Are you struggling to choose the right gloves for your needs? Nitrile gloves are an excellent solution for their unmatched versatility, durability, and comfort across industries like healthcare, food handling, and industrial work. This guide will not only answer all your questions about nitrile gloves but also provide practical advice to ensure you make the right purchase. Plus, well prepare you for your next step, whether its deciding on a specific type of glove or exploring complementary products for your needs.
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If youre also considering how to choose the right nitrile gloves, visit our comprehensive guide: How To Choose The Right Nitrile Gloves A Buyers Guide.
Nitrile gloves are disposable gloves made from synthetic rubber known as nitrile butadiene rubber. Unlike natural latex gloves, nitrile gloves are latex-free, making them an ideal choice for individuals with latex allergies. These gloves are resistant to punctures, chemicals, and oils, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
Nitrile gloves are available in various thicknesses and textures, catering to specific tasks such as medical procedures, food handling, or industrial work. They also provide a snug fit for optimal dexterity and comfort.
Learn more about the material in this detailed explanation: What Are Nitrile Gloves?.
When comparing nitrile gloves to latex or vinyl gloves, nitrile stands out for several reasons:
Nitrile gloves are versatile and serve a variety of industries:
Explore industry-specific uses: Nitrile Gloves for Industrial Safety.
When selecting nitrile gloves, consider the following:
For additional insights, read: How To Choose The Best Disposable Gloves.
To ensure you get the best value for your investment:
Browse our range of nitrile gloves: Shop Nitrile Gloves.
For a more detailed comparison, see: Nitrile vs. Latex Gloves.
While nitrile gloves are not biodegradable, there are practical steps you can take to reduce their environmental impact, such as recycling programs and exploring alternative materials:
While nitrile gloves are versatile, other glove types may better suit certain applications:
Explore related guides for better insights:
We hope this guide has provided valuable insights into selecting the perfect nitrile gloves for your needs, from understanding their features to exploring practical applications. Whether youre working in healthcare, food handling, or industrial settings, you can confidently find the right gloves to ensure safety and efficiency.
Explore our full range of Nitrile Gloves, featuring trusted brands and options tailored for every requirement. Have questions or need expert advice? Reach out to uswere here to help ensure your safety and prepare you for your next challenge with confidence.
The Droppe Team
If you are considering making the move to nitrile, this handy guide can help determine if its the right choice for you.
Nitrile disposable gloves can be used for a multitude of tasks, from wearing while treating patients in hospital to completing messy jobs on vehicles in a garage. Each type of disposable glove is available in differing levels of thickness, depending on what they are required for. Thicker gloves are best when working with harsh chemicals as they offer the most protection from abrasive or dangerous substances, while thinner gloves are ideal for those who need flexibility and dexterity while carrying out tasks. Light duty gloves can also be used for a wide range of everyday tasks, from cleaning to food preparation.
In many industries, nitrile gloves are overtaking their latex counterparts as the front runners for protection in the workplace. They offer a multitude of advantages, namely benefitting those with latex allergies and also being capable of enduring tougher temperatures and conditions.
Nitrile is a synthetic rubber, made up of butadiene and acrylonitrile. It has resistance to oil, chemicals and fuel, as well as being able to withstand temperatures of -40°C to 108°C without melting. Nitrile generally has more resistance to punctures than latex, which is one of the reasons why it is an ideal choice of material for gloves.
Nitrile gloves are now the most common glove used within a huge variety of industries worldwide.
They generally tend to be preferred over latex as they are suitable for those who suffer from latex allergies.
As nitrile gloves are created using manmade materials, they are also a cheaper alternative to latex, because the price of manufacturing is consistent - prices cannot change due to the sudden demand for a natural grown material.
Nitrile gloves have a greater resistance to punctures than other gloves and offer greater protection when using sharp implements or equipment or when hands are experiencing regular friction; ideal for those working in the tattoo industry, medical profession or industrial cleaning. Gloves made using nitrile also make completing tasks much easier, as they mould to the shape of your hand and offer higher levels of sensitivity and flexibility.
As latex gloves contain proteins which may cause allergic reactions and hypersensitivity, Latex free gloves such as nitrile gloves not only protect the wearer from the symptoms of an allergy but also patients or customers if they are exposing them to gloves.
As nitrile gloves contain no natural rubber latex, they are ideal for type I latex allergy sufferers.
