When it comes to safety and hygiene, gloves are a critical protective tool across various industries. As a legal requirement in sectors like healthcare, food handling, and laboratories, wearing medical gloves ensures proper protection against contamination and infection. Whether you opt for disposable gloves for single-use or reusable options, choosing the right gloves not only meets legal standards but also enhances safety in the workplace.
What do you need to consider when buying gloves?
When buying gloves, you need to consider several factors, such as:
- The type of substance you may be handling, for example, body fluids or chemicals.
- Other hazards, like the risk of cuts or punctures, should also be taken into account.
- The level of dexterity and grip required is crucial for comfort and safety.
- Consider the type of contact (splashes or immersion)
- Ensure the correct sizes are selected for your team.
- Additionally, you should assess your organisation’s policies about latex allergies, as some medical gloves may cause reactions.
Your organisation’s risk assessment should identify when gloves are needed and the substances you may encounter.
What types of gloves are there?
There are several glove materials, including latex, nitrile, and vinyl. The appropriate material will depend on the substance being handled and the level of protection required. Safety gloves are available in various options for different industries.
Gloves can also be powdered or powder-free. Powdered gloves absorb perspiration and may be easier to put on, but they carry an allergy risk, particularly in clinical care settings. Disposable gloves are often powder-free, making them ideal for environments requiring minimal risk of contamination.
Gloves can be sterile or non-sterile, based on their intended use.
Nitrile gloves
- Nitrile gloves are excellent for situations where there is a risk of contamination.
- They react to body temperature, conforming to the hand for high dexterity and comfort, making them a great option for working gloves in medical and industrial environments.
Vinyl gloves
- Vinyl gloves are looser fitting than nitrile gloves.
- They are often used in low-risk, short-term procedures that require less strength and protection. They're often chosen as disposable gloves for basic tasks.
Latex gloves
- Latex gloves are close-fitting and strong.
- They are suitable for high-risk tasks and environments.
- Following advice from the St John Ambulance medical committee, as well as concern for our many commercial customers, we do not sell any type of latex gloves due to the risk of allergic reactions and recommend that vinyl or nitrile disposable gloves be purchased instead. Check your organisation’s policies on latex before ordering latex gloves from another provider.
Does glove size matter?
Getting the size right for the wearer is important to ensure the gloves are comfortable. If employees know their comfort has been considered, it will also help encourage them to wear gloves.
Tight gloves can restrict circulation, making hands feel tired. Too large gloves can be loose, with less dexterity, making the task at hand harder. Use the Health and Safety Executive’s sizing chart to help select the right sizes needed: HSE glove size chart.
Longer gloves are required for total immersion. The length of the glove should be greater than the depth of immersion. Short gloves will protect the wearer if the contact is only from occasional splashes.
What gloves should you put in your first aid kit?
Vinyl gloves can split, therefore, nitrile powder-free gloves are recommended for use in first aid kits and clinical care where contact with body fluids is possible. Including the right safety gloves in your kit ensures you meet hygiene standards while protecting both the responder and the patient.
When else should you wear gloves in the workplace?
According to the Health and Safety Executive, gloves should be worn if:
- There is prolonged or frequent contact with water. Look for gloves that meet European Standard EN374-2 – this shows they are waterproof.
- The label of the product you’re using indicates gloves should be worn (for example, bottles of cleaning products may show hazard warning symbols). In such cases, heavy-duty gloves or specialised working gloves may be required to protect against hazardous substances and prevent skin damage.
- Harmful substances are created by work processes.
For more information, check the Health and Safety Executive’s guidance:
HSE guidance on when to wear gloves.
Staying safe
It’s important to remember that wearing gloves is not a substitute for hand washing. Good hand hygiene should still be practised even if gloves are worn.
When removing gloves, follow the Health and Safety Executive’s guide for safe removal: HSE safe removal of gloves.
Gloves can be single-use or reusable. Disposable gloves should be safely disposed of after one use, particularly in clinical settings.
