Glove selection is a complicated decision which should not be taken lightly. There are many factors to consider when looking for a protective glove.
Every glove manufacturer provides chemical resistance and permeation information that you should make yourself aware of. It is important to keep in mind that every manufacturers glove is formulated differently which will influence which glove is right for the chemical you are working with.
Not all chemicals have been tested by glove manufacturers, and most mixtures have not. It is especially important in these situations to contact the manufacturer. There is no glove currently available that is resistant to all chemicals. Nor is there a glove that offers protection for an indefinite period of time.
Another important factor to consider when selecting hand protection is the amount of time you will be exposed to the chemical. Estimate the time you will be in contact with the chemical and choose a glove with an appropriate breakthrough time. Different glove materials provide varying protection to different chemicals. Some general guidelines to different glove materials follow:
- Neoprene: Resistant to mineral acids, organic acids, caustics, alcohols and petroleum solvents.
- Nitrile: Resistant to ketones, alcohols, caustics and organic acids.
- Natural Rubber: Resistant to ketones, alcohols, caustics and organic acids.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): Resistant to mineral acids, caustics, organic acids and alcohols.
- Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA): Resistant to chlorinated solvents, petroleum solvents and aromatics.
- Nitrile: Resistant to ketones, alcohols, caustics and organic acids.
The following is a list of common chemicals used at Cornell University and the recommended glove to select for use:
- Acetone: Butyl Rubber, Nitrile, Neoprene, Ansell Edmont 4-H
- Acetonitrile: Butyl Rubber
- Carbon Tetrachloride: Nitrile, Viton®
- Chloroform*: Viton®
- Dioxane: Butyl Rubber, Ansell Edmont 4-H
- Ethanol: Nitrile, Neoprene, Butyl, Viton®, Ansell Edmont 4-H
- Ethyl Ether: Nitrile for light exposures
- Hexane: Nitrile, Neoprene, Viton®
- Isopropanol: Nitrile, Neoprene, Butyl, Viton®
- Methanol: Butyl, Viton®, Ansell Edmont 4-H
- Methylene Chloride*: Nitrile for light exposures, Viton®, PVA
- Toluene*: Viton®, PVA
- Xylene: Viton®, PVA
- Acetonitrile: Butyl Rubber
*will attack all types of natural and synthetic glove material
Remember to choose a glove that fits properly. Determine your proper hand size before ordering. Use a tape measure to find the circumference of your hand, in inches, around the palm. Measure right on the knuckles. The measurement in inches is your glove size (7"=size 7 glove). Of course, sizes may vary among manufacturers but usually XS=size 6-7, S=size 7-8, M=size 8-9, L=size 9-10 and XL=size 10-11.
If you have questions about what glove to choose or would like to place an order, please contact Environmental Health and Safety at 5-8200.