Better Workplace Protection--Which Gloves to Use
Minimize the Risks and Increase Safety by Choosing the Right Gloves
Gloves come in an array of materials and sizes today. One size does not fit all if the task requires dexterity, and modern workers should be educated about problems associated with some materials that can impact their health.
Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) Gloves
Since the Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued standard precautions in 1987 to prevent transmission of blood-borne pathogens, the use of NRL gloves in medical practices has become widespread. Gloves are worn for everything from patient care to handling laboratory samples. NRL gloves are an industry standard, offering the best barrier protection against viral organisms. They also have exceptional durability, flexibility, and resistance to punctures and abrasions. These are the gloves to use in moderate to high risk situations where exposure to blood or body fluids is very likely.
Problems Associated with NRL Gloves
Some cleaning chemicals and solvents can degrade latex and should not be used when NRL gloves are worn. Read labels to be sure solutions are safe, especially while cleaning in high risk areas.
The use of powdered latex gloves has been implicated in the development of devastating latex allergy in patients and caregivers. During surgery, the powder can become attracted to plastic materials used in some procedures, leading to the formations of adhesion and granulomas. Mysterious infections have also been blamed on the powder's ability to absorb bacteria, despite sterilization.
Nitrile Gloves
Sometimes packaged in stunning colors, Nitrile Gloves are a popular option for many industry applications. Resistance to viral pathogens is high and oil-based cleaners do not degrade them. Severe skin rash from Nitrile glove use is a risk because they are made with rubber processing chemicals. Unlike latex allergy, the rash is not life-threatening. Progress in the development of nitrile without chemical accelerators is underway, so look for new allergy free products.
Vinyl Gloves
Lacking durability and flexibility, vinyl gloves failed tests that measured their ability to protect wearers from contaminated blood and body fluids. They are stiff and not suited for tasks that require dexterity. They are, however, free of rubber proteins and chemical accelerators, making them a better choice for allergy sufferers in some low risk, low skilled tasks.
The selection of disposable gloves depends on the application, the risk of contamination, and the individual needs of workers. While exposure to blood-borne pathogens takes priority, it must be weighed against the risk to workers of serious allergic reactions. The use of powder in disposable gloves is being phased out, and new developments in synthetic materials offer hope that an ideal disposable glove for all applications will soon become an industry standard.
Gloves for High Risk Areas
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