chemical will affect the physical properties of the glove material upon contact. Degradation can lead to softening, drying, swelling, shrinkage, or other undesirable side effects that could expose the employee to the chemical.
• The ability of the chemical to penetrate through the glove must be determined.
  • Latex/natural rubber does not hold up well to organic solvents, oils, greases, or fuels such as kerosene or gasoline.
  • Nitrile is ideal for stripping and degreasing, chemical washing, and is resistant to animal fats and vegetable oils. Nitrile does not contain latex that causes skin allergies.
  • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) provides excellent resistance to most acids, fats, and petroleum hydrocarbons.
  • Neoprene is strong and durable and provides excellent chemical resistance. Note: Check "Chemical Compatibility Guides" for specific chemical and glove materials recommended.
  • Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) has an extremely high resistance to aliphatics, aromatics, chlorinated solvents, esters, and ketones. PVA quickly breaks down when exposed to water and light alcohols.
  • Butyl provides excellent chemical resistance to gases and ketones. It is ideal for handling hazardous materials. Butyl is severely affected by fuels and aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon solvents.
  • Viton is the most resistant of all, and provides high-temperature, fuel-resistance. Recommended for working with extremely hazardous chemicals, such as carcinogenic or highly toxic chemicals.
  • Silver-shield provides excellent chemical resistance and is commonly used for hazardous materials work, or work involving multiple chemical hazards.
• The toxic properties of the chemical(s) - in particular, chemicals that can cause local effects on the skin and/or pass through the skin and cause systemic effects warrant a higher level of protection.
• Mixtures and formulated products (unless specific test data is available) require that gloves should be selected based on the chemical component with the shortest breakthrough time since it's possible for solvents to carry active ingredients through some glove materials.
• Personnel must be able to remove the gloves in such a manner as to prevent skin contamination.
• Determine if the task will involve splash hazards, and ensure that adequate protection is used.
• Consider the concentration of the chemical(s).
• Consider the temperature of the chemical(s).
• Consider abrasion, cut, puncture, tear-resistance, and grip requirements.
• For work involving chemicals where there is a skin absorption hazard, double gloving of the appropriate type may be necessary.