Laboratory Gloves Guide: Types, Standards & How to Choose

Do you work in pharmaceutical manufacturing? Food testing? Environmental analysis? Or in education? Choosing the right laboratory gloves is probably a decision you make every single day. There isn’t a single best glove for every task. It’s just not that simple.

Each material of glove, strikes a different balance. A balance of chemical protection, elasticity, durability and tactile sensitivity. The wrong glove can lead to chemical permeation. It can also lead to reduced dexterity or even allergic reactions. Making the right choice depends on a few things. The specific hazards in your work, the chemicals involved and how long the task lasts. These all really matter.

Understanding the Main Types of Lab Gloves

To choose the right lab gloves, we can start with figuring out two things. The strengths and limitations of each material.

Nitrile Gloves

Nitrile gloves are made from nitrile which is a synthetic rubber. It has become the standard choice in modern labs. It offers really strong puncture resistance. It also gives you reliable protection against many chemicals, oils and fuels. The only downside is, it performs poorly against ketones. For example, acetone and some chlorinated solvents.

Are nitrile gloves latex-free you might be asking? Yes. Nitrile gloves are made from acrylonitrile-butadiene synthetic rubber. They contain no natural rubber latex. That makes them a really solid alternative for preventing and managing Type I latex allergies in your place of work.

Nitrile is mechanically stronger than latex. But the only thing is it offers less elasticity and tactile feedback.

Latex Gloves

Latex gloves are made from the natural rubber latex which is still a pretty popular choice. It’s popular for tasks that need maximum dexterity, flexibility and tactile sensitivity. Jobs like micro-pipetting for example. Latex protects really well against water-based solutions. Also against biological hazards and alkalis. But unfortunately it’s not great at resisting oils, greases and many organic solvents. And then you have the risk of Type I latex allergy. Because of this, many facilities prefer non-latex alternatives.

Vinyl Gloves

Vinyl gloves are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). They are a very cost effective choice. They are good for low-risk, general lab duties and tasks. Especially where there isn’t much chemical exposure. They are latex-free which is good and suit short tasks. You could happily use them for basic cleaning or handling non-hazardous materials. But if you compare it with nitrile or latex, vinyl has low elasticity, limited puncture resistance and poor chemical resistance. So that's good to remember when making your choice.

Neoprene Gloves

Neoprene (polychloroprene) gloves combine three things really well. Chemical resistance, flexibility and comfort. They perform very well against many acids, bases and alcohols. But unfortunately their resistance to aromatic and chlorinated solvents can vary quite a bit. Neoprene is chosen a lot of the time because users need good chemical resistance but with more elasticity than really thick nitrile gloves can provide.

Specialised Gloves

Heat-resistant gloves: These are designed for handling autoclaved items and very hot glassware. They use insulating materials. Materials like terry cloth or synthetic fabrics.

Biodegradable gloves: These are nitrile gloves that are formulated to break down faster than standard nitrile in landfill conditions.

Lab Glove Comparison Guide

This table compares nitrile, latex, vinyl and neoprene gloves. We look at core performance points:

Reading the Box: Key EN Safety Standards Explained

Laboratory glove packaging carries standardised European markings. These markings show how the glove performed when it was in testing. Understanding these can really help you choose gloves that are compliant and most importantly safe.

EN ISO 374: Protection Against Chemicals and Micro-Organisms

EN ISO 374 is the main standard for chemical-resistant gloves and protection against micro-organisms. It has a few parts:

• EN ISO 374-1: Classes chemical protection as Type A, B or C. It does this based on breakthrough times against a set list of test chemicals.
• EN ISO 374-2: This tests resistance to penetration. Through leaks, using air and water.
• EN ISO 374-5: This assesses protection against bacteria and fungi. And against viruses where the glove is marked "VIRUS".

