Gloves designed to resist a wide range of chemicals; available in butyl, neoprene, nitrile, PVC, natural rubber, fluoroelastomer, and specialty formulations, lined/unlined, smooth/textured finish; ambidextrous, available in variety of sizes and thicknesses. Regulatory compliance details can be obtained at the individual product level.

The U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) standards for personal protective equipment (PPE) address the need for chemical protective safety gloves. PPE is required when hands are exposed to possible skin absorption of harmful substances or chemical or thermal burns.

The OSHA standard also mandates an assessment of chemical exposure and the choice of appropriate gloves based on:

• Dexterity demands
• Length of exposure
• Chemical concentration, temperature, and combinations
• Simultaneous hazards

What Are Chemical Resistant Gloves Used for?

Use chemical resistant gloves for work in chemical plants, transportation, chemical processing, petrochemical and oil refining, de-greasing, solvents, hazardous liquids, and janitorial and maintenance work.

Chemical resistant glove materials and possible applications include:

• Butyl ‒ high-permeation resistance to gas and water vapors; use with esters and ketones
• Neoprene ‒ excellent tensile strength and heat resistance; compatible with some acids and caustics; moderate abrasion resistance
• Nitrile ‒ chemical and abrasion resistance; for general-duty gloves; protects against oils, greases, petroleum products, some acids, and caustics
• PVC (polyvinyl chloride) ‒ resists most acids, fats, petroleum hydrocarbons; abrasion resistant
• PVA™ material (polyvinyl alcohol) ‒ water-soluble; gas-impermeable; resists aromatic and chlorinated solvents
• Viton™ material ‒ resists chlorinated and aromatic solvents; flexible; minimally resists cuts or abrasions

What Are the Best Chemical Resistant Gloves?

No single glove meets the PPE needs for all chemical exposures. Use the manufacturer’s test results to help select the right gloves and check ratings.

Some chemical resistant gloves come lined with cotton for comfort and have other special features. In addition to hand protection, eye protection is important as well. Make sure your facility is equipped with chemical splash goggles, faceshields, eye protection safety signage, and other PPE.