| Protective gloves should be worn when handling hazardous, corrosive or irritating materials, rough or sharp-edged objects, and very hot or cold materials. When handling chemicals in a laboratory, disposable latex, vinyl or nitrile gloves are usually appropriate. These gloves will offer protection from incidental splashes or contact. Cloth gloves should be worn when handling rough or sharp-edged objects or very hot or cold materials. Before each use, gloves should be inspected for discoloration, punctures, and tears.
| Glove Type |
Protection |
Comments |
| Plastic, disposable (Polyethylene) |
Body fluids and small amounts of aqueous solutions. |
Loose-fitting. Latex and power free. |
| Latex (Natural Rubber) |
Dilute acids, bases and irritating solutions. Not suitable for organic solvents. |
Conforms to the hand and allows good finger dexterity. Be careful for latex sensitivities. |
| Neoprene (Synthetic Rubber) |
Good for acids, bases, and most organic solvents. |
More puncture resistant but may not provide good finger dexterity. |
| Nitrile |
Best protection for acids, bases, and organic solvents. Great puncture resistance. |
Best all around glove for chemistry and biology labs. |
| Vinyl (PVC) |
Suitable for washing dishes and reasonable protection against corrosive materials. Not commonly found in laboratories. |
Not suitable for organic solvents. |
| Cloth, cotton |
Suitable for handling hot or cold items but they are not fire-proof. |
Loose-fitting and only provides brief protection. Difficult to clean. |
| Silicone |
Great for handling hot or cold items and are fire-resistant. |
Best choice for handling hot materials in the lab. Hot vessel hand gripping devices are commonly made from silicone. |
|
 |
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Pinterest
Instagram