Disposable gloves are taken for granted and seldom used efficiently due to limited industry knowledge about the various types of gloves. The use of gloves in workplaces has come to light (and popularity) in the last year due to COVID-19 and the subsequent legislation that has followed.
How much do you know about gloves and are you using the right gloves for the rights tasks in your workplace? We shed light on these handy tools in this article so you can ensure your using the right gloves for the task
Disposable gloves are those most seen adorning the hands of medical experts and cleaners. Well, this was the case before COVID-19 but we’re now witnessing these essential hand protection barriers on everyone from wait staff to console operators and supermarket attendants.
Disposable gloves are produced for use one time and then thrown away. Their purpose is to protect the wearer’s health as well as the health of the person they're caring for or producing food for. The primary goal is to prevent cross-contamination between persons. In the same respect, disposable gloves protect the wearer from contamination for their safety and the safety of others they may come into contact with.
The three most popular disposable glove types available are Latex, Nitrile, and Vinyl. Each has its strength and weakness.
Latex Gloves
Latex gloves are made from natural rubber and are the most popular choice in the healthcare industry thanks to their second-skin feel. It’s the glove of choice in medical and janitorial roles as the glove is very thin and the sense of touch is not impeded.
Strengths
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Affordable option due to high manufacturing outputs
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Fits like a second skin with comfort and dexterity
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Has a high level of sense of touch due to their thinness Has a high strength level
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Provides a very high level of protection against bacteria and some chemicals Is biodegradable
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They are lightly powdered making them easier to put on and off
Weaknesses
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Many individuals are allergic to latex
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Latex gloves are easily punctured
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The cost of latex gloves fluctuates in response to the availability of natural resources.
Nitrile gloves
While latex gloves are made from a natural resource, nitrile gloves are made from synthetic rubber that is similar in appearance and feel. These are the most popular gloves found in workplaces as they don’t contain latex making them a safer alternative regarding allergies in staff. Nitrile gloves also have a higher puncture resistance in comparison to alternatives.
Strengths
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Latex-free so they’re ideal for large workplaces that may employ staff who are allergic to latex
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These are the most puncture resistance of the three most popular choices of gloves – latex, nitrile, and vinyl
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Long-lasting and durable, able to be worn for longer periods
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Provides a very high level of protection against bacteria and some chemicals
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Has a long shelf life due to being a synthetic product.
Weaknesses
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Do not fit as well or snuggly as latex
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Is more expensive to produce and more expensive to buy as a result
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These gloves are not biodegradable.
Vinyl Gloves
Vinyl gloves are synthetic. They are less expensive than their nitrile counterparts while still providing adequate protection. Vinyl gloves are a popular choice in the food industry where hazardous substances are not common.
Strengths
Weaknesses
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They’re loosely fitting and susceptible to punctures
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They provide little production against hazardous substances, bacteria or chemicals
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These gloves are not tactile, and the sense of touch is limited
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These gloves are not biodegradable
Powder gloves vs Powder-free gloves
All three types of gloves discussed above are available in powdered and powder-free variants. Gloves are most commonly powdered to make them easier to put on and off, however, individuals can have allergic reactions to powder when wearing those gloves. Another disadvantage of powdered gloves is the powder coating they leave on the hand after their removal which can leave messy handprints on door handles, crockery, and anything else that is touched.
Powder-free gloves are often more expensive than the alternatives because the powder is removed in the manufacturing process rather than the gloves being developed without powder.
Best practices when using disposable gloves
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Check each glove before using it to ensure there are no rips or punctures, especially when working with high-risk substances
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Always wash and thoroughly dry your hands before using disposable gloves
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Never wash or reuse disposable gloves
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Replace bin gloves regularly to avoid discomfort or infection from long-term wear
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On some occasions, ‘double gloving’ is recommended to provide extra protection from hazardous substances in the event of the risk of the layer being punctured
Non-disposable gloves
Cotton knit gloves
The cotton knit gloves are a popular choice for waiters as they ensure cutlery, and crockery and the glassware is kept free of fingerprints in fine dining restaurants.
Red PVC and Green Nitrile safety gloves
These heavy-duty gloves provide excellent barrier protection from chemicals, pesticides, oils, fats, and grease.
Rubber latex silver-lined or flock-lined cleaning gloves
These reusable gloves are a staple in most workplaces, used by staff to complete cleaning tasks
Stock up on disposable gloves
Reward Hospitality has an array of disposable gloves available for purchase. Once you’ve selected the right gloves for your business, check out our catalogue and order today. Our numerous distribution centres located around the country will ship your gloves to you within 24 hours (subject to availability and circumstances outside our control). If you haven’t already, set up a trade account and we’ll ensure you have your order to you, without the worry of upfront costs, so you can get on with business as usual.