Gloves in Medical & Dental(133)

Gloves

Work and examination gloves offer protection from dangerous materials, cuts, abrasions, and chemicals. There are many types of gloves for use as personal protective equipment or PPE.

Common glove types: Four types of gloves are commonly used in industrial, medical, and scientific environments.

• Nitrile gloves offer protection from acids, grease, oil, chlorinated solutions, blood borne pathogens, and alcohol.
• Neoprene gloves are made of synthetic rubber and protect against gas fuels, alkaline substances, organic acids, and hydraulic fluid.
• Butyl gloves are also made from synthetic rubber and protect hands from ozone-related corrosion, abrasion, and industrial or laboratory chemicals.
• Latex gloves protect against blood borne pathogens, infectious agents, and water-based solutions made with salts, acids, alkalis, and ketones.

Some people are highly allergic to latex, so many workplaces have switched to nitrile gloves for PPE.

Specialty gloves: Insulating gloves protect against electrical shock. Cut-resistant gloves are used by chefs, butchers, and manufacturing workers who handle knives and sharp objects. Leather gloves provide superior grip and protection for agricultural workers.

Some gloves for PPE purposes are single-use, disposable gloves. Some gloves, like cut-resistant gloves and leather gloves, are intended for multiple uses.