No single glove material provides complete protection against all chemicals and other hazards. Gloves must resist the chemicals and other potential hazards being used and handled while not putting the wearer at risk due to loss of dexterity if they are too thick or not the appropriate size.
Some Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) provide glove selection information in the ‘Handling Section’ for some hazardous materials. Glove manufacturers will also offer information on intended use that labs should consult before selecting gloves to use as PPE.
Various types of gloves are used in the lab to protect against several types of hazards. The selection of gloves will depend upon the purpose and nature of the work and the dangers that may be present. This training will only focus on the following types of gloves:
- Latex
- Nitrile
- Insulated
- Chemical resistant
Typically, gloves will not be sterile unless specifically identified by the manufacturer.
