Identify the Glove's usage and Industry Requirements
Before diving into the selection process, consider the specific purpose of the gloves and your industry's requirements. Different industries have unique hazards and safety standards. Determine whether you need disposable work gloves for protection against chemicals, pathogens, sharp objects, or general-purpose use. Understanding the industry requirements will narrow down the glove options suitable for your specific needs.
Choose the Right Material
Disposable work gloves come in various materials, each with its own strengths and limitations. The most common materials include:
Nitrile: Known for their durability, chemical resistance, and puncture resistance, nitrile gloves are suitable for industries involving chemicals, oils, and solvents.
Latex: Latex gloves offer excellent tactile sensitivity and are suitable for industries like healthcare, food processing, and janitorial services. However, some individuals may have latex allergies, so it's important to consider alternatives.
Vinyl: Vinyl gloves are a cost-effective option, but they offer less durability and chemical resistance compared to nitrile or latex. They are suitable for industries where protection against mild chemicals and contaminants is required.
Polyethylene: These lightweight gloves are often used in food service and light-duty applications. Polyethylene gloves provide basic protection against dirt and contaminants but offer limited durability and chemical resistance.
Consider the material's characteristics, such as flexibility, sensitivity, and resistance properties, to ensure they align with your specific work requirements.
Determine Glove Size and Fit
Proper fit is crucial for glove effectiveness and wearer comfort. Ill-fitting gloves can cause discomfort, hinder dexterity, and compromise safety. Measure the hand size of individuals who will be wearing the gloves, considering both palm width and finger length. Most glove manufacturers provide sizing charts to help you choose the right size – the MCR Safety Glove Sizing Chart and Ansell Safety Glove Sizing Chart are readily available. Selecting the appropriate size ensures optimal dexterity and minimizes the risk of glove tears or slippage during work.
Assess Thickness and Durability
The thickness of disposable gloves affects their durability and protection level. Thicker gloves offer enhanced resistance to punctures, chemicals, and abrasions, making them suitable for heavy-duty tasks. Thinner gloves provide better tactile sensitivity but may offer less durability and protection against certain hazards. Assess the tasks involved and choose the glove thickness accordingly to strike the right balance between protection and dexterity.
Consider Allergies and Skin Sensitivities
Allergies and skin sensitivities are crucial factors to consider, both for the wearers and those they come in contact with. Latex allergies are common, so nitrile or vinyl gloves are viable alternatives. Look for gloves that are labeled as hypoallergenic or latex-free to ensure the safety and well-being of all users.
Evaluate Glove Features
Disposable work gloves often come with additional features that enhance their functionality and user experience. Consider the following features when making your selection:
Powdered vs. Powder-Free: Powdered gloves aid in donning and doffing but may cause skin irritation. Powder-free gloves are ideal for industries with strict hygiene requirements, such as food handling or healthcare.
Textured Surface: Gloves with textured surfaces, like the MCR Safety Nitrishield™ With Grippaz Nitrile Gloves provide better grip and control, especially when handling wet or slippery objects.
Extended Cuffs: Gloves with extended cuffs offer added protection to the wrist and forearm, preventing exposure to hazardous substances or liquids.
Color Coding: Some industries use color-coded gloves to distinguish between different tasks or to comply with safety regulations. This helps prevent cross-contamination and ensures the right gloves are used for specific applications.
Summary
Selecting the right disposable work gloves is essential for promoting workplace safety, protecting against hazards, and maintaining hygiene standards. By identifying the purpose, considering material options, assessing size and fit, evaluating durability, addressing allergies, and evaluating additional features, you can make an informed decision. Consult with A&M Industrial's Safety Team for assistance selecting disposable work gloves tailored to your industry's or your application's specific requirements. Prioritize the safety and well-being of your workers by investing in high-quality disposable work gloves that provide the protection, fit and features you need.
Shop Disposable Gloves At A&M Industrial
A&M Industrial distributes a wide range of disposable safety gloves from brands including Ansell, MCR Safety, Showa, and Strong. Plus, for a limited time only, our best-selling disposable gloves are on sale. Simply click the button below to download and shop the savings in our Disposable Glove Sales Flyer.
