Choosing Gloves for Chemical Safety

Work involving hazardous chemicals necessitates selecting appropriate hand protection. Primary factors in glove choice include specific chemicals, concentration, route of contact, and exposure duration. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates employers assess such hazards and provide suitable protection, as detailed in 29 CFR 1910.138 and 29 CFR 1910.132. These regulations cover hand safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE) assessments. Useful for selecting chemical-resistant gloves, Safety Data Sheets (SDS) contain recommended materials and expected breakthrough times outlined in Section 8. Crucial SDS requirements fall under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, Appendix D.

Selecting gloves involves evaluating their performance against specific chemical properties. Standards measure permeation (molecule-by-molecule migration), degradation (changes in material properties), and penetration (movement through small defects). The EN ISO 374 standard classifies chemical protective performance, with an overview accessible online. For in-depth glove selection insights, consult NIOSH’s Guide to Chemical Protective Clothing, Publication 2010-161.

Common glove types and their applications are:

• Nitrile: These are highly effective against oils, greases, and fuels and fare moderately well with many solvents. Their performance against ketones is often lacking. Both disposable and reusable styles are available.
• Neoprene: This material balances resistance to acids, caustics, peroxides, and specific solvents, maintaining good flexibility in cold settings.
• Butyl Rubber: It serves as a robust barrier to ketones, esters, aldehydes, and various gases, though hydrocarbons challenge its effectiveness.
• Viton/FKM: Highly resistant to aromatic and chlorinated solvents, it falters with ketones, and its cost is typically higher.
• PVA: Performs exceptionally against many aromatics and chlorinated solvents but degrades quickly in water and moisture-rich environments.
• PVC: A budget-friendly option for handling acids, bases, and salts, but limited against a broad range of organic solvents.
• Laminate Films (e.g., PE/EVOH, “Silver Shield”): Offering broad-spectrum barriers, these provide low dexterity and often function as an inner layer beneath more durable gloves.
• Natural Rubber Latex: Suitable for water-based solutions and specific acids but poorly rated against many oils and solvents. Allergy risks should be considered.

Key considerations when choosing chemical-resistant gloves:

• Begin with SDS Section 8 recommendations and verify against manufacturer permeation charts.
• Focus on breakthrough time and degradation ratings rather than just the material name; thickness and laminate layers can extend safe use duration.
• Ensure cuffs are proportionate to splash potential, utilizing gauntlet cuffs for forearm coverage.
• Consider double-gloving with a laminate inner and nitrile outer for increased grip and abrasion protection.
• Promptly replace gloves upon suspected breach, visible degradation, or physical damage.
• Train personnel in proper wearing and removal techniques, and ensure compliance with OSHA hand protection standards.
• Protect glove integrity by storing them away from heat, UV rays, and ozone.

Different chemicals necessitate unique glove materials. Always rely on SDS guidance, established test data (EN 374), and referenced tables from NIOSH to determine the best glove choice before contact with hazardous substances.

Material Selection for Chemical-Resistant Gloves

Hand protection depends on aligning polymer chemistry with specific hazards and confirming performance through comprehensive analysis. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates employers to select gloves based on existing hazards and task conditions, as opposed to brand preference. Suitable hand protection and necessary training are required under 29 CFR 1910.138 and general Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidelines. Detailed guidelines can be found in OSHA's PPE guide and the Hand protection rule. Furthermore, a robust understanding of Safety Data Sheets (SDS), particularly Section 8, is crucial. This section provides recommendations related to suitable materials and anticipated breakthrough times for each substance OSHA SDS format, Appendix D.

Polymer Options and Suitability

Nitrile is a versatile material offering resistance against oils, fuels, greases, and numerous solvents, maintaining strong abrasion resistance. Nitrile gloves are ideal for handling petroleum blends or many paint solvents; however, testing is vital for ketones or potent aromatic combinations due to potential accelerated breakthrough. Thinner gauges enhance comfort; however, thickness reduction may decrease breakthrough time.

Neoprene provides dependable chemical splash protection for acids, caustics, peroxides, and a variety of alcohols while offering adequate tactile control. Neoprene gloves are suitable for mixed acid/alkali applications where hydrocarbon exposure is restricted. Meanwhile, natural rubber stands out with elasticity and efficacious wet grip; yet, latex gloves possess degradation risk in many organic solvents and oils, alongside allergy concerns. Key mechanisms affecting these barriers and skin exposure management are identified by NIOSH.

High-Hazard Solvent Solutions

Specialty polymers provide superior performance for high-hazard solvents. Butyl is resistant to ketones and esters (e.g., MEK, acetone, ethyl acetate), and Viton excels in handling various halogenated and aromatic solvents. Polyvinyl alcohol is effective against aromatics and chlorinated solvents but poorly performs with water or in humid atmospheres. Multilayer barrier laminates deliver comprehensive resistance with reduced dexterity. Both European and North American standards detail performance levels and testing methods, including permeation tests (commonly referenced ASTM F739) and EN/ISO 374 classifications Glove standards overview, ANSI/ISEA 105 summary.

