Whether you’re a chef, hairstylist, nurse, or medical technician, you will inevitably need to handle food or chemicals daily. This means that wherever you work, there are high risks of exposing your skin to harmful bacteria and viruses. Fortunately, using the right gloves can drastically help protect you from these dangerous germs. In this blog post, we will discuss important things to keep in mind when choosing the right nitrile gloves for your workplace environment.
What are the main types of nitrile gloves?
There are multiple types of nitrile gloves, and it is important to be aware of their differences so that you can make an informed decision when purchasing a new pair.
- Sterile Nitrile- A sterile nitrile glove is designed to be used for sterile procedures. When using a sterile nitrile glove, the glove is designed to remain sheathed, so the wearer’s skin is protected underneath the glove. To use a sterile nitrile glove, you must have a sterile environment. The glove should not be used in a non-sterile environment because of the risk of contamination and transfer of harmful pathogens.
- Aseptic Nitrile – Aseptic nitrile gloves are constructed from a semi-permeable polymer membrane, which allows some moisture to pass through it. When using an ASN glove, the wearer’s hands will be protected so long as the glove is not removed to expose the wearer’s skin. There is a risk of cross-contamination in an aseptic glove environment, so it should only be used when there is no risk of transferring harmful pathogens.
- Coverage – The level of coverage offered by your gloves will depend on themany factors that determine the level of coverage you will receive from your gloves, including the chemicals you handle, the environment in which you work, and your occupation.
Factors that influence the cost of nitrile gloves
Many factors influence the cost of nitrile gloves, including the type of glove, the type of materials used in creating the glove, and the level of protection offered by the glove. Here are some of the factors that have the most influence on the cost of nitrile gloves:
- The level of protection offered by the glove. Thicker gloves generally provide a greater level of protection, but they also tend to be bulkier on the hands.
- The level of resistance offered by the glove. Thinner gloves are generally more flexible, but they also tend to be less durable.
- The cost of the raw materials used in creating the glove. More expensive materials tend to be more durable, versatile, and resistant to deterioration.
Other factors to consider when choosing your next pair of gloves
As a final piece of advice, it is worth mentioning other factors that may help you choose your next pair of nitrile gloves. These include your intended usage, the level of protection you require, the cost of the gloves, and the length of time you intend to use the gloves. As a general rule, thinner gloves tend to be more cost-effective, while thicker gloves may provide greater protection, but they may also be bulkier and harder to work with.
However, it is worth noting that this rule may not apply to every user. For example, a power user may require thicker gloves to withstand frequent wear and tear, while a person who only uses the gloves occasionally may be satisfied with a thinner pair.