School of
Life
Sciences
1.0
GLOVE SELECTION
G/PPE 5
Introduction
The tragic death in 1997 of a Professor of Chemistry in the United States following a single exposure to
dimethyl mercury, which passed through the latex gloves she was wearing has highlighted the importance of
correct glove selection.
Where indicated as a required form of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), selection of the appropriate
gloves is a vital part of the risk assessment process, to ensure adequate protection from biological, chemical
or physical harm. Gloves should not be used as a substitute for good experimental procedure, which as far
as is practicable, should keep contamination well clear of all skin contact including the hands.
Gloves may also be selected to protect sensitive work (e.g. biological material or electronic components)
from contamination emanating from the worker (e.g. sweat and sloughed skin cells) –but in such a case they
would not be considered as PPE, as they are protecting the work rather than the worker.
Many chemicals can cause skin damage or provoke allergic reactions. Some toxic chemicals can be
absorbed through the skin. Biological agents can contaminate the skin, leading to infection. The correct
gloves can protect skin from contact with potentially harmful substances, but an incorrect choice may be
worse than wearing no gloves at all:- the wearing of such gloves may give a false sense of security and a
reliance on protection that is not actually there. Harmful substances may invade gloves as a result of gross
damage such as tears or pin-holes but may also penetrate more subtly by diffusion through the glove
material. The wrong type of glove, i.e. those that are permeable to the substances being used, can increase
potential harm by holding the substances close to the skin and, because of the warm, moist environment
within the glove which makes the skin itself more permeable. Skin can also be damaged physically, for
example by extremes of temperature or contact with sharp or rough materials.
2.0
General Rules for Glove Use
Gloves should be worn when:




Handling hazardous substances (for example toxic or corrosive chemicals, biological agents)
Handling rough or sharp materials/equipment
Working with hot or cold materials
Working in a cold environment
In selecting gloves some of the factors to consider are:

the nature of the substances to which exposure might occur,

the concentration and/or temperature of the substances, both of which can affect penetration rates,

the frequency and duration of contact with the substances,

the requirement for the glove material to be robust and resistant to physical damage such as tearing,
abrasion or ultraviolet degradation,

the need for dexterity and "feel" with the glove on,

the extent of protection - hand only or wrist and forearm as well

Select gloves which are resistant to the chemicals you may be exposed to. Consult the relevant
Safety Data Sheet (SDS), which may recommend a particular glove material;
Issued: 22nd July 2004
Updated 15th November 2010
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School of
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Sciences

GLOVE SELECTION
G/PPE 5
Select gloves of the correct size and fitting; gloves that are too small are uncomfortable and may tear
whereas overlarge gloves may interfere with dexterity. In some cases, such as use of HF, it may be
advisable to select gloves that can be removed very rapidly in an emergency;

Before use, check gloves (even new ones) for physical damage such as tears or pin- holes and for
previous chemical damage;

Some gloves, especially lightweight disposables, may be flammable: keep hands well away from
naked flames or other high temperature heat sources;

When removing gloves, do so in a way that avoids the contaminated exterior contacting the skin;

Wash hands after removing gloves;

Dispose of contaminated gloves properly;

Do not attempt to re-use disposable gloves;

