Chemical Resistant Gloves
Chemical resistant gloves are protective handwear made from materials like nitrile, neoprene, butyl rubber, or laminated films that prevent or delay the permeation of specific chemicals through the glove material. Unlike general-purpose work gloves, these are engineered to block exposure to hazardous substances based on their chemical composition and thickness.
Material Types and Chemical Compatibility
Each glove material handles different chemical families differently. Nitrile resists oils, greases, and many solvents but fails quickly against aromatic hydrocarbons and ketones. Neoprene blocks water-based chemicals and some solvents but degrades under petroleum products. Butyl rubber protects against esters, ketones, and aldehydes but has limited oil resistance. Natural rubber latex resists water-based substances but breaks down around oils and organic solvents. For maximum protection in multi-chemical environments, laminated polyethylene or multilayer constructions provide broader coverage, though they sacrifice dexterity.
OSHA Requirements and Compliance
OSHA does not mandate specific glove types but requires employers to provide appropriate PPE based on hazard assessment. Under 29 CFR 1910.132, your facility must evaluate workplace hazards and select gloves that address identified chemical risks. The SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for each chemical lists recommended glove materials and breakthrough times, which indicate how long a glove resists permeation before chemicals reach the skin. Breakthrough times typically range from 15 minutes for weak protection to 8+ hours for heavy-duty applications. During OSHA audits, inspectors verify that glove selection matches the SDS recommendations and that employees understand why specific gloves are required for specific tasks.
Selection and Deployment
- Identify all chemicals your workplace handles and check the SDS for each
- Cross-reference recommended glove materials and note breakthrough times
- If multiple chemicals are used simultaneously, choose gloves that protect against the most hazardous substance
- Consider dexterity needs, grip requirements, and temperature exposure when choosing thickness
- Inspect gloves before each use for holes, tears, or degradation
- Replace gloves immediately after chemical contact or at the end of shift
- Store gloves in cool, dry locations away from direct sunlight and ozone sources
Home Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Homeowners handling pool chemicals, pesticides, automotive fluids, or cleaning compounds should maintain nitrile or neoprene gloves rated for those specific substances. In fire preparedness kits, include chemical resistant gloves alongside respiratory protection for post-disaster cleanup involving hazardous residues. Keep SDS documentation accessible for products stored at home.
Common Questions
- Can I wash and reuse chemical resistant gloves? No. Once compromised or saturated, gloves should be disposed of as hazardous waste if they contacted hazardous materials. Washing may trap chemicals inside the glove.
- What does "breakthrough time" mean in practical terms? It is the time elapsed before a chemical begins permeating through the glove material at a specific concentration rate. If the SDS shows a 2-hour breakthrough time for a particular chemical and nitrile gloves, you must change gloves every 2 hours when handling that substance.
- How do chemical resistant gloves fit into a safety audit? Auditors verify that your glove inventory matches your chemical inventory, that SDS files are current, that employees can explain why they wear specific gloves, and that used gloves are disposed of according to regulations.