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The Selection and Use of Gloves in the Laboratory
Key Concepts to Remember:
- Understand the toxicity and hazards of the materials you work
with - Consult the MSDS for each chemical/product you work with
for additional information on glove selection. Use special care handling
chemicals with high acute toxicity and those with significant chronic
effects (known carcinogens etc.). Contact EHS with questions on engineering
controls and glove selection before handling dangerous materials.
- All Gloves are Permeable - Permeation is dependent on many
factors including the material handled, extent and length of contact.
Glove composition, thickness, fatigue and conditions of use also factor
into glove effectiveness.
- There is no such thing as an "ideal" chemically resistant glove
- Some gloves may offer superior protection but limit dexterity and
tactile sensitivity or be prone to tears or punctures. Sometimes the
best glove is actually two gloves worn together. Reusable gloves (ex.
Nitrile, Neoprene, Butyl or Viton) can be worn over flexible laminate
gloves to combine the advantages of both.
- Consult the manufacturers chemical resistance guide - Below
you will find links to glove compatibility data from companies that
may supply gloves to Dartmouth College. Chemical Resistance varies
according to manufacturer. In most cases the information provided
includes degradation (a measure of the gloves tendency to swell, discolor
or otherwise change due to chemical contact) and permeation. Permeation
describes how some chemicals can pass through a glove on a molecular
level. Chemicals can oftentimes permeate gloves without causing visible
change. Breakthrough is the time lapsed between first contact outside
the glove and detection inside.
- Understand the difference between reusable and disposable gloves
- Disposable gloves are thin single use gloves generally 4 - 8 mils
thick compared to reusable gloves which are 18 - 28 mils thick (1
mil = 1/1000 inch). Disposable gloves are not suitable for handling
aggressive or highly hazardous chemicals and should never be re-used.
Disposable gloves can provide barrier protection where contact with
chemicals is not likely. Whenever a disposable glove comes in contact
with hazardous chemicals it should be removed followed by thorough
hand washing and new gloves for continued work. Bag contaminated gloves
for disposal as hazardous waste.
- Care of reusable gloves - In the lab most chemical handling
does not require immersion or extensive/prolonged contact. As a result
it is normally not necessary to replace heavy-duty gloves after each
use. Before removing reusable gloves, thoroughly rinse them off and
then allow to air dry. Inspect reusable gloves before each use for
discoloration, cracking at flexion points or damage (punctures or
pin holes) - discard if discovered. If you suspect they have become
contaminated bag them for disposal as hazardous waste.
- Glove Materials
- Viton TM - Excellent resistance to chlorinated and aromatic
organic solvents - Expensive
- Butyl - Good resistance to aldehydes, ketones and esters - Expensive
- Nitrile - Wide range of applications with puncture and abrasion
resistant.
- Neoprene - Wide range of resistance to acids, caustics, and
alcohols.
- PVC - Resists acids and caustics but not organic solvents.
- Natural Rubber/Latex - Minimal chemical resistance, often combined
with other materials for a broad range of applications. Latex
allergies limit widespread use.
- Flexible Laminates - North's Silver Shield/4H ® glove is a five
layer laminate material that offers the best chemical resistance
in most cases. It is best used as an inner liner under re-usable
gloves to maintain dexterity and tactile sensitivity when handling
extremely hazardous materials.
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