What Are Chemical Resistant Gloves?

Chemical resistant gloves are essential for anyone working with hazardous substances. At 123SafetyGear, we offer a variety of chemical gloves crafted from materials specifically designed to provide maximum protection against various chemicals. Let's explore the different materials used, their unique properties, and what makes each type suitable for different applications.

Materials Used in Chemical Resistant Gloves

Nitrile

Chemical resistant nitrile gloves are made from synthetic rubber and are highly resistant to punctures, chemicals, and oils. They are ideal for tasks involving petrochemicals, solvents, and oils.

Butyl

Butyl gloves are made from a synthetic rubber that provides excellent protection against gases and a wide range of chemicals, including ketones, esters, and alcohols. They are also highly impermeable to gases and water vapor.

Neoprene

Neoprene gloves are made from a type of synthetic rubber that offers good chemical stability and maintains flexibility over a wide temperature range. They are resistant to acids, alkalis, and alcohols.

Latex

Latex gloves, made from natural rubber, offer excellent elasticity, comfort, and dexterity. They provide good protection against water-based chemicals, but are not suitable for use with oils, greases, or organic solvents.

PVC

Chemical resistant PVC gloves are essential personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to safeguard workers from exposure to hazardous chemicals. Made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), these gloves offer superior resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, alkalis, oils, and solvents. PVC gloves are particularly effective in providing a barrier against chemical penetration, making them suitable for various industrial applications such as chemical processing, oil refining, petrochemicals, laboratory work, and janitorial tasks.

What's the Difference?

Butyl Gloves

• Pros: Excellent resistance to gases and a wide range of chemicals, including ketones and esters.
• Cons: Generally thicker and less flexible, which can reduce dexterity.
• Best For: Handling hazardous gases, working with ketones and esters, and use in laboratory settings.

Neoprene Gloves

• Pros: Good chemical stability, flexible, and resistant to a broad spectrum of chemicals including acids and alcohols.
• Cons: Not as resistant to aromatic and chlorinated solvents.
• Best For: Use in chemical plants, handling acids, and working in environments with temperature fluctuations.

Latex Gloves

• Pros: High elasticity, comfort, and dexterity. Good for water-based chemicals.
• Cons: Not suitable for use with oils, greases, or organic solvents. Potential allergen for some users.
• Best For: General-purpose laboratory work, medical and dental applications, and tasks involving water-based chemicals.

What Do Chemical Resistant Gloves Protect Against?

Chemical proof gloves are designed to protect against a wide variety of hazardous substances, including but not limited to:

• Acids: Such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and nitric acid.
• Alkalis: Including sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide.
• Solvents: Such as acetone, benzene, and toluene.
• Petrochemicals: Including gasoline and kerosene.
• Gases and Vapors: Especially in environments where exposure to hazardous gases is a concern.

Chemical Resistant Glove Chart

To help you choose the right gloves for your needs, here is a chart outlining different chemicals and the materials that provide the best protection against them. The abbreviations for ratings follows: VG: Very Good; G: Good; F: Fair; P:Poor (not recommended) (OSHA, 2023):

 Note: Not all chemicals are listed

Citation
Page 24-29 on https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/osha3151.pdf