Chemical Resistant Gloves Selection

Chemical-resistant glove selection begins with an evaluation of the type of work to be performed and the chemical(s) that personnel will be contacting. No glove provides protection against all potential chemical hazards, and available gloves may provide only limited protection against many chemicals. It is important, therefore, to select the most appropriate glove for a particular application and to determine how long it can be worn and whether it can be reused.

Considerations for Glove Selection

• The type of chemical(s) to be handled or used. Glove selection guidance is provided for some chemicals by the following manufacturers.
• Ansell Glove Selection Database.
• Reusable Glove Chart from North by Honeywell.
• Contact for additional questions.
• The toxic properties of the chemical(s) – in particular, chemicals that can cause local effects on the skin and/or pass through the skin and cause systemic effects, may warrant a higher level of protection.
• The frequency and duration of the task for chemical contact. Different chemicals will affect the protective qualities of a glove in different ways.
• Breakthrough time: the time it takes for the chemical to pass to the inside of the glove. This is a characteristic of the glove material. Some glove materials are not recommended for certain chemicals. Some materials indicate a time limit before chemical breakthrough of the glove material was detected. Some materials do not have a detectable chemical breakthrough (under laboratory test conditions). Follow manufacturer guidelines or supplier “Chemical Compatibility Guides” for additional information.
• Permeation: if a chemical will pass through a glove material.
• Degradation: how the chemical will affect the physical properties of the glove material upon contact. Degradation can lead to softening, drying, swelling, shrinkage, increased brittleness, or other undesirable side effects that could allow permeation or breakthrough inside the glove.
• The ability of the chemical to penetrate through the glove must be determined.
• Latex or natural rubber does not hold up well to organic solvents, oils, greases, or fuels such as kerosene or gasoline.
• Nitrile is ideal for stripping and degreasing, chemical washing, and is resistant to animal fats and vegetable oils. Nitrile does not contain latex that causes skin allergies.
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) provides excellent resistance to most acids, fats, and petroleum hydrocarbons.
• Neoprene is strong and durable and provides excellent chemical resistance. Note: Check “Chemical Compatibility Guides” for specific chemical and glove materials recommended.
• Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) has an extremely high resistance to aliphatics, aromatics, chlorinated solvents, esters, and ketones. PVA quickly breaks down when exposed to water and light alcohols.
• Butyl provides excellent chemical resistance to gases and ketones. It is ideal for handling hazardous materials. Butyl is severely affected by fuels and aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon solvents.
• Viton is the most resistant of all, and provides high-temperature, fuel-resistance. Recommended for working with extremely hazardous chemicals, such as carcinogenic or highly toxic chemicals.
• Silver-shield provides excellent chemical resistance and is commonly used for hazardous materials work, or work involving multiple chemical hazards.
• Mixtures and formulated products (unless specific test data is available) require that gloves should be selected based on the chemical component with the shortest breakthrough time since it’s possible for solvents to carry active ingredients through some glove materials.
• Personnel must be trained on safe ways to remove gloves to prevent contamination.
• Determine if the task will involve splash hazards, and ensure that adequate protection is used.
• Consider the concentration of the chemical(s).
• Consider the temperature of the chemical(s).
• Consider abrasion, cut, puncture, tear-resistance, and grip requirements.
• For work involving chemicals where there is a skin absorption hazard, double gloving of the appropriate type may be necessary.
• Gloves, whether lined or unlined, can confine perspiration and high humidity inside the gloves, leading to skin irritation and dermatitis. Dry the hands thoroughly between use of gloves.