Some nitrile gloves are also manufactured without the use of accelerators. Accelerator free nitrile gloves are ideal for type IV allergy suffers (Allergic Contact Dermatitis).
Now you understand the benefits that come with choosing nitrile gloves, its time to determine which type best fit your needs. Nitrile gloves fall into two grades industrial and medical.
Medical grade, also referred to as Exam grade, is the best nitrile glove for those working in medical professions where they require protection from contact with blood borne pathogens or contaminants in the environment. Dental practices, hospitals, doctor surgeries and laboratories all opt for this grade of glove as they have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they provide the protection those wearing them require.
Industrial grade nitrile gloves are usually worn by those working with chemicals, best reserved for workers in the janitorial, food and automotive industries. Industrial grade nitrile gloves can offer differing levels of protection from disposable nitrile (low chemical resistance) to re-usable nitrile gloves that will offer high levels of puncture and chemical resistance. Some nitrile gloves are also anti-static, ideal for those working with machinery or for those working with electronics.
Nitrile exam gloves are not recyclable, but the packaging usually is. However, some nitrile gloves brands do offer a recycling service, so look out for this when making your purchase. If not, ensure you dispose of your gloves in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.
Yes, many nitrile powder free gloves are ideal for food handling, and as they are more resistant to oils than some other type of gloves, so should last longer. Nitrile gloves are available in bright colours and therefore are ideal for food preparation, as you can easily see any ripped or torn glove pieces in the food itself. The non-powdered kind are recommended, as there is no chance of contamination from powder when removing gloves.
All medical grade nitrile gloves meet EC / and European Regulation 10/.
Nitrile gloves are available in size XS through to XL. The right fit is important. Too small and the glove can be stretched excessively causing the material to break or fracture quicker or too large and it may not offer the right protection against chemicals.
Our helpful size guide can offer you more guidance on choosing which size is right for you.
Nitrile gloves come in a variety of colours which can help further improve health and safety factors.
There are no set rules as to which colour should be used for which industry however different occupations tend to favour different colours. Blue is the most common colour of nitrile glove used, however black is the preferred colour for the automotive and tattoo industries as it hides the appearance of oil, dirt and blood. For those that work in a clinical environment white nitrile is a great alternative, whereas pink is often used by those working in the beauty industry.
Using two colours together can also help prevent the risk of contamination. By wearing a bright glove under a blue or white (double donning) you can easily detect rips or tears that occur during sterile procedures and replace with a fresh pair.
The powder in powdered gloves absorbs moisture making them easier to remove. This makes powdered gloves a popular choice for those working within industries where gloves need to be taken on and off regularly.However, the powder can also come with its problems. It can increase the risk of allergic reactions (dermatitis)and are less suitable in sterile, cleanroom or food handling environments due to contamination from powder residues.
The thickness of your nitrile gloves will make a difference to your ability to carry out tasks. Disposable grade nitrile gloves will usually be around 0.06mm-0.08mm in thickness and can provide splash resistance to chemicals. Standard nitrile gloves generally offer the user increased sensitivity and precision as well as providing strength and comfort. They are idea for reducing hand fatigue when wearing gloves for prolonged periods. Thicker grade nitrile is also available for when the wearer requires extra protection, strength and durability. Thicker grade nitrile will last longer and provide better protection when handling chemicals and fluids.
Whilst the thicker re-usable industrial nitrile glove will provide a longer contact time resistance, the thinner gloves generally provide more dexterity for the user making more intricate tasks easier to perform. If you require extra grip while working, then nitrile gloves with raised patterns are a good choice, as they increase grip strength on wet or slippery equipment.
Nitrile powder free gloves are not recommended for use when dealing with live electrics. This is because if the gloves were to puncture, the wearer would be exposed to the shock. This could cause a serious injury. However, they can be worn when dealing with low amounts of ESD (electrostatic discharge).
Nitrile gloves have good resistance to acids and to many chemicals but it is always advisable to check their suitability before using for any of these types of applications. For improved protection it is recommended you choose an industrial grade glove over medical. Its important to be very cautious when choosing personal protection equipment (PPE) for work with chemicals such as acids, as insufficient protection could lead to injury.
Some nitrile gloves have anti-static features, to ensure that those wearing them do not build up static charge while working with ESD (electrostatic discharge) but the thinner nitrile products do not meet the requirements set out in the EN series of standards.
Yes, nitrile exam gloves have better chemical resistance in comparison to latex (natural rubber), which is why they are the preferred choice over their latex counterparts in this type of application.