Understanding Breakthrough Time

Breakthrough time is basically how long a chemical takes to permeate through intact glove material at a molecular level. This is very different from physical degradation, or even tearing. Breakthrough times vary with material thickness. They also vary with chemical concentration and temperature. Because of this it's never safe to guess a glove's barrier capability. Always check the manufacturer's chemical resistance data. And you should check Section 8 of the chemical's Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Other Common Standards

• EN 455: This sets requirements for single-use medical and examination gloves, covering freedom from holes, physical properties and biological evaluation.
• EN 388: This covers protection against mechanical risks. This includes abrasion, cut, tear and puncture resistance.

Fit, Sizing and Safe Use

Even the highest-rated glove won't protect you if it doesn’t fit well or you’ve used it incorrectly.

Proper Sizing

Gloves that are too large reduce dexterity. They increase hand fatigue and can catch in equipment sometimes. Gloves that are too small will stretch the material thin. This will reduce tear strength and shorten chemical breakthrough times. To find your correct size, measure the circumference of your hand around the knuckles. Excluding the thumb.

When to Change Gloves

Disposable laboratory gloves are designed for splash protection. But definitely not prolonged chemical contact. Remember that. Change gloves immediately if they are splashed with a hazardous chemical. If you spot a tear, puncture or other damage. If you finish a task, or move between different chemical preparations. And if they show signs of degradation. Like swelling, stickiness or discolouration.

Safe Removal (Doffing)

To avoid contaminating your skin when you're removing your gloves:

1. Grasp the outside of one glove near the wrist without touching bare skin.
2. Peel it down and away from the hand. Turning it inside out.
3. Hold the removed glove in the palm of your gloved hand.
4. Slide your bare fingers inside the cuff of the remaining glove. Peel it off over the first, creating a pouch containing both gloves inside it.
5. Dispose of them in line with your facility's waste procedures. Wash your hands thoroughly after you’re done.

Compliance for Irish Laboratories

We can see in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. Employers in Ireland must assess workplace risks and put appropriate and proper controls in place. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a big part of that.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) treats PPE, including laboratory gloves, as the last line of defence, after elimination, engineering controls and safe work practices. Your risk assessment should ideally identify the chemical, biological and physical hazards involved. So that the gloves you choose meet the relevant European standards for each of those hazards.

Laboratory Gloves from Ocon Chemicals

Founded in 1981, Ocon Chemicals is an Irish and family-run laboratory supplier. We are ISO 9001 accredited and REACH compliant. We supply laboratories all across Ireland.

We’ve got disposable and reusable gloves for a wide range of lab applications:

• Single use exam gloves: nitrile, latex and vinyl examination gloves from brands including Aurelia, Semperguard and Unicare.
• Chemical-resistant gloves: Ansell Solvex nitrile and neoprene gloves.
• Special options: biodegradable nitrile gloves (Ecohold) and heat-resistant gloves (Clavies).

Browse the full range! Look at the Ocon Chemicals Safety & PPE catalogue. We promise fast delivery across Ireland.

Laboratory Gloves Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between chemical penetration and permeation?

Penetration is when a chemical passes through physical imperfections. This could be tears, pinholes or seams. Permeation is when a chemical moves through intact glove material at a molecular level, over time.

Are all nitrile gloves chemical resistant?

No. Thin disposable nitrile gloves give splash protection against minor spills. Gloves rated EN ISO 374-1 Type A have passed at least 30 minutes' breakthrough testing. Against six or more test chemicals. But you should still always check the glove's data for the specific chemical you are using.

How do I know which glove to use for a specific chemical?

You have to check Section 8 (Exposure Controls/Personal Protection) of the chemical's Safety Data Sheet. You then cross-reference that chemical against the glove manufacturer's chemical resistance data. This should confirm breakthrough times before handling it.

Can disposable lab gloves be washed and reused?

No not at all. Washing disposable gloves with water, alcohol or disinfectants can degrade the material. It weakens its barrier protection. Discard single-use gloves after contamination or right after a task is complete.

Contact Ocon Chemicals today!