Wearing the most suitable type of glove helps you protect yourself from the spread of infection. However, it can be challenging to determine which glove type is most ideal for various situations. From healthcare and medical environments to food processing and law enforcement, different industries have particular requirements to consider.
This guide outlines the differences between latex and nitrile gloves to provide a clear understanding of which type of glove is most suitable for your needs.
Nitrile gloves are latex-free and disposable gloves made from a synthetic rubber material containing hypoallergenic properties. They're a viable option if you have a latex allergy. Nitrile gloves are resistant to oils, punctures and chemicals and are compatible for many uses, from food handling to industrial work.
You can purchase nitrile gloves in various thicknesses and sizes, and they're available in both powdered and powder-free options.
Latex gloves are manufactured from natural rubber, which is derived from tree sap. They offer flexibility and comfort, and stretch easily for quick removal. Sensitivity and dexterity are other key factors of latex gloves. They're better suited for tasks that require precision and extra care. For this reason, latex gloves are the preferred option for medical and healthcare environments.
Both types of gloves offer high levels of protection. However, because they feature different materials and characteristics, each may be more suitable for specific situations over the other.
Nitrile gloves offer these benefits to your workforce:
These are the biggest advantages of latex gloves:
The glove material you choose should give the best level of protection, aid performance and meet compliance requirements. Here are six key factors to consider:
Before purchasing disposable gloves, evaluate your workplace to identify potential risks to workers. Regulatory guidance from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on hand protection emphasizes the importance of conducting a hazard assessment.
An assessment will help you make informed decisions about worker safety, rather than relying on assumptions. Consider the materials, tools and chemicals your team handles daily, as well as the reliability of the glove material to carry out necessary tasks and protect workers.
When considering the pros and cons of latex and nitrile gloves, think about the practicality of either material in your work environment. For example, in environments that handle oils and chemicals and present a risk of punctures, nitrile is a top choice. Examining the safety data sheet is an effective way to assess potential hazards in the work environment and determine the appropriate glove material for worker protection.
Considering how long and frequently workers are exposed to hazards, such as chemicals, is another key factor. Thinner, high-dexterity latex gloves may be sufficient to protect against occasional small splashes. However, if workers become exposed to chemicals for extended periods, nitrile gloves and other thicker options are a better and safer choice.
Dermal exposure guidance from OSHA advises considering the material and glove thickness in relation to the general time frame for how long workers will be wearing gloves.
Opting for a comfortable glove material will encourage workers to follow the necessary compliance rules and wear them when they need to. Gloves that are too tight will likely irritate workers, while loose-fitting gloves aren't appropriate for precision tasks.
Discomfort and the use of unsuitable disposable gloves may increase the risk of injury. Offering both nitrile and latex options to suit preferences will help workers perform their duties safely.
Following relevant regulations and training employees on personal protection equipment, such as when to replace disposable gloves, is vital. This is especially essential in medical and healthcare environments where exposure to bloodborne pathogens is a concern. Additionally, if your business adopts processes that would expose workers to new chemicals, that would present an opportunity to reevaluate glove material.
The choice between nitrile and latex gloves can be tricky, especially as both glove types have their pros and cons. Before selecting a single material, establish a system to monitor performance and comfort during a trial period with workers. Collect feedback from your team about the positive and negative attributes, as well as the overall performance differences between the two materials. Prioritize the material with better durability for your line of work.
Glove America understands that the choice of disposable gloves you provide to your workers needs to tick a lot of boxes. Our vast selection of high-quality gloves is available in different sizes, thicknesses and protection grades to make sure all workers are safe and comfortable.
Latex and nitrile gloves also come in different colors to prevent cross-contamination and uphold safety and hygiene standards. Need help deciding between latex and nitrile gloves for your workplace? Reach out to Glove America for guidance!
Links:
We’re Here to Help
Give our representatives a call or contact us online today. We’ll be happy to assist you!
Most orders ship same day they are placed. Delivery to contiguous U.S and Canada 1-4 business days.
