Understanding Chemical-Resistant Gloves

Choosing the appropriate chemical-resistant gloves is vital for safeguarding workers, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining project timelines. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that employers offer hand protection against specific hazards, including chemical risks, in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.138 and general PPE assessments under 1910.132. Detailed requirements can be explored within OSHA's guidelines on hand and arm protection.

Purpose and Regulatory Context

Proper hazard assessments are crucial for identifying chemicals, possible exposure paths, length of contact, and whether there will be splashes or full immersion. Additionally, the assessments should evaluate the need for protection against cuts or punctures. Detailed Safety Data Sheets (SDS) usually suggest appropriate glove materials, but confirmation through permeation, penetration, and degradation data remains essential. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) offers guidance on selecting chemical-protective clothing, supplying valuable insights when examining vendor data and test outcomes. When documentation is lacking, employers can validate glove durability by trialing them in short, controlled exposures and checking post-use for deterioration signs. For heterogeneous tasks, having multiple glove options and consistent task-specific standards proves beneficial.

• OSHA hand protection
• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.138
• NIOSH chemical PPE overview

Common Materials and Typical Use-Cases

Matching glove material to the chemical family involved is critical, as performance varies based on the specific substance involved.

• Nitrile: Offers broad splash protection for fuels, oils, and solvents with considerable puncture resistance.
• Neoprene (Polychloroprene): Suitable for handling acids and caustics, it maintains flexibility in colder conditions.
• Natural Rubber/Latex: Ideal for acids and bases but it's crucial to watch for latex allergies and organic solvent use.
• Butyl Rubber: Effectively resists ketones, esters, and nitro compounds, though has reduced hydrocarbon resistance.
• Viton Fluoroelastomer: Handles aggressive solvents but typically incurs higher costs.
• PVC: Functions well with acids and bases but has limited organic solvent resistance; common in gauntlet styles.
• PVA: Not water compatible; exceptional for chlorinated/aromatic solvents while needing to remain dry.
• Laminate Films (PE/EVOH): With extensive barrier protection, they reduce dexterity; need liners for comfort.
• Polyurethane: Used as grip-enhancing coatings but not a primary chemical guard.
• Combination/Dual-Layer: Extends coverage where single polymer gloves fail.

A summarized material guide is also available on Wikipedia.

Standards and Performance Data

Standardized laboratory tests offer clarity for assessing glove effectiveness:

• ASTM F739: Evaluates permeation rate and breakthrough times, indicating a glove's barrier efficiency for specific chemicals.
• EN ISO 374: Classifies protection levels including permeation metrics, with details on CE markings found through HSE.
• ANSI/ISEA 105: Details classification for hand protection in North America addressing chemical and mechanical factors.

Validation against specific chemicals and concentrations is crucial rather than relying on general chemical family safety.

Selection and Use Tips

Employers should follow an organized method for selecting and using chemical-resistant gloves:

• Identify precise chemicals, concentrations, and mixture components.
• Cross-reference manufacturer permeation data for matching chemicals.
• Balance glove thickness with necessary dexterity—thicker often means improved resistance but less feel.
• Cuff length should provide adequate forearm protection and integrate well with safety suits.
• Proper glove sizing helps reduce fatigue and snag hazards.
• Lining materials can aid in sweat management and temperature regulation.
• In high-risk situations, consider double-gloving to enhance protection without sacrificing dexterity.
• Pre-use inspections should check for defects or degradation.
• Adhere to decontamination guidelines as per SDS and avoid reuse unless tested.
• Proper storage extends glove life; refer to manufacturer's storage and shelf-life instructions.
• Replace gloves if breakthrough occurs, damage is visible, or at the shift's end with high-risk substances.
• Train staff on putting on, removing, and disposing of protective gloves correctly.

Procedures around glove use should meet specific hazard profiles, planned exposure, and technique demands. Managers must standardize selection protocols and have clear documentation accessible near workstations. Address uncertainties by consulting Environmental Health and Safety experts with OSHA and NIOSH resources.

When to Wear Chemical-Resistant Gloves

Deciding when to use chemical-resistant gloves involves considering hazard characteristics, specific tasks, and thorough product information. According to OSHA's hand protection regulations, employers must offer suitable gloves whenever there's a risk of harmful substance exposure, extreme temperatures, or severe abrasions (29 CFR 1910.138) OSHA. NIOSH stresses selecting glove materials based on permeation, breakthrough time, and degradation rather than just color or thickness CDC/NIOSH. Effective safety planning starts with Safety Data Sheets; Section 8 of the SDS provides guidance on recommended PPE as per OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard OSHA HazCom App D. When pondering glove use, rely on these three authoritative sources as primary guides to limit skin contact and chemical exposure risks.