Nitrile has good resistance to gasoline, kerosene and many petroleum solvents as well as ethanol, isobutyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol and methanol. However, differing thicknesses will provide varying levels of protection. You can choose from gloves offering splash protection (thinner disposable nitrile) all the way through to full contact protection (thicker reusable nitrile). In all cases, it is advisable to seek expert advice on suitability for any particular application.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of what are nitrile gloves made of. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Each industry has set requirements on what its PPE must adhere to, therefore its very important you discover what these are and compare them to those listed, for the gloves you are considering.
All medical grade gloves conform to AQL 1.5 CE Class 1 Medical grade standard and comply with BS EN 455. The EN 455 series of standards refer to the testing that must be carried out on medical gloves, which include such elements s visual defects, force at break strength, and freedom from holes. Whilst the EN420, EN374, and EN388 series of standards determine the PPE requirements for chemical and mechanical handling. Check carefully to ensure the gloves you choose are compliant.
To assist with your choice you will discover a complete breakdown of their features on each product description, on the individual glove product pages.
Whether you are a healthcare professional or are simply looking for a disposable glove to use for tasks around the home, Brosch Direct stocks an extensive range that provides the right glove for the right task!
As weve seen in many of our other blogs, nitrile gloves are quickly rising to the top of the popularity list when it comes to disposable gloves. There are so many reasons for their surge in use. Nitrile gloves possess many of the same benefits that natural latex gloves have, including flexibility, dexterity, and a snug fit. But, they eliminate the potential for allergic reactions because nitrile is a synthetic rubber, without the properties in latex that cause allergies. These gloves are so widely versatile, across nearly any application or industry. They have excellent puncture resistance, and are tough enough to resist chemicals and withstand grease and oils, yet they are fitted well enough to give you the tactile sensitivity needed for performing delicate procedures.
First Breakdown: Industrial vs. Exam
When choosing the best nitrile glove for your application, the first step is to look at the two main categories of nitrile gloves: industrial grade or medical grade. The main determining factor on which grade of nitrile glove to use depends on how the gloves will be used. Below, the two grades of nitrile gloves will be explained:
Industrial Grade: This category of nitrile glove is best suited for applications that necessitate the handling of harsh chemicals and solvents. Typical industries where this grade of nitrile glove would be used include automotive, janitorial, and any other industry that involves chemical safety, and even food service. The most important features of this category are the gloves chemical resistance and high levels of puncture resistance.
Medical Grade: Exam, or medical grade gloves, are typically suited for use where there is a risk of coming in contact with blood born pathogens or environmental contaminants. This category of nitrile glove is commonly found in hospitals, medical and dental offices, and laboratories. Medical grade gloves are rigorously tested and have to meet specific guidelines from the FDA so that they ensure that these gloves will provide the strength, durability and barrier for these applications. Nitrile gloves are also particularly popular in medical and dental offices because they eliminate the potential for any allergies.
What about Glove Size and Color?
Many people underestimate the importance of a well fitting glove. Manufacturer sizing of disposable gloves can differ, so it is highly recommended to try samples if possible so you can determine what size glove you need. The correct size glove will enhance your comfort and tactile sensitivity in every application.
One of the most fun things about disposable nitrile gloves is that they come in a rainbow of color. These colors are not just a fashion statement, however. There a several practical tips for utilizing colored nitrile gloves to promote safety and efficiency in your workplace. By color coding your nitrile gloves, you can assist in differentiating glove sizes and help prevent cross contamination. Blue nitrile gloves are the standard color, and are helpful in differentiating between nitrile and latex gloves in a medical application. Black nitrile gloves are commonly used in automotive applications, or other work environments where oil and grime is present. The black gloves hide this messiness. Brighter color nitrile gloves like orange, green, or pink can be helpful in several situations. They help increase safety compliance, because the gloves are easily seen, so you know when employees are wearing them. If you need extra protection, you could wear a double layer of nitrile gloves, with the bright color underneath. This way, if a cut or puncture occurs, the bright color becomes visible and you are alerted to a problem.
Other Glove Features to Consider
Glove Thickness: Most disposable nitrile gloves come in different thicknesses, or gauges, ranging from four to eight mil thick. The vast majority of heavy duty industrial grade nitrile gloves will be 6 - 8 mils thick. Due to the harsh environments that generally utilize industrial grade disposable gloves, the extra thickness will provide a thicker barrier of protection. Thicker gloves will provide a longer permeation timeframe when working with chemicals as well as more tear resistance than thinner light duty nitrile. Basically, the lower the gauge the higher level of dexterity and flexibility you will find, and vice versa.
