Different types of Safety Gloves Based On Material and Applications

It is crucial to select the right kind of safety gloves that are most appropriate for the industrial application. Also, we need to know a few of the essential points while choosing the gloves.

We also need to take into consideration some of the relevant safety standards while choosing reusable or disposable gloves. Along with the type size and material to matters while selecting the safety gloves. Thus, always try to choose suitable fit gloves for your employees.

 Types based on the material used for manufacturing the gloves:

•  Latex – It is well known for medical and industrial uses. Usually, it can resist the chemicals, acids, ketones, and salts. After using latex gloves, there might be an issue of allergies. If we ignore this issue, then you will get more comfort or dexterity over the nitrile gloves.
• Neoprene – It is suitable for chemicals, acids, and caustics. They are well known for abrasion and wear & tear resistance factors. They are usually extended up to the arm toward the elbow for extra protection. These gloves are lined with the cotton, and many are designed with curved fingers for additional flexibility. It is most common in archers, boaters, kayakers, cyclists, etc.
• Vinyl – They are one of the general-purpose types of gloves. They are stronger than polyethylene gloves. They are preferred for food preparation, cleaning where gloves would be worn for a longer period.
• Nitrile – It is a type of gloves that are chemical resistant and less expensive than any other material type. These are also known as medical grade gloves as they are also resistant to oils and fats in the body. They are the superior choice when it comes to the puncture-resistant type of gloves. They provide both sensitivity and high durability.
• Polyethylene – They are the most economical type of gloves. Mostly they are used for light-duty tasks that require frequent glove change. It is well known for free design and regular on/off application. It is mainly preferred in food service lines, delivery counters, and other high volume applications.
• Polymer – All latex gloves, either natural or synthetic, are sticky and wacky on the surface. Due to this stickiness, there is a proper grip maintained while holding the object. To overcome this sticky problem, the powder like modified absorbable corn starch is applied to the gloves. There are two types of coating over the gloves. One is a diffused type i.e., on the outer surface. Another one is an applied coat i.e., on the inner surface. It doesn’t have an unpleasant odour. Also, it has a good grip in dry and wet applications.

 Types of gloves based on the applications:

•  Anti-vibration – Excessive vibration can cause various illnesses like tendinitis. Thus, it is highly recommended to use these types of gloves in vibration-related conditions. It is usually used when power tools like pneumatic hammers, sanders, impact drills, and hand tools are used.
• Chemical resistant – It is suitable to use for protection against intentional contact with acids, alkalis, or any other chemicals. Nitrile, PVC, Butyl, latex, and polyethylene are few of its types.
• Cold-resistant – It is stitched with soft and warm napping inside. It is best to be used in cold conditions and to make your hand warm.
• Cut resistant – They are used to protect the user’s hands from cuts while working with sharp tools. They are classified as meat mesh type, seamless knitted type, etc.
• Electrical safety – It is useful to protect hands against the electric shocks while working with live wires and cables including switchgear and transformers.
• General-purpose – It is designed to prevent various types of workplace hazards. It usually protects the range of injuries from minor cuts to bruises to deep wounds and critical burns.
• Heat resistant – This type of gloves is used for protecting the hands of the user from extreme heat exposure. Most commonly it is used in laboratory work, construction or catering.
• Puncture resistant – It is made up of high-grade stainless steel and resistant to damage from sharp and abrasive objects such as glass, fragments, nails, wire, needles, and knives.
• Special-purpose – It is a type of gloves that includes oil repellent, flame resistant, and those with special coating applicable for particular applications.
• Medical purpose – They are the disposable type of gloves used during medical examination or procedures. It is used to prevent the cross-contamination between the doctor and patient. They are made up of different polymers based on the type of coating.
• Minimal risk – It is a type of gloves that protects the user from low-level risk for general maintenance and light food processing tasks.

 There are extensive options available for you in the consolidated market of today’s era. Thus, it might happen that you would end up getting jumbled with the existing scenario. To avoid this, you can refer to this writing piece and opt for the better option suitable for your application. It will not only help you in obtaining the most appropriate gloves but also achieve the best results in your industrial process.