A Complete Guide to Disposable Gloves

Disposable gloves are single-use gloves designed to protect the wearer from a range of potentially hazardous items. However, while wearing disposable gloves will offer a certain level of protection, it’s worth bearing in mind that you should still aim to avoid harmful substances where possible to ensure your safety.

There is a wide variety of disposable gloves available, each suitable for different applications. They are made from materials including latex, nitrile, and vinyl. Additional factors such as the level of comfort, protection, and durability will all have a bearing on the appropriate buying choice.

Disposable gloves may be worn for the protection of the hands against a full range of hazardous chemicals, biological materials, and sharp items. They are regularly used in medical environments for the prevention of direct contact and cross-contamination between staff and patients.

Disposable gloves are also regularly purchased for protection when undertaking cleaning tasks. Likewise, they are worn for the prevention of contamination when carrying out food handling duties. Additional industrial applications include agriculture, marine environments, baby care, beauty and manufacturing. Disposable gloves are commonly subject to rigorous testing and are supplied with the assurance of having met key safety and quality standards.

Thick gloves are recommended for protection against potentially harmful chemicals and mechanical damage. However, you should be aware that they will have a poorer grip and may not offer the same level of flexibility as other types of gloves.

There is a variety of factors that should be considered in the choice of disposable gloves, as highlighted in the following table:

The process of how to measure glove size requires the use of a flexible tape measure. In order to correctly identify your glove size, you will need to measure the circumference of your dominant hand, across the palm and directly behind the knuckles. The thumb shouldn’t be included in the measurement. The number of inches recorded in the measurement should correspond with the size of the glove. As an example, a size 8 glove should be selected on taking an 8-inch measurement.

You must keep disposable gloves in the appropriate storage conditions to limit any degradation. You should be aware that dust, sunlight, moisture, and extreme conditions may all have a bearing on the condition of stored gloves. Therefore, you should keep them in a dry, well-ventilated area to effectively prevent deterioration.

Carry out a thorough inspection of the disposable gloves before use. Gloves that have been taken out of the protective packaging and stored inappropriately may be torn or contaminated. If damaged or ineffective gloves are worn, there will be a direct risk to the individual wearing them so gloves should be immediately replaced if any signs of degradation are identified.

Disposable Glove Breakthrough Time

Breakthrough time refers to the period between exposure of a hazardous chemical or substance to the glove and breakage of the surface resulting in direct skin contact. It is said to occur when the permeation rate is at a level of 0.1mg/m2/second. Glove protection will be considered inadequate at this point.

Factors that have a bearing on the breakthrough time include:

• Glove thickness
• Chemical concentration
• Level of chemical exposure
• Amount of time that elapses in contact with the glove
• The likelihood of abrasion or puncturing

Disposable Glove Permeation Rate

The permeation rate of a disposable glove is measured in terms of milligrams per square metre per second (mg/m2/sec). It is specific to the steady-state flow of the permeating chemical in relation to the glove elastomer. The permeation process involves initial contact with the substance, penetration through the glove surface, and spread across the inner glove lining. As mentioned above, glove thickness is one of the factors which has a direct bearing on the permeation rate.

Safety standards should be taken into consideration when purchasing disposable gloves. It is expected that you will refer to the EU and US standards specific to the safety of gloves across a variety of applications. You should be aware that the AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) refers to an internationally recognised standard for measurement of pinhole defects across different types of disposable gloves. The lower the AQL level, the greater the level of protection. You can expect to pay more for gloves with low AQL levels due to the corresponding quality and manufacturing costs. The majority of disposable gloves in the UK and Europe have AQL numbers of 1.5 and 4.0. However, you can purchase gloves with AQL levels as low as 0.65 for tasks of significant risk.

The key European standards are as follows:

• EN420 – General requirements
• EN455 – Medical use
• EN1149 – Electrostatic properties
• EN374 – Chemical and microorganism
• 93/42/EEC – Medical devices directives

What is a Beaded Cuff?

Some varieties of disposable gloves are produced with beaded cuffs for added durability and comfort. These cuffs ensure enhanced forearm protection and strength in the process of glove donning.

What Does 'Cotton Flocklined' Mean?

Gloves that have a cotton-based flock lining are particularly easy to put on and remove. The cotton lining also increases the thickness of the gloves, protecting against punctures and abrasions. They are considered to be a particularly good choice for keeping the hands comfortable and warm.

Why are Some Gloves Chlorinated?

Chlorine is typically applied during the production of heavy-duty disposable gloves. The added chlorine has the effect of hardening and strengthening the glove material - ideal for high-risk applications.

What are the Benefits of Nitrile Gloves?

Nitrile gloves are highly resistant to ripping and tearing. They are far more durable than latex and PVC disposable gloves.

What is the Powder in Gloves?

A variety of dusting and donning powders, mould-release compounds, and manufacturing debris can be applied to disposable gloves. This application of powder allows for separation of the gloves during the manufacturing process. Chlorine may also be used to reduce the level of stickiness, therefore avoiding the need to add dusting powder.