Chemical safety and glove selection

Important Considerations About Chemical-Resistant Gloves

The most important thing to remember is that there is NO SUCH THING as a chemical-PROOF glove! Gloves are usually rated based on permeability and degradation.

Permeability, or permeation, is the ability of one substance to pass thorough another.

Degradation is a physical deterioration of the material in contact with the chemical.

How do I know that a chemical-resistant glove has degraded?

Degraded gloves may swell, discolor, lose flexibility, dissolve, tear more easily, wear through quickly, and puncture easily. If you recognize any of these characteristics in the gloves you are wearing, discard them and obtain a new pair. WHY? Many products and chemicals contain substances that can be harmful to the skin or be absorbed through the skin. Once absorbed, the chemical could migrate to and harm other organs in the body, such as the kidneys or the liver.

How do I determine which glove is appropriate?

• Refer to the MSDS for the chemical you are using.
• Consult the glove manufacturer for chemical compatibility information.
• When handling chemicals, it is very important to use the proper glove!