Work gloves are an essential type of PPE used in a variety of industries including healthcare, pharmaceutical, construction, automotive, manufacturing, and the list goes on. Ensuring that your work gloves are appropriate for the type of work you’re performing is critical to prevent hand injuries. There are various types of work gloves including cut-resistant gloves, fire-resistant gloves, and those that protect against specific types of chemicals.
However, sometimes the very thing that is meant to protect you can actually cause harm and irritation to your skin. In fact, many people are allergic to many of the materials work gloves are made from. This article focuses on the most common types of disposable work gloves and their alternatives in the event that you or your employees are allergic to them. First, we’ll go over a common type of rash workers who frequently wear gloves experience—contact dermatitis.
What Is Contact Dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is a skin rash that occurs from exposure to a certain substance. The frequent use of hand hygiene products, glove use, or exposure to chemicals can cause or exacerbate the condition. Contact dermatitis is classified into two categories: irritant and allergic. Irritant contact dermatitis is non-allergic and presents itself as irritated, itchy, dry areas of skin where there was contact with the work glove. Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by exposure to accelerators or other chemicals used in the manufacturing of the gloves. Allergic contact dermatitis presents as a rash that develops in the hours after exposure to the gloves in the area of contact. When in doubt, look for gloves that are labeled as hypoallergenic.
Latex Glove Alternatives
Latex gloves are made from natural rubber and are most often used by those in the healthcare industry. Workers who use latex gloves include doctors, nurses, physician assistants, dentists, dental hygienists, tattoo artists, body piercers, aestheticians, and other professionals. Additional industries that may use latex gloves are food service, food processing, hospitality, and pharmaceutical.
Many workers develop allergies to latex gloves. If your business provides disposable latex gloves, you should offer an alternative as well. Nitrile gloves are a great alternative to latex gloves and are latex-free. Your employees can also try vinyl gloves, although vinyl may not offer the same level of protection against some substances or chemicals. This list from OSHA offers helpful information on the level of protection glove materials offer against a wide range of chemicals.
Vinyl Glove Alternatives
Disposable vinyl gloves are commonly used by those in the food industry to prevent the transfer of food, light chemicals, germs, detergents, and bodily fluids. Vinyl gloves are an inexpensive option and are pretty durable.
If any of your employees are allergic to vinyl gloves, there are a couple of alternatives available to ensure their hands are still protected. Your employees can try the powder-free version of vinyl gloves. In some cases, it’s the powder on gloves that causes skin irritation. Another option is to try accelerator-free vinyl gloves. These gloves are made without chemical accelerators, the most common skin irritant in vinyl gloves.
Nitrile Glove Alternatives
Nitrile gloves are made from synthetic rubber. They’re often the alternative of choice for those who are allergic to latex gloves. If nitrile gloves are not an option for your employees, butyl rubber gloves may be the next best alternative.
No matter which type of work gloves you need for your business, Zoro has you covered. Shop our gloves and hand protection category and make sure to check out our broader PPE category for all of your personal protective equipment needs.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions.