Did you know that the first disposable gloves were manufactured in 1964? If your workplace requires sterility and cleanliness, it is important to understand all of your PPE glove options. We have put together this guide to share the types of PPE gloves you can choose from.
Read on to learn more.
Table of Contents
Latex Gloves
These gloves are made out of a substance that is found on mature rubber trees. Latex gloves fit on a person’s hand easily, making them the go-to glove for facilities that require gloves.
Although latex gloves give the best protection against bacteria and viruses, they are not as resistant to chemicals. These are the least expensive glove option on the market, but they are not a good option for anyone that is allergic to latex.
Nitrile Gloves
These gloves are usually considered “medical grade” gloves. Nitrile gloves are made out of synthetic rubber, making them latex-free, protein-free, and allergy-free.
They are also puncture and chemical resistant. This is great if you’re working around viruses because it will give you better virus protection.
Out of the medical supplies and gloves, these are considered the highest quality substitute for latex gloves. They also have a long and durable shelf life.
Chloroprene Gloves
These disposable medical gloves come from Neoprene which is a rubbery synthetic material. Chloroprene gloves are similar to nitrile gloves because they are puncture resistant. The main difference is that the molecular structure of chloroprene gloves is more of a natural rubber latex, so they are a bit more comfortable.
One of the pros of opting for this material is that they do not have the proteins that latex gloves have. This means less chances of triggering allergies to those allergic to latex. Chloroprene gloves are a bit more expensive than latex gloves but less expensive than nitrile gloves.
Other Alternatives
There are also certain extras you can add to gloves such as opting for chlorinated gloves. This extra option means that they treat the gloves with chlorine instead of with powder.
The pro about this is that you receive the advantages of powdered gloves but without the powder. The biggest con of chlorinated gloves is that they do not last as long on the shelves, so they have to be used within a year or less.
Another extra is to opt for surgical or examination gloves. These are made specifically for those performing surgeries because they go through an extra sterilization process. This process reduces the chances of cross-examination.
Ready to Choose One of These PPE Gloves?
Now that you have learned the different types of PPE gloves, you can make an informed decision on which gloves you want to carry in your place of business. The key is to choose the option that will protect against chemicals and microbes to ensure everyone is safe.
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