How to tell if a pair of safety gloves are chemical resistant?
When working with chemicals, it's essential to have the proper safety equipment to protect yourself from potential hazards. One of the most crucial pieces of safety gear is chemical resistant gloves. But how do you know if a pair of gloves will protect you from the chemicals you're working with?
Here are a few things to look for to determine if a pair of gloves are chemical resistant:
Look for the chemical resistance chart:
Many manufacturers provide a chart that lists the specific chemicals that their gloves are resistant to. This chart will give you a good idea of which chemicals the gloves can protect against and which ones they can't. It's important to note that not all chemicals have the same level of resistance, so it's crucial to match the gloves with the specific chemicals you'll be working with.
Check for certifications:
Look for gloves that have been certified by organizations such as the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) or the HSE. These certifications ensure that the gloves have been tested and meet certain standards for chemical resistance. It's also a good idea to check if the gloves have been tested according to the European standard EN 374, which is the standard for chemical protective gloves.
Check the material:
Different materials provide different levels of chemical resistance. For example, nitrile and neoprene gloves are often recommended for chemical resistant applications because they offer good chemical resistance and durability. PVC and rubber gloves are also commonly used for chemical resistant applications. But, not all materials are suitable for all chemicals, so it's important to check the chemical resistance chart provided by the manufacturer and match it with the specific chemicals you'll be working with.
Check the thickness:
Thicker gloves provide more protection than thinner ones. A thickness of at least 0.4 mm is recommended for most chemical resistant applications.
Check for additional features:
Some gloves come with additional features such as a longer cuff for added protection or a textured surface for improved grip. Consider if these features are necessary for your specific application.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it's essential to match the gloves with the specific chemicals you'll be working with and to check for certifications, material, thickness, and additional features. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you have the appropriate chemical resistant gloves to protect yourself while working with chemicals.
OAKEYS Safety has a wide range of safety gloves with access to chemical resistant gloves, take a look at our full range of safety gloves on our online store.
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