Protect Your Hands Against Chemical Exposure

by Dynamix Group Writer

Every line of work comes with its own hazards. If your work requires exposure to chemicals or if you work in the medical industry chances are that your exposure to bacteria and viruses, contagious diseases, and chemicals is rather high. Hand injuries through chemical exposure can be avoided, to a great extent, by the use of proper gloves. What we mean by use of proper gloves is not only picking the right size but also the correct material. This will provide effective protection and at the same time allow you to function effectively. Let us take a look at the various gloves that protect your hands against chemical exposure –

Latex Gloves

Natural rubber or latex is a common material used for manufacturing gloves. Latex gloves are inexpensive and commonly used in the food and medical industry as it offers resistance against bloodborne pathogens. Latex gloves, however, offer very little resistance against harsh chemicals. Besides, there is always that concern that latex may trigger an allergic reaction in the user. This makes latex gloves a poor choice if you are exposed to chemicals at work or at home.

Nitrile Gloves

In India, nitrile gloves are by far the most preferred gloves when it comes to chemical resistance. The fact that they are rather inexpensive when compared to other material gloves adds to their popularity. Nitrile resists oils, fats, kerosene, petroleum etc. and hence is preferred by chemists and chemical manufacturers. Nitrile gloves are not free from drawbacks, though. They have poor fire resistance and are not suited for work in settings where you may have to deal with flames. It also may not offer much resistance when it comes to strong acids and organic chemicals that contain nitrogen.

Neoprene Gloves

Neoprene gloves provide excellent resistance against chemicals such as oil, ink, acid, and alcohol based chemical compounds. It is preferred for use while handling inorganic oxidizing agents including concentrated nitric acid. Neoprene gloves are preferred by many in the chemical industry because of the superior grip they offer.

Viton Gloves

Viton gloves are quite possibly the last resort for chemical resistance because they are highly resistant against heat and chemicals and also because they are very expensive. They are used by people who handle hazardous chemicals such as benzene, xylene, and toluene.

PVC (polyvinylchloride) Gloves

Unlike viton gloves PVC gloves are inexpensive and can be easily bought from online medical suppliers such as those who stock ambu bags and bandages. Unlike neoprene gloves they offer great resistance against oxidizing agents such as nitric and hydrochloric acids.

PVA (polyvinylalcohol) Gloves

PVA gloves are make for an excellent choice when dealing with chlorinated chemicals but they are water soluble and are not effective against water soluble chemicals.

As we can see there are numerous options when it comes to selecting the right material for gloves for dealing when chemicals. The perfect choice will depend on the chemicals likely to be handled by you, the expense incurred, and your ease of functioning.