“In various industries where handling chemicals and oils is required, it is essential to use gloves that are specifically designed and durable against chemicals, acids, bases, or different types of oils. Typically, these gloves are made from natural rubber (Latex) or synthetic rubber (Neoprene), but nitrile rubber is most commonly used due to its strength, durability, and superior protection against allergic reactions since it does not contain proteins from natural rubber. In industries involving chemical and oil handling, workers must choose gloves appropriate for the type of work to prevent potential hazards.”
Gloves made from or containing synthetic rubber (Neoprene Gloves) are designed to resist chemicals, oils, acids, corrosive substances, and solvents. Industries that use this type of glove include petrochemical, electronics, and chemical manufacturing industries. In this article, Glovetex will introduce rubber gloves used in industries where contact with chemicals is required, to help workers make informed decisions when choosing gloves suitable for their hazardous tasks. Let’s get started.
1. Butyl Rubber Gloves
Butyl rubber gloves are highly resistant to permeation by chemicals, gases, and vapors. They are often used in work environments involving chemicals, particularly esters and ketones.
2. Neoprene Rubber Gloves
Neoprene rubber gloves offer moderate resistance to abrasions and scratches and provide excellent durability against pulling forces and heat. These gloves are commonly used in tasks involving acids, corrosive chemicals, and oils.
3. Nitrile Rubber Gloves
Nitrile rubber gloves are well-known and widely used, readily available in the market. They offer good protection against a range of chemicals, are resistant to tearing, puncturing, and abrasion. These gloves effectively guard against solvents (except for certain solvents like dichloromethane or methylene chloride), oils, petroleum products, and some corrosive substances.
4. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Rubber Gloves
PVC rubber gloves are highly resistant to scratches and offer protection against fats, acids, and petroleum hydrocarbons. These gloves are latex-free and are generally more affordable. However, their quality may not be sufficient for some specialized tasks.
5. Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Rubber Gloves
PVA rubber gloves are particularly notable for their excellent resistance to gas permeation. They provide superior protection against aromatic and chlorinated solvents, commonly found in industries such as plastics, resins, agriculture, and dyeing. However, they should not be used with water or water-soluble substances.
6. Viton Rubber Gloves
Viton rubber gloves offer excellent resistance to aromatic and chlorinated solvents. They are highly durable, providing strong protection against tears, abrasions, and a wide range of concentrated chemicals. These gloves are well-suited for tasks involving chemical handling, laboratory work, the paint industry, and the automotive industry.
7. Silver Shield Gloves
Silver Shield gloves are considered top-of-the-line in chemical protection. They offer exceptional resistance to a wide range of toxic and hazardous chemicals, making them among the most durable gloves for high-level chemical exposure. Due to their advanced protective capabilities, these gloves tend to be on the more expensive side.
The gloves we have compiled information on are designed for handling chemicals and oils. They differ in their resistance depending on the concentration of chemicals they are exposed to. Some of these glove types are coated over knitted gloves to enhance their protective capabilities, depending on the specific model.
It is essential for users to select and study the appropriate gloves for their particular tasks to minimize the risk of accidents involving hazardous chemicals. For those seeking gloves for industrial use or handling chemicals, we offer a range of options. Feel free to contact us for more information or to request a quote.
