University Glove Selection Guide
The information provided in the table is a generalization about the performance of each glove material. Actual performance may vary based on material type and manufacturer. For this reason, this information must not be the only source used when selecting the appropriate glove for your process. Other resources are listed on our PPE resources page. You may also call EH&S at (515) 294-5359 for assistance.
Latex (exam type)
- Advantages
-
Comfortable, Excellent dexterity; Uses: biological agents, dry chemicals
- Disadvantages
-
Exposure to latex proteins may elicit allergic reaction; Avoid: Liquid chemicals (little or no protection)
- Availability
-
Chemistry Stores; Central Stores
Natural rubber
- Advantages
-
Excellent flexibility; Tear resistant; Uses: Acids, alkalis, salts & alcohols
- Disadvantages
-
Exposure to latex proteins may elicit allergic reaction; Avoid: Oils, grease and hydrocarbon derivatives
- Availability
-
Chemistry Stores; Central Stores
Nitrile synthetic rubber (exam type)
- Advantages
- Chemical resistance data available; Good to excellent dexterity; Uses: Protection from chemical splashes
- Disadvantages
- May fatigue hands; Avoid: Prolonged contact with chemicals
- Availability
- Chemistry Stores; Central Stores
Nitrile synthetic rubber
- Advantages
- Very good resistance to abrasion and perforation; Uses: Oils, lubricants, hydrocarbon derivatives, and chlorinated solvents;
- Disadvantages
- Avoid: Solvents containing ketones, oxidizing acids and organic compounds containing nitrogen
- Availability
-
Chemistry Stores; Central Stores
Neoprene synthetic rubber
- Advantages
- Uses: Multi-purpose chemical resistance, acids, aliphatic solvents, petroleum products, alcohols
- Disadvantages
- Not as flexible as natural rubber; Avoid: See manufacturer's selection guide
- Availability
- Chemistry Stores; Central Stores
Butyl synthetic rubber
- Advantages
- Highest permeation resistance to gas or water vapors; Uses: Esters, ketones, alcohols
- Disadvantages
- Expensive; Avoid: See manufacturer's selection guide
- Availability
- Off-campus safety supplier
Viton (fluoroelastomer)
- Advantages
- Most chemically resistant of all synthetic rubbers; Uses: Aromatic, chlorinated and aliphatic hydrocarbons
- Disadvantages
- Minimal resistance to cuts and abrasions; Expensive; Avoid: See manufacturer's selection guide
- Availability
- Off-campus safety supplier
Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC)
- Advantages
- Excellent abrasion resistance; No latex proteins (non-allergenic); Uses: Acids/bases, alcohols, fats, petroleum hydrocarbons
- Disadvantages
- Weak mechanical resistance; Avoid: Solvents containing ketones and aromatic solvents
- Availability
- Chemistry Stores
Poly Vinyl Alcohol (PVA)
- Advantages
- Uses: Acids/bases, aromatic and chlorinated solvents
- Disadvantages
- Avoid: Contact with water or water-based solutions, water solubles
- Availability
- Off-campus safety supplier
Laminate material (Silver Shield, Barrier)
- Advantages
- Uses: Highest chemical resistance of any glove material
- Disadvantages
- Very slippery when wet; Reduced dexterity; Minimal cut, snag and puncture resistance; Avoid: See manufacturer's selection guide
- Availability
- Off-campus safety supplier