High-risk workplaces

Wearing chemical-resistant gloves becomes necessary in environments such as:

• Laboratories: Handling acids, bases, organic solvents, oxidizers.
• Pharmaceutical compounding: Exposure to hazardous drugs and chemotherapy agents CDC/NIOSH.
• Healthcare sterilization: Using glutaraldehyde, peracetic acid, ortho‑phthalaldehyde, or ethylene oxide CDC.
• Janitorial and housekeeping: Contact with chlorine bleach, quats, or drain openers.
• Food processing sanitation: Working with concentrated cleaners, disinfectants, or peracetic acid.
• Automotive service: Solvent degreasers, fuels, brake cleaner, or battery acid.
• Battery manufacturing/recycling: Dealing with sulfuric acid or cleaning acids.
• Oil and gas: Using drilling fluids, corrosion inhibitors, or scale removers.
• Painting and coatings: Handling isocyanates, ketones, paints, or aromatics.
• Printing: Applications with ink reducers, blanket washes, plate cleaners.
• Construction with cement: Wet concrete exposure, which can burn OSHA.
• Pesticide handling: Mixing, loading, applying based on EPA label PPE EPA.
• Water and wastewater treatment: Handling sodium hypochlorite, coagulants, acids, or alkalis.
• Semiconductor/electronics: Using photoresists, hydrofluoric acid, developers.
• Metalworking and finishing: Contact with cutting fluids, vapor degreasers, or plating acids.
• Composites and fiberglass: Using epoxy systems, polyester resins, styrene.
• Pool maintenance: Chlorine products, muriatic acid, or algaecides.
• Hazmat response and spill cleanup: Unknowns until properly characterized.

Task-based triggers

Tasks necessitating gloves include:

• Diluting acids or alkalis.
• Transferring or dispensing solvents.
• Mixing two-part epoxies.
• Handling uncured resins or adhesives.
• Stripping paint or coatings.
• Utilizing aerosol cleaners or degreasers.
• Immersion cleaning in dip tanks.
• Opening or sampling drums, totes, or carboys.
• Loading or unloading CIP/COP systems.
• Sanitizing food-contact surfaces with concentrates.
• Applying pesticides or herbicides.
• Decontaminating equipment after spills.
• Changing oil, coolant, or cutting fluids with additives.
• Charging or servicing lead-acid batteries.

Regulatory and labeling cues

Decisions on glove usage align with particular signals:

• OSHA 1910.138 mandates glove use when handling harmful chemicals; selection must consider task, duration, and material OSHA.
• Examining Safety Data Sheets (Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection) helps determine necessary glove materials OSHA Hazard Communication.
• EPA pesticide labels specify required gloves by chemical class and barrier type EPA.
• NIOSH skin notation highlights substances with significant dermal uptake risks CDC/NIOSH.

Prioritize selecting gloves with certified resistance to specific chemicals, verified through manufacturer data or standard test methods (as detailed in ANSI/ISEA 105) ISEA. Usage extends to any scenario involving splash, immersion, or contamination risks when dealing with concentrated products, formulating solutions, or handling spills.

Useful context

• PPE fundamentals: Gain insight into glove types and protective roles Wikipedia: Personal protective equipment.

Sources

• OSHA. Hand Protection, 29 CFR 1910.138: OSHA Hand Protection 1910.138
• OSHA. Hazard Communication Standard and SDS requirements: OSHA Hazard Communication and App D
• OSHA. Portland Cement (skin hazard): OSHA Portland Cement
• CDC/NIOSH. Dermal Exposure and Skin Notation resources: CDC/NIOSH Topics on Skin
• CDC. Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities: CDC Guidelines
• EPA. PPE Statements on Pesticide Labels: EPA PPE Statements
• ISEA. ANSI/ISEA 105 Glove standard overview: ISEA Glove Standards
• Wikipedia. Personal protective equipment: Wikipedia PPE

Selecting the Right Chemical-Resistant Gloves

Selecting suitable protection for hands begins with identifying hazards and matching glove composition to task risks, aligning with OSHA's hand and arm directives on protective equipment. Resources such as OSHA's hand and arm protection guidelines and the UK's HSE glove chooser assist in this process. These offer guidance on performance-based selection, usability notes, and compatibility advice for workplace chemicals. In laboratory environments, the National Academies’ Prudent Practices provides insight into interpreting permeation, breakthrough, and degradation data. Utilize manufacturer charts and institutional compatibility tables to make informed choices tailored to specific conditions. Princeton University's EHS glove selection resource also provides valuable information.

