5 Types of Lab Safety Gloves

1. Lab gloves for cold storage

High quality lab gloves are perfect for protecting against harsh liquids and chemicals while you work in cold environments. Their PVC coating -- with a rough finish-- provides the user with an excellent grip and chemical/liquid resistance. Additionally, the pile lining adds comfort and warmth.

2. Reusable nylon glove liners

Glove liners are made of high-quality, 100% continuous filament. Lightweight, full finger gloves can easily be used under a disposable glove for added comfort while reducing hand fatigue from perspiration. They also protect hands from prolonged exposure to latex, reducing the incidence of latex allergies and adverse reactions.
When liners are needed underneath a disposable or reusable glove, you’ll find excellent options here at Avantor.

3. Lab gloves for glass washing

Avantor’s line of industrial gloves from leading manufacturers are excellent for glass washing and other applications like general assembly, automotive, painting, manufacturing, and the handling of small, wet and oily parts.

• Lightweight, cut-resistant shell with double coating
• Sandy nitrile-coated palm and fingertips
• Excellent gripping
• Water resistant

To protect your hands while glass washing, explore gloves with a solid grip and cut resistance from Avantor.

4. Disposable gloves liners for underneath disposable gloves

Disposable glove liners offer hand and product protection for light-duty purposes. They feature hand and product protection for light-duty inspection purposes. They are available in light or medium weight for men or women and are also ambidextrous.

5. Heat resistant lab safety gloves

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), burns cost an average of more than $24,000 per claim. Safety gloves can help your company protect employees from burns – the second most costly injury. If you are looking for hand protection for work in extremely high temperatures, check out Avantor’s offering of heat and flame-resistant gloves from leading manufacturers to keep hands safe from burns.
For both laboratory and industrial safety use, heat resistant gloves can provide protection from temperatures as high as 800°F (430°C). For autoclave or other high-heat applications, Avantor offers products in the highest level of heat-resistant materials. The three types of heat-resistant gloves are shown below.

• Low heat-resistant gloves (Terry cloth and leather) 450°F (232°C)
• Medium heat-resistant gloves (Silicone) 450°F (232°C) - 540°F (282°C)
• High-heat resistant materials (Aramid fibers) 800°F (430°C)

Heat resistant gloves for use with autoclaves

An aid to lab safety, heat resistant gloves are designed for protection from high temperatures found in laboratories. They are usually made of heat- and/or flame-resistant materials. Heat resistant gloves should be used for such tasks as removing hot objects from autoclaves and drying ovens.
Autoclave gloves are designed to provide optimal protection when handling high-temperature containers and instrument trays. These extreme heat gloves are comfortable and pliable, so you can get the job done safely and efficiently every time.

How do temperature resistant lab safety gloves protect your hands?

The answer to this question lies in the materials the safety gloves are made of. These products are made of a grade of PPE that resists heat or cold to avoid any injuries due to extreme temperatures.
There is also a second class of heat-insulating gloves, which are made from materials that insulate the hand to minimize heat contact to the hand.
Cold-gloves have a latex shell coating the outside of the glove, along with seamless nylon construction for comfort and heat insulation inside the glove. They are designed for high performance due to the brushed fleece lining.

When to use thermal temperature resistant gloves for lab safety?

Gloves and glove liners are ideal for specialized laboratory environments, however there are a number of other industrial and workplace applications.
Insulative gloves can be used in commercial kitchen and laboratory spaces, as well as an array of other construction and engineering environments.

Do reusable lab safety gloves require maintenance?

Although reusable gloves require minimal maintenance, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that their functionality is optimal.
Many are machine washable but must be well-dried and stored in a dry and ventilated environment. It is possible that dampness or humidity will reduce the insulation capacity of an insulated glove.
It is highly recommended to check gloves regularly for any damage, as this could impact the function of the glove and may increase risk of injury.

Disposable vs. reusable lab gloves

Disposable gloves are generally thinner than reusable gloves, which allows for greater sensitivity. They can protect against mild irritants and chemicals but generally cannot be used with harsher chemicals.
Reusable gloves are designed to provide maximum durability and strength. Given that reusable gloves are typically thicker than disposable gloves, they tend to sacrifice sensitivity for durability and may not be the best choice for some intricate tasks.

Reusable lab safety gloves

People who carry out lab activities need safety gloves that are waterproof and moisture permeable, have a strong palm grip, and flexible fingers. Avantor’s selection of high-quality, reusable lab safety gloves offer these additional characteristics:

• Durable and ideal for harsh chemical conditions
• Great for extreme temperature conditions
• Gloves are often thicker, from 11-33mm
• May require glove liners
• Less waste accumulation

Disposable lab safety gloves

Disposable nitrile or neoprene gloves are usually appropriate as protection from incidental splashes or contact with lab chemicals. These kinds of gloves can increase comfort, boost workflow, improve production in the workplace and offer performance, protection and durability. Thin and comfortable, disposable lab safety gloves also allow for high movement precision.

Selecting the right lab safety gloves for your lab experiment

Selecting the right lab safety gloves can be key to the success of any laboratory. Poor quality gloves can negatively impact the efficiency and success of your laboratory, or, in some cases, can jeopardize the health and safety of your laboratory staff.
Finding the right lab safety gloves for your lab can be challenging. A few things to consider are the types of temperatures the gloves will be used for, and also the kinds of chemicals a user will be interacting with in the lab. You’ll need your lab safety gloves to be well matched for cold, hot or dangerous chemical environments.
Avantor offers lab safety gloves from some of the top suppliers in the industry and can work with you to help make the right choices for your needs.