Selection Process for Buyers

Effective glove selection involves the following:

• Consult SDS Section 8 for every chemical, concentration, and temperature involved OSHA SDS.
• Confirm standard markings: EN ISO 374 type/letters or ANSI/ISEA 105 performance levels.
• Balance thickness, cuff length, texture, and lining based on splash volume, immersion depth, and grip necessities.
• Validate nitrile gloves or alternatives via permeation charts; establish change-out intervals using worst-case breakthrough data.
• Incorporate cut or thermal liners when tasks present sharp edges or heat with chemical exposure.
• Train personnel on how to properly don/doff, inspect, store, and dispose of gloves; OSHA PPE guidelines provide detailed program elements OSHA PPE guidelines.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Gloves for Chemical Handling

Selecting the right gloves for chemical handling is crucial to ensuring safety and compliance in workplaces where hazardous substances are present. Glove choice should be based on several factors, including compatibility, permeation resistance, degradation behavior, thickness, dexterity, grip, and comfort. Begin the selection process with a task-focused risk assessment anchored in Safety Data Sheet (SDS) details and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidance on hazardous substances and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements. Refer to OSHA’s Chemical Hazards resource and hand standard 29 CFR 1910.138 for employer obligations and selection criteria. Access these resources at OSHA Chemical Hazards and OSHA 1910.138.

Compatibility and Breakthrough Time

Choosing materials for gloves should be based on permeation and degradation data rather than familiar colors or brands. The Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) selector explains how to interpret breakthrough times and degradation ratings relevant to specific substances, insights that prove instrumental in decision-making. Explore further at HSE glove selection.

Standards and Verified Test Data

Favor gloves tested to EN ISO 374 (Type A/B/C) with specified permeation levels for named chemicals, or ASTM F739 for permeation testing. For cytotoxic drug work, seek gloves with verified ASTM D6978 test results. Discover more details at ASTM F739 and HSE on EN 374.

Thickness, Dexterity, and Material Selection

Thickness influences breakthrough time and durability, while slimmer designs enhance feel. Material choice is equally critical: nitrile handles numerous oils and fuels, butyl resists various ketones and esters, neoprene provides broad splash resistance, laminate film works for aggressive agents, while PVA does poorly with water. Assess materials against specific chemicals used.

Certified Gloves and Cuff Length

Look for compliant markings, performance levels, and traceability on cuffs or packaging. Select appropriate cuff lengths to guard against splashes, high-pressure washdowns, or vertical flow paths threatening ingress.

Fit, Grip, and Surface Finish

Correct sizing minimizes hand fatigue, improves grip, and ensures security. Liners or flocking manage sweat, cold, or heat. Grip type matters: smooth for adhesives, textured for oily tools, and foam coatings for wet handling. Conduct trial runs with actual equipment.

Temperature, Abrasion, and Cut Risks

Combine chemical resistance with EN 388 levels or thermal ratings for environments involving hot work, sharp edges, or abrasive surfaces.

Change-Out and Inspection

Set change schedules based on breakthrough data, task duration, and contamination levels. Inspect gloves before each use, discarding any with tears, swelling, softening, or tackiness. Relevant NIOSH PPE guidance reinforces selection, training, and maintenance protocols. Access NIOSH PPE for further program elements.

Cost-of-Ownership

Balance unit price with durability, change frequency, waste volume, and training requirements. A well-informed decision helps control total expenditure without compromising protection.

For unknown substances, verify assumptions against SDS, authoritative selectors, and regulatory sources to ensure proper safeguarding.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chemical-Resistant Gloves

Choosing the right hand protection is crucial for handling chemicals safely. Detailed guidance ensures making informed decisions.

What should be worn for chemical hazards?

For effective protection, consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) in Section 8 for precise recommendations on personal protective equipment. This is a requirement under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200) OSHA HazCom. Identify critical factors such as the chemical's substance, concentration, temperature, and intended contact type (splash, immersion, or vapor). Reference the NIOSH Pocket Guide for specific glove types NIOSH NPG and HSE’s insights on permeation and degradation HSE.

Which material offers the best resistance to chemicals?

Every substance requires material evaluation. Common materials are butyl for ketones; fluoroelastomer (Viton) for aromatics; laminate film (PE/EVOH) for harsh mixtures; nitrile for oil and hydrocarbons; neoprene for acids; and natural rubber for selective applications. EPA offers a chemical resistance chart for additional guidance EPA.

What works for varying site risks?

Match glove type to each specific chemical, and verify resistance data from sources like EN ISO 374 or ASTM F739. Opt for suitable thickness and proper cuff length. In mixed-use scenarios, consider gloves with a laminate-film design or layering methods. OSHA mandates selection based on test-proven results OSHA Hand Protection.

Which glove material is best for hazardous chemicals?

Butyl or laminate film offer wider coverage; nitrile suits oils; neoprene for acids. Verify with manufacturer specs and consult SDS Section 8 along with NIOSH or OSHA guidance OSHA PPE.

Any quick checks before purchase or use?

Ensure compatibility with all on-site chemicals. Check that breakthrough time surpasses expected exposure. Inspect for wear signs like swelling or cracking, replacing as needed. Train workers on procedures, using resources like OSHA HazCom and HSE.

The combination of chemical-resistant gloves with other protective gear forms a comprehensive safety solution based on accurate risk assessment.