Elastomer Glove Types

• Nitrile (NBR): Ideal when working with petroleum oils, various aliphatics, and paint-related solvents, these gloves resist punctures effectively. However, avoid nitrile when handling strong ketones, as permeation can accelerate. Performance improves with increased thickness and, if present, laminate backing. More details can be found in the nitrile rubber overview.

• Neoprene (Polychloroprene): Suitable for many acids, bases, peroxides, and some alcohols, although vulnerability exists with some aromatics and halogenated solvents. Neoprene excels in maintenance or cleaning scenarios where oxidizers are found.

• Butyl Rubber: Performs exceptionally well against ketones, esters, aldehydes, and polar solvents but less so with hydrocarbons. Often recommended for substances like MEK and acetone due to its long breakthrough time.

• FKM (Viton): Offers effective protection against aromatics and chlorinated solvents, although poor against ketones. A premium choice where resistance to swelling and extended service life are required.

Plastics and Laminates

• PVC (Vinyl): Effective against many acids, caustics, and salts, though limited versus organic solvents. Often applied in bulk chemical transfers, particularly where aqueous dangers are predominant.

• PVA: Provides robust barriers against aromatics and chlorinated solvents but degrades quickly in water, suitable for dry environments only.

• Multilayer Laminates (e.g., PE/EVOH/PE): These films offer extensive permeation resistance across various solvents, though cuff sealing and puncture control are crucial. Preferred where combinations of polymers are needed to manage mixed chemical profiles.

Standards and Selection Practices

• Utilize ANSI/ISEA 105 performance levels to benchmark abrasion, cut, puncture, and chemical resistance. EN ISO 374 ratings categorize chemical permeation based on specific codes. Integrate these frameworks with supplier data for the precise agent addressed in Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

• Consider permeation, breakthrough time, and degradation for determining chemical resistance, ensuring service intervals match splash frequency, temperature, and flexing conditions. Conduct field tests with indicator swabs or color-change cards to confirm assumptions.

• Be aware that latex, while offering flexibility and tactile sensitivity for biological work, carries sensitization risks. Many institutions prefer non-latex gloves to lower allergy risk.

• The performance of gloves depends on factors like material, thickness, texture, and lining. When uncertain, opt for a validated laminate or upgrade to a thicker variant, monitoring exposure findings for informed inventory policies.

Note: Always refer to product-specific permeation data for the given formulation, concentration, and temperature. For mixtures, choose based on the most aggressive component and explore layered solutions when single-polymer alternatives are inadequate.

Maintaining Chemical-Resistant Gloves

Proper glove maintenance is vital to preserving barrier integrity, reducing exposure risks, and ensuring compliance with stringent safety standards. Regular upkeep aligns with OSHA guidance on hand protection and selection, NIOSH insights on chemical permeation, and CDC best practices for safe removal and hygiene following glove use (OSHA, OSHA 1910.138, NIOSH, CDC PPE sequence). Universities’ Environmental Health and Safety programs offer further practical maintenance advice (Berkeley EHS, Princeton EHS). Thorough glove maintenance supports worker safety and occupational health.

Pre-use Checks and Donning

• Ensure glove compatibility using trusted charts provided in EHS links.
• Confirm correct sizing to prevent stretch-induced thinning.
• Examine cuffs for nicks, pinholes, or delamination.
• Assess glove texture to ensure grip effectiveness.
• Flex fingers to identify any stiffness or cracking.
• Inspect glove interiors for residue or moisture presence.
• Review seams for signs of bubbling or lifting.
• Conduct gentle inflation tests, listening for leaks.
• Remove jewelry or sharp accessories before donning.
• Use liners to manage sweat and increase comfort.
• Roll cuffs upon donning to create a drip edge.
• Consider double-gloving for short breakthrough times.
• Allocate glove pairs to specific processes or chemicals.
• Clearly label glove sets with user, task, and date.
• Educate personnel on chemical hazards and exposure limits.
• Adhere to SOPs referencing OSHA 1910.132(d) assessments (OSHA).

Decontamination, Cleaning, Drying

• Wipe gross contamination from gloves before removing them.
• Apply neutralizing agents where validated by the SDS.
• Rinse glove exteriors with low-pressure, tepid water.
• Use a mild detergent that is compatible with the glove material.
• Avoid solvents that could swell or degrade polymers.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove detergent residue completely.
• Doff gloves according to CDC sequence to prevent skin contact.
• Wash hands immediately after glove removal (CDC hand hygiene).
• Set gloves on racks with fingers downward for proper drainage.
• Air-dry gloves away from any heat or UV sources.
• Disinfect gloves only if manufacturer guidelines permit it.
• Record exposure events along with cleaning actions.
• Establish decon stations following OSHA HAZWOPER App B where applicable (OSHA).