Never wear possibly contaminated gloves outside of the laboratory or to handle telephones,
computer keyboards, etc.
Glove Materials
Chemically resistant gloves come in a variety of materials such as natural rubber or latex, butyl rubber,
neoprene, nitrile, polyethylene and PVC, sometimes in combination and in differing thickness and style. Each
material protects well against certain chemicals but poorly against others. The choice of material and its
thickness depends on its resistance to permeation taking into account the factors listed above.
Manufacturers' literature and performance tables should give this information.
Lightweight Disposable Gloves
Disposable gloves are often chosen for routine laboratory work because they are cheap and convenient.
Nitrile, latex or vinyl (PVC) gloves are common choices of disposable gloves.
Latex gloves are fully effective only against water-based solutions and are almost transparent to many
organic solvents. There are also potential problems due to the latex material itself and proteins incorporated
into the glove, which may cause allergic reactions and sensitisation. It is important that anyone selecting
latex gloves as the appropriate form of protection from the substances they are using should select low
protein, non-powdered latex gloves to minimise the risk of an allergic reaction. They should also
immediately report any skin discomfort, rashes, itching or sinus symptoms following wearing of the gloves to
their Supervisor and to the School Safety Adviser. Once a user is sensitized to latex in gloves, exposure to
latex in any setting can trigger a reaction, not just in the laboratory – rubber bands and erasers, toy balloons,
car tyres and Wellington boots for example. Persons with a history of other allergic reactions should contact
the School Safety Adviser for further advice before using latex gloves, as they have been shown to be at
greater risk of developing latex allergy.
Three types of reactions can occur in persons using latex products:
Irritant Contact Dermatitis: This is the most common reaction to latex products - the development of dry,
itchy, irritated areas on the skin, usually the hands, caused by using gloves. The reaction can also result
from repeated hand washing and drying, incomplete hand drying, use of cleaners and sanitisers, and
exposure to powders added to the gloves.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis (delayed hypersensitivity): Results from exposure to chemicals added to
latex during harvesting, processing, or manufacturing. The rash usually begins 24 to 48 hours after contact
and may progress to oozing skin blisters or spread away from the area of skin touched by the latex.
Issued: 22nd July 2004
Updated 15th November 2010
Page 2 of 8
Rev 1.0
School of
Life
Sciences
GLOVE SELECTION
G/PPE 5
Latex Allergy (or immediate hypersensitivity): Is a more serious reaction to latex than irritant contact
dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis. Certain proteins in latex may cause sensitisation. Exposures even at
very low levels can trigger allergic reactions in some sensitised individuals. Reactions usually begin within
minutes of exposure to latex, but they can occur hours later and can produce various symptoms. Mild
reactions to latex involve skin redness, hives, or itching. More severe reactions may involve respiratory
symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, and asthma (difficult breathing,
coughing spells, and wheezing). Rarely, anaphylactic shock may occur, but such a life-threatening reaction
is seldom the first sign of latex allergy. Such reactions are similar to those seen in some allergic persons
after a bee sting.
Chemical Resistance of Disposable Gloves
The chemical compatibility information on the chart below is intended to provide general
information about the reaction of Nitrile and Natural Rubber Latex glove films to the
commonly used chemicals listed.
The ratings scale takes into consideration three primary factors:
1. the ability of the chemical to permeate (pass through) the glove film.
2. the ability of the chemical to degrade (break down) the physical structure of the
glove film.
3. the risk that contact exposure to the chemical poses to the glove wearer.





