Type of risks that can be avoided by Chemical resistant safety gloves
Chemical resistant safety gloves protect worker hand from the range of risks associated with working in industrial setup. Most modern industries, especially manufacturing, construction, and service, rely on using some form of chemical substances. A worker is likely to be exposed to various types of chemical hazards. These could be classified as asphyxiants, irritants, corrosives, reactive, carcinogens, etc.
For example, carbon monoxide and cyanide fall in the category of asphyxiant. Sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide are classified as corrosives. Similarly, nickel chloride and chromic acid are regarded as irritants. Chlorine and alkalies are in the category of sensitizers or allergens.
Every chemical substance has unique properties. Accordingly, different types of safety glove material are recommended. A hand protection glove with the greatest resistance to the chemical and the fastest breakthrough time remains a preferred choice.
A few scenarios may require donning double chemical-resistant safety gloves considering a single type of glove material would not provide complete protection. This necessitates the need to opt for two sets of hand-protection chemical safety gloves made from different materials. For instance, it could be a pair of chemical or acid-resistant safety gloves.
Also, hand protection chemical safety gloves are prone to damage and failure. This could be due to degradation or permeation from a few chemicals and damage from other sources.
Chemical Resistant Safety Gloves and Quality Features to Check
Thickness and Durability of Chemical resistant Safety Gloves
For general protection against chemicals, latex safety gloves are commonly used. But, when it comes to additional protection, or if there is a risk of abrasion for gloves, chemical-resistant gloves are required to be of a certain level of thickness. Such safety gloves can withstand exposure to various chemicals, which could be frequent.
For example, Kevlar is resistant to many chemicals and solvents. It is chemically stable under a wide variety of exposure conditions. However, a few strong aqueous acids, bases and sodium hypochlorite may cause degradation, particularly over long periods and at extreme temperatures.
Dexterity and grip of Chemical resistant Safety Gloves
When the chemical safety gloves are donned, they should not impair mobility. Chemical-resistant safety gloves with a suitable grip are essential for routinely handling chemicals.
The thickness of the safety glove is inversely proportional to the grip. That means a thicker safety glove would provide more protection but fail to provide a substantial grip. Finally, examine the glove lining. Knit and flock are the type of safety glove linings which are quite common.
Types of safety glove materials and range of different chemical resistance
Natural rubber latex safety gloves
They offer considerable flexibility and excellent resistance to quite a few alcohols or acids.
Nitrile safety gloves
Similarly, nitrile is a synthetic rubber that offers better protection against most solvents and greases, including oils and bases. Also, it extends a high level of resistance to abrasions and cuts.
PVC safety gloves
Then polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer material that provides a good level of resistance against several acids, alcohols, bases and caustics. It has good abrasion resistance. It is suitable for manufacturing safety gloves while handling various acids and petroleum hydrocarbons.
Neoprene safety gloves
Neoprene is a synthetic rubber known to resist a broad spectrum of acids, oils, and solvents. It offers good heat resistance. However, the material offers lower resistance to punctures, snags, cuts, and cuts compared to natural rubber or nitrile.
Butyl safety gloves
Another synthetic material, butyl, offers a high level of resistance against concentrated acids and aldehydes. Being nimble and flexible at the same time ensures easy handling. It provides the highest levels of protection against water vapours and gas.
The fluoroelastomer material Viton offers good protection against chlorinated solvents and aromatic hydrocarbons. But when it comes to abrasions and punctures, it has a poor resistance level.
When it comes to a water-soluble synthetic material, polyvinyl alcohol (PVAs) delivers high resistance to chlorinated solvents and aromatics. When it comes to snags, abrasions, punctures, and cuts, PVAs remain perfect. However, being water-soluble makes them unsuitable for applications where water or light alcohols are utilized.
L&T-SuFin offers a wide range of genuine and branded safety gloves online. Check out the website for more options.