Storage, Replacement, Documentation

• Store gloves flat to avoid creases and compression.
• Maintain a cool storage environment, controlling heat, light, and ozone exposure.
• Seal clean gloves in breathable packaging.
• Segregate gloves by material and hazard classification.
• Track glove service life based on permeation data.
• Remove gloves early if exposed to heavy splash incidents.
• Discard any gloves that are damaged or appear sticky, chalky, or brittle.
• Follow ANSI/ISEA 105 ratings for glove selection and replacement (ISEA).
• Dispose of gloves properly according to waste regulations and SDS directions.
• Conduct regular audits to verify logs, labels, and inventory status.

Frequently Asked Questions

When to wear chemical hand protection?

• Use when skin contact with hazardous liquids, mists, or contaminated surfaces is likely. Compliance with OSHA’s hand protection rule, 29 CFR 1910.138(a), is necessary. OSHA 1910.138.
• Required following a PPE hazard assessment under 29 CFR 1910.132(d), identifying dermal risks from various substances. OSHA 1910.132.
• Adhere to SDS Section 8 guidance calling for “skin protection” or specific barrier materials OSHA 1910.1200 App D – SDS format.
• Necessary in scenarios like mixing, spill cleanup, waste handling, and maintenance on pumps or tanks.

Primary uses for chem-rated handwear?

• Acts as a barrier against corrosives, solvents, fuels, oils, isocyanates, and similar hazards. Selection depends on permeation, degradation, and breakthrough data, like ASTM F739 test results. ASTM F739.
• Applicable across labs, semiconductor, petrochemical, coatings, wastewater, sanitation, auto service, and more. NIOSH emphasizes dermal exposure impacts in multiple sectors. NIOSH Skin Exposures.

Mandatory use: when do regulations require resistant gauntlets?

• When chemical contact poses injury or illness risk, employers must provide suitable hand PPE under 29 CFR 1910.138 and general PPE duty in 1910.132. OSHA 1910.138 | OSHA 1910.132.
• EPA’s Worker Protection Standard requires designated "chemical-resistant" hand materials for agricultural pesticide tasks. EPA WPS.
• Healthcare chemo handling must consider ASTM D6978 performance for antineoplastic drug permeation; check institutional policies and data sheets. ASTM overview: ASTM.

Why this PPE matters, and when to don it?

• Skin exposure can lead to contact dermatitis, burns, and systemic toxicity with associated lost time and costs. CDC/NIOSH provides guidance on occupational skin disease NIOSH Skin Exposures.
• No single material effectively blocks all substances. Consult compatibility charts, permeation times, and degradation ratings based on standards like ANSI/ISEA 105 and ASTM F739 before use ISEA ANSI/ISEA 105 | ASTM F739.
• Best Practices:

- Choose material matching the specific substances listed in the SDS. Verify language in Section 8 OSHA SDS format.
- Select thickness, cuff length, and grip appropriate for job tasks. Longer cuffs for immersion tasks in deeper tanks.
- Inspect before wearing. Replace post-breakthrough, swelling, tears, or irretrievable contamination.
- Educate users on proper doffing to prevent secondary exposure. Integrate use with full safety programs.
- Use recognized markings, such as EN ISO 374 pictograms, ensuring performance matches site risks.
- Update assessment documentation with changes in chemicals, processes, or suppliers.

Additional context for buyers and teams

• ANSI/ISEA 105 standard offers ratings for cut, puncture, and chemical degradation. Use alongside permeation data for detailed evaluation ISEA ANSI/ISEA 105.
• Wikipedia provides a succinct PPE overview suitable for introductory purposes Wikipedia – Personal protective equipment.

Sources

• OSHA – Hand Protection, 29 CFR 1910.138: OSHA 1910.138
• OSHA – PPE General Requirements, 29 CFR 1910.132: OSHA 1910.132
• OSHA – Hazard Communication, SDS format (App D): OSHA 1910.1200AppD
• CDC/NIOSH – Skin Exposures and Effects: NIOSH Skin Exposures
• ISEA – ANSI/ISEA 105 Standard: ISEA ANSI/ISEA 105
• ASTM – F739 Permeation Testing: ASTM F739
• EPA – Worker Protection Standard: EPA WPS
• Wikipedia – Personal protective equipment: Wikipedia – PPE