Hand and Arm Protection - Common Gloves for Chemical Protection

The four most common types of gloves for chemical protection are as follows:

• Butyl rubber gloves
• Natural latex or rubber gloves
• Neoprene gloves
• Nitrile rubber gloves

Butyl rubber gloves have the following attributes:

• Protect against nitric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrofluoric acid, red fuming nitric acid, rocket fuels, and peroxide
• Resist oxidation and ozone corrosion
• Resist abrasion
• Remain flexible at low temperatures

Natural latex or rubber gloves have the following attributes:

• Are comfortable to wear
• Are pliable
• Resist abrasions from sandblasting, grinding, and polishing
• Protect workers' hands from most water solutions of acids, alkalis, salts, and ketones

Note that hypoallergenic gloves, glove liners, and powderless gloves are alternatives for employees allergic to latex.

Neoprene gloves have the following attributes:

• Are pliable
• Provide good finger dexterity
• Have a high density
• Resist tearing
• Provide protection from hydraulic fluids, gasoline, alcohols, organic acids, and alkalis

Nitrile rubber gloves have the following attributes:

• Provide protection from chlorinated solvents (like trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene)
• Allow for more dexterity and higher sensitivity
• Withstand heavy use for prolonged exposure without deteriorating
• Resist abrasion, puncturing, snagging, and tearing

Note that the U.S. Department of Energy's Occupational Safety and Health Technical Reference Manual provides a chart (Chemical Resistance Selection Chart for Protective Gloves) that rates glove levels of protection against specific chemicals. The ratings are abbreviated VG (Very Good); G (Good); F (Fair); P (Poor/Not recommended). This table is an excellent reference when selecting gloves to protect employees.

To learn more about HAZWOPER visit our HAZWOPER 40 Hour Online Training web page.