Verify that your gloves are compatible with your specific applications, processes
and materials before using.
When performing processes where gloves will receive prolonged, direct exposure to
chemicals, use a glove specifically designed for chemical handling.
Avoid the risk of chemical cross-contamination: immediately dispose of gloves after
contact with chemicals.
Double gloving provides additional barrier protection and allows the outer glove to
be disposed of after contact with chemicals without exposing the hand.
Do not use powdered gloves with substances known to pose inhalant hazards.
Information is based upon published research data. It is important to understand that
variability in material thickness, chemical concentration, temperature and length of
exposure to chemicals will affect specific performance. This information is for thin gauge,
disposable products designed to provide barrier protection and tactile sensitivity to the
wearer. Such gloves are not designed for applications involving prolonged, direct exposure
to chemicals. This chemical compatibility information is provided as a guideline for the use
of disposable gloves in applications where incidental splash exposure to various chemicals
may occur.
Issued: 22nd July 2004
Updated 15th November 2010
Page 3 of 8
Rev 1.0
School of
Life
Sciences
GLOVE SELECTION
G/PPE 5
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE & BARRIER GUIDE
The chart is coded for ease of use. Chemicals are colour coded to reflect the health risk caused by contact
exposure:
Exposure is considered VERY HAZARDOUS
Prolonged or repeated exposure is potentially hazardous
Exposure poses the least potential hazard
The compatibility of the glove films with each chemical is also coded:
P
F
G-E
POOR chemical resistance
FAIR chemical resistance
GOOD to EXCELLENT chemical resistance
CHEMICAL NAME
ACETALDEHYDE
ACETIC ACID
ACETIC ANHYDRIDE
ACETONE
ACETONITRILE
ACRYLIC ACID
AMMONIUM ACETATE
AMMONIUM CARBONATE
AMMONIUM FLUORIDE, 30-70%
AMMONIUM HYDROXIDE, 30 -70%
AMMONIUM HYDROXIDE,<30%
AMYL ALCOHOL
ANILINE
AQUA REGIA
AZT
BENZALDEHYDE
BENZENE
BORIC ACID
BROMOPROPIONIC ACID
BUTYL ACRYLATE
BUTYL CELLUSOLVE
CALCIUM HYDROXIDE
CARBON DISULFIDE
CARBON TETRACHLORIDE
CHLOROBENZENE
CHLORODIBROMOMETHANE
CHLOROFORM
CHLORONAPHTHALENES
Issued: 22nd July 2004
Updated 15th November 2010
Page 4 of 8
NITRILE
LATEX
P
G
F
F
F
G
E
E
E
E
E
E
F
P
No information
P
F
E
F
P
G
E
G
P
P
P
P
P
G
E
G
G
F
G
E
E
E
E
E
G
G
P
G
F
P
G
G
P
G
E
P
P
P
P
P
P
Rev 1.0
School of
Life
Sciences
GLOVE SELECTION
G/PPE 5
CHROMIC ACID
CHEMICAL NAME
CISPLATIN
CITRIC ACID, 30-70%
CYCLOHEXANE
CYCLOHEXANOL
CYCLOHEXANONE
CYCLOHEXYLAMINE
DI-N-AMYLAMINE
DI-N-BUTYLAMINE
DI-N-BUTYL PHTHALATE
DI-N-OCTYL PHTHALATE
DIACETONE ALCOHOL
DIALLYLAMINE
DICHLOROACETYL CHLORIDE
DIESEL FUEL
DIETHANOLAMINE
DIETHYLAMINE
DIETHYLENE GLYCOL
DIETHYLENETRIAMINE
DIISOBUTYL KETONE
DIISOBUTYLAMINE
DIMETHYL ETHER
DIMETHYL SULFOXIDE (DMSO)
DIMETHYLACETAMIDE
DIMETHYLFORMAMIDE (DMF)
1, 3-DIOXANE
1, 4-DIOXANE
