Are you looking for the right chemical resistant gloves? Employers must match the appropriate gloves for each application or task. Choosing the right gloves begins with a hazard assessment. The hazard assessment process helps to identify the chemical or combination of chemicals and their properties required for a task or job. This information is critical when choosing chemical resistant gloves. Learn about the important factors in choosing chemical-resistant gloves today.
Main parameters of chemical resistant gloves
In these chemical resistance guides you'll find references to gloves made from many different materials. Different glove materials respond differently to individual chemicals, and the chemical compatibility of a given material can and does vary from glove manufacturer to glove manufacturer. Glove selection must be based on test data from a given manufacturer.
Gloves are typically tested and rated for chemical compatibility in three categories: Degradation, Breakthrough Time, and Penetration Rate. All three should be considered when choosing gloves.
Explain
Degradation is a change in the physical properties of the glove material. Common effects include swelling, wrinkling, stiffness, color changes, or other physical deterioration. The degradation rating indicates the ability of the glove to withstand the use of a specific chemical. Degradation testing varies by manufacturer. There is no standardized test in the industry that everyone uses. However, the glove material is usually continuously exposed to the test chemical and then the percent weight change is determined at time intervals. Degradation is usually the first test performed. Most manufacturers do not test penetration or penetration time if the chemical causes significant degradation of the glove material. Degradation alone is enough to disqualify the glove for use with chemicals.
Breakthrough time
The breakthrough time is the time that elapses between the initial contact of the chemical on one side of the glove material and the analytical detection of the chemical on the other side of the glove material. This test is conducted in accordance with ASTM F739 Standard Test Method for the penetration of liquids and gases through protective clothing materials under continuous contact conditions. The higher the result, the longer it takes for the chemical to pass through the glove material. The actual time reported by the chemical is usually listed on the resistance graph. If a breakout does not occur, the reported data is typically no detection (ND) or greater than (>) the specified test period. Time generally reflects how long the glove can provide resistance when fully immersed in the test chemical.
Penetration
Permeability is a measure that describes the rate at which a chemical passes through the glove material at the molecular level. The process is similar to a balloon losing air after enough time has passed, even though it is still attached and has no visible holes. The thickness of the glove can greatly affect the permeability. Manufacturers report penetration in different ways. Some report in micrograms of chemical per square centimeter of glove material per minute (µg/cm2/min). The higher the result, the more chemicals pass through. Other manufacturers rated permeability similar to degradation: excellent (E), good (G), fair (F), poor (P), and not recommended (NR). Penetration was not measured if no chemical breakthrough occurred. This depends on the manufacturer reporting as ND or Not Tested (NT). This test is also performed in accordance with ASTM F739.
Factors in choosing chemical resistant gloves
It is very important for workers to protect their hands when handling chemicals. OSHA recommends asking the following questions to help determine what type of gloves a worker may need:
Attributes of gloves:
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What is the duration of the exposure?
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Just the hand that needs protection, or the forearm and arm?
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What kind of grip do you need?
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Chemical concentration?
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temperature of the chemical?
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Frequency and duration of chemical exposure
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Chemical release: full immersion or splash only
A key factor in determining which glove material is best for a given application is the chemistry used. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are the first and best place to find advice on which glove material is suitable. If this information is not on the SDS, refer to the glove manufacturer's chemical resistance guidelines and select the glove with the best expected exposure level.
Once the hazard has been identified, it's time to choose the right gloves. According to OSHA, chemical-resistant gloves are made from different types of rubber: natural rubber, butyl rubber, neoprene, nitrile rubber, and fluorocarbon (Viton); or different types of plastic: polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene alcohol and polyethylene.
These materials can be mixed or laminated for better performance. OSHA states that the thicker the glove material, the higher the chemical resistance. However, thick gloves can impair grip and dexterity.
What material should be selected for chemical resistant gloves
According to OSHA, chemical-resistant gloves are made from different types of rubber: natural rubber, butyl rubber, neoprene, nitrile rubber, and fluorocarbon (Viton); or different types of plastic: polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene alcohol and polyethylene.
Nitrile Gloves (Synthetic Rubber)
Made of synthetic rubber, it is resistant to many chemicals such as peroxides, rocket fuel, highly corrosive acids and strong bases. These gloves also resist oxidation and abrasion and remain flexible at low temperatures.
It is commonly used as a coating for dipped gloves and is also used to make laminated, impregnated cut and sewn gloves. The cold and wet grip of the glove is excellent, and the sandy texture on the palm carries away oils and liquids. They will fit into the lining for added warmth. Applications for this glove are commercial fishing, petrochemical, maintenance or working with oily metal parts.
Latex gloves (natural rubber)
Latex is a natural rubber dispersed in water. Natural (latex) rubber gloves are comfortable and have excellent tensile strength, elasticity and temperature resistance. In addition to resisting abrasion from grinding and polishing, these gloves are also resistant to most aqueous solutions of acids, bases, salts and ketones.
These gloves have excellent grip and are resistant to water, alcohol and some ketones, but less resistant to most hydrocarbons and organic solvents. It's also worth noting that latex is known to cause allergic reactions in some people. Hypoallergenic gloves, glove liners, and powder-free gloves are alternatives for workers allergic to latex.
Neoprene Gloves
Made of synthetic rubber with good flexibility, finger dexterity and high density and tear resistance. They are resistant to hydraulic fluids, gasoline, alcohol, organic acids and bases, and generally have chemical and abrasion resistance properties that outperform natural rubber gloves.
PVC Gloves (Plastic)
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) has good abrasion resistance, but can be easily punctured, cut, and jammed. While it's flexible, it doesn't provide the tactile sensitivity associated with most rubber products. It is effective against water and most aqueous solutions, detergents, diluted alkalis and acids. It has limited chemical resistance to organic solvents, but PVC is one of the more common coatings for coated work gloves.
Conclusion
If you want to choose the right chemical resistant gloves, please consult professional body information or ask your safety glove manufacturer for details. You are welcome to contact us, Dursafety is a well-known chemical resistant glove manufacturer in China, providing you with high quality chemical resistant gloves and OEM and ODM services.
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