Written by Jake Oakey on January 26, 2023

What are the main functions of nitrile gloves?


Nitrile gloves are a type of disposable glove made from a synthetic rubber known as nitrile. They are widely used in a variety of industries, including healthcare, food service, and industrial settings, due to their unique properties and benefits.

Functions of disposable nitrile gloves

One of the primary functions of nitrile gloves is to provide a barrier between the wearer's skin and potentially harmful substances. In healthcare settings, nitrile gloves are commonly used to protect against the spread of infectious diseases, as well as to protect healthcare workers from coming into contact with bodily fluids and other hazardous materials.

In the food service industry, nitrile gloves are used by food handlers to protect against contamination and ensure that the food they are handling is safe for consumption. In industrial settings, nitrile gloves are used to protect workers against chemical exposure, as well as to prevent skin irritation and other potential hazards.

Another important function of nitrile gloves is their chemical resistance. Nitrile is a synthetic rubber that is known for its resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including oils, solvents, and acids.

This makes nitrile gloves an ideal choice for use in industrial settings where workers may be exposed to these substances. Nitrile gloves are also able to withstand harsh conditions such as high temperatures and extreme temperatures, making them suitable for use in a wide range of industries.

In addition to their protective and chemical resistance properties, nitrile gloves are also known for their durability. They are more puncture resistant than latex gloves and are less likely to tear or rip during use.

This makes them a popular choice for tasks that require a high level of dexterity and sensitivity, such as in laboratory or medical settings. Furthermore, Nitrile gloves are also less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to Latex gloves, which makes them a safer option for people with latex allergies.

  • Barrier against harmful substances
  • Chemical resistance
  • Durability
  • Low allergy risk
  • Cost effective and promotes safe working conditions

Why are nitrile gloves a good choices?

Nitrile gloves are a good choice for a number of reasons:

  1. Chemical resistance:

    Nitrile gloves are highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals, making them an ideal choice for use in laboratory settings or other situations where workers may come into contact with hazardous chemicals.
  2. Durability:

    Nitrile gloves are made from a synthetic rubber that is more durable and puncture resistant than many other types of gloves. They are less likely to tear or puncture, providing better protection to the wearer.
  3. Allergy prevention:

    Unlike latex gloves, nitrile gloves are not made from natural rubber and do not contain proteins that can cause allergic reactions. This makes them a good choice for people with latex allergies or sensitivities.
  4. Comfort:

    Nitrile gloves are comfortable to wear and provide a good fit, with less risk of slipping or sliding off during use.
  5. Versatility:

    Nitrile gloves can be used in a wide range of applications, from medical and laboratory settings to food handling and cleaning. They are a versatile option for many different industries and applications.



Nitrile safety gloves

Nitrile cut safety gloves are a specialized variant of nitrile gloves that are designed specifically to protect against cuts and punctures. These gloves are typically made with a thicker and more durable material than regular nitrile gloves, and they often feature reinforced areas on the palms, fingers, and knuckles for added protection.

They are often used in construction, manufacturing, and other industries where workers are at risk of cuts and punctures from sharp tools and equipment. In addition, they are also used in industries that require high dexterity and tactile sensitivity such as in electronics assembly and inspection.

Portwest AP65 safety gloves



In conclusion, nitrile gloves are a versatile and popular choice for personal protective equipment. They provide a barrier against harmful substances, are chemical resistant, durable, and less likely to cause allergic reactions.

Nitrile cut safety gloves are a specialized variant that provide additional protection against cuts and punctures, making them ideal for use in high risk industries and tasks that require high dexterity and sensitivity. They are a cost effective solution that helps to protect workers from potential hazards and promotes safe working conditions.

Why are nitrile cut safety gloves a good choice?

Nitrile cut safety gloves can be a good choice for construction workers for several reasons:

  1. Cut resistance:

    Nitrile cut safety gloves are designed to be highly cut resistant, which is essential in construction where workers are often handling sharp tools and materials such as metal, glass, and concrete. This makes them an ideal choice for tasks such as handling rebar or cutting materials with saws.
  2. Comfort:

    Nitrile gloves are designed to provide a comfortable fit for the user, with less risk of slipping or sliding off during use. This helps to prevent hand fatigue and improve dexterity, which is important for construction workers who need to be able to handle materials and tools with precision.
  3. Chemical resistance:

    Nitrile gloves are highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals, which is important in construction where workers may come into contact with hazardous chemicals such as solvents and adhesives.
  4. Allergy prevention:

    Nitrile gloves do not contain natural rubber latex, which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. This makes them a good choice for workers who have latex sensitivities or allergies.
  5. Durability:

    Nitrile gloves are more durable and puncture resistant than many other types of gloves. They are less likely to tear or puncture, providing better protection to the wearer.

OAKEYS Safety is able to supply a range of safety gloves including disposable nitrile gloves and nitrile cut safety gloves, all products are available in our online store, if you cant find what you are looking for then contact the team - we are certain we can help!

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