Texture and Finish: If you are in need of enhanced grip on your nitrile glove, look for a nitrile glove that has a textured finish on the palm and fingers. Typically a diamond pattern, this texture will increase grip in both wet and dry conditions. Most nitrile gloves are finished with a chlorinated coating which helps to reduce stickiness and makes it easier to put on and pull off your gloves.
Powdered vs. Powder Free: These are two common options when it comes to nitrile gloves. Powder free gloves are where the chlorinated or polymer finish comes in. This finish makes it easy to don and doff your gloves without the messiness of powder. The powdered option is helpful because it absorbs any extra moisture, which aids in putting on gloves, however it can leave behind some residue.
When choosing your next disposable nitrile gloves, be sure to take all of these factors into consideration, so that you can perform to the best of your ability. Check out our inventory of nitrile gloves here.
Single Use Exam Glove Buying Guide
The number of options available in single use disposable gloves can be confusing. There are distinctive differences between latex exam gloves, nitrile exam gloves and other materials such as vinyl and neoprene.
Once you determine the best material for your use, the final choice often comes down to personal preference in fit and comfort.
About Nitrile
Nitrile exam gloves are manufactured using nitrile rubber. Basically, nitrile is a synthetic rubber copolymer of acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene. Nitrile has been used in various industries that range from automotive and mechanical to high tech manufacturing and the medical industry. Nitrile rubber has been shown to be more resistant to certain oils and acids than natural rubber but not as strong or flexible. It is a good option for those who may experience latex allergies. With that in mind, it is important to note that not all nitrile gloves are the same. At NitrileGloves.com we take steps to ensure that our nitrile gloves are manufactured with specifications that will provide the optimal comfort and flexibility of latex with the durability and chemical resistance experienced with nitrile gloves.
Advantages of Nitrile:
Latex-free
Are most puncture resistant
Have a high level of sensitivity
Mold to your hand for a great fit
Are good for wearing an extended amount of time
Work well for high-risk situations involving infectious material
Resist many chemicals
Have a long shelf life
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About Latex
Latex is the most soft and stretchy of the glove materials available, making the gloves extremely comfortable and easy on the hands. Latex gloves are natural material, made out of rubber. Latex Gloves are the most popular material for medical or industrial use. Latex is an ideal choice for these applications in conditions where possible latex allergies are not a concern.
Powder Free latex gloves can help to greatly reduce the chance of developing a latex allergy because removing the powder from the glove removes much of the allergens associated with latex.
powdered latex gloves are the original exam glove. The soft and stretchy latex with powder to makes it easy to don the gloves. However, Powdered gloves can be associated with latex allergy. If you are concerned about latex allergy, you should consider choosing Powder Free latex, nitrile or synthetic gloves.
Advantages of Latex:
Fit like a second skin
Are good for wearing for an extended amount of time
Have exceptional touch sensitivity
Good protection for biological and water-based materials
Are cost-effective
Are very elastic and strong
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About Vinyl
Vinyl Gloves are frequently used in the food industry and in conditions that do not require high levels of protection and durability. Vinyl gloves are a low cost option for short-term use.
Advantages of Vinyl:
Latex-free
Have a looser fit
Are good for short-term, low-risk tasks
Are the most economic option
Have anti-static properties
Are best for use with non-hazardous materials
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About Neoprene
Neoprene is a synthetic material closer to natural latex in comfort. Thats because neoprene has a molecular structure thats closely matched to natural rubber latex. Neoprene offers the comfort and feel of latex along with the barrier protection and strength of nitrile. Neoprene is the ideal choice when exceptional comfort, strength and excellent barrier protection is of utmost importance.
The superior comfort of neoprene is due to its lower modulus when compared to nitrile. The lower modulus results in a softer, more elastic glove. This gives a snug comfortable fit that can help increase dexterity and reduce hand fatigue. In addition, neoprene maintains an excellent grip when wet, offering an important advantage in slippery, dexterity-intense environments.
If you need extra protection against a variety of chemicals or are looking for a more comfortable alternative to other non-latex materials, neoprene gloves are a great choice.
Shop Neoprene Gloves
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