Nitrile or latex: which gloves should you choose?

What are the options?

If you are going to need disposable gloves for work or home use, then visiting the Brosch Direct website will help you decide what will be the most appropriate for you and the job which needs to be carried out. The Imperial College London website also has an extensive guide for those wishing to use the right kind of gloves, whether they will be used in medical research or by someone cleaning a work surface.

Nitrile gloves and their uses

The use of nitrile gloves has increased due to the fact that they are made from a synthetic rubber, which allows people who are allergic to latex or natural rubber to carry out any task that requires the use of these gloves.  

Benefits and pitfalls of nitrile gloves

Nitrile gloves are known to be up to three times more puncture-resistant than natural rubber gloves, which is good when you are dealing with sharp needles, but they can sometimes be slightly less flexible. The manufacture of the nitrile glove is improving rapidly