EPICHLOROHYDRIN
ETHANOL
ETHYL ACETATE
ETHYL ETHER
ETHYLENE GLYCOL DIMETHYL ETHER
ETHYLENE DICHLORIDE
ETHYLENE GLYCOL
FORMALDEHYDE, 30-70%
FORMIC ACID
FREON 113 OR TF
FREON TMC
FURFURAL
GASOLINE, 40-50% AROMATICS
GASOLINE, UNLEADED
Issued: 22nd July 2004
Updated 15th November 2010
Page 5 of 8
F
P
NITRILE
LATEX
G
E
E
E
P
P
E
E
E
E
G
P
P
E
E
G
E
P
G
E
G
G
F
P
P
P
P
E
P
G
F
P
E
E
G
E
F
P
E
G
G
E
P
G
P
P
P
P
F
F
F
P
P
P
E
F
E
P
P
P
P
E
G
P
F
P
F
E
F
P
F
P
E
G
E
P
F
P
P
P
Rev 1.0
School of
Life
Sciences
GLOVE SELECTION
G/PPE 5
CHEMICAL NAME
GLUTARALDEHYDE, <5%
GLYCEROL
HEPTANES
HEXAMETHYLDISILOXANE
HEXANE
HYDRAZINE
HYDROCHLORIC ACID, <30%
HYDROCHLORIC ACID, 30-70%
HYDROFLUORIC ACID, <50%
ISOBUTYL ALCOHOL
ISOOCTANE
ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL
ISOPROPYLAMINE
JET FUEL <30% AROMATICS 73-248C,
KEROSENE
LACTIC ACID
LAURIC ACID
MALATHION,30-70%
MALEIC ACID
METHANOL
METHYL ACETATE
METHYL ETHYL KETONE
METHYL ISOBUTYL KETONE
METHYL METHACRYLATE
METHYLENE CHLORIDE
N-AMYL ACETATE
N-BUTYL ACETATE
N-BUTYL ALCOHOL
N-METHYL-2-PYRROLIDONE
N-NITROSODIETHYLAMINE
N-PROPYL ALCOHOL
NAPHTHA, 15-20% AROMATICS
NAPHTHA, <3% AROMATICS
NITRIC ACID, <30%
NITRIC ACID, 30-70%
NITROBENZENE
NITROETHANE
1-NITROPROPANE
2-NITROPROPANE
OCTANE
Issued: 22nd July 2004
Updated 15th November 2010
Page 6 of 8
NITRILE
LATEX
G
E
E
G
E
E
G
G
E
E
E
E
P
G
E
E
G
E
G
F
P
P
P
P
P
F
F
E
P
P
E
E
E
E
P
F
P
P
P
E
G
E
P
P
P
F
E
G
E
P
P
E
P
P
P
E
G
E
G
F
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
E
E
No information
E
P
P
E
P
F
E
G
P
P
Rev 1.0
School of
Life
Sciences
GLOVE SELECTION
G/PPE 5
CHEMICAL NAME
OCTYL ALCOHOL
OLEIC ACID
OXALIC ACID
PALMITIC ACID
PCB (POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS)
PENTACHLOROPHENOL
PENTANE
PERCHLORIC ACID, 30-70%
PERCHLOROETHYLENE
PEROXYACETIC ACID
PETROLEUM ETHERS, 80-110C
PHENOL,>70%
PHOSPHORIC ACID, >70%
PICRIC ACID
POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE
POTASSIUM IODIDE
PROPYL ACETATE
PYRIDINE
SILICON ETCH
SILVER NITRATE
SODIUM CARBONATE
SODIUM CHLORIDE
SODIUM FLUORIDE
SODIUM HYDROXIDE, 30-70%
SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE
SODIUM THIOSULFATE
STYRENE
SULFURIC ACID, <30%
SULFURIC ACID, 30-70%
SULFURIC ACID, >70%
TANNIC ACID
1,2,4,5-TETRACHLOROBENZENE
1,1,1,2-TETRACHLOROETHANE
TETRAHYDROFURAN
TOLUENE
TOLUENE-2,4-DIISOCYANATE (TDI)
1,2,4-TRICHLOROBENZENE
1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE
1,1,2-TRICHLOROETHANE
TRICHLOROETHYLENE
TRICRESYL PHOSPHATE
TRIETHANOLAMINE
TURPENTINE
XYLENES
Issued: 22nd July 2004
Updated 15th November 2010
Page 7 of 8
NITRILE
LATEX
E
E
E
E
G
G
E
E
G
P
G
G
E
E
E
E
F
P
P
G
E
E
E
E
E
E
P
No information
F
P
G
E
F
F
F
P
F
P
P
P
G
E
E
F
E
G
E
F
P
P
P
F
P
P
P
G
G
G
G
E
P
P
P
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
P
E
E
P
G
No Information
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
G
E
P
P
Rev 1.0
School of
Life
Sciences
Issued: 22nd July 2004
Updated 15th November 2010
GLOVE SELECTION
G/PPE 5
Page 8 of 8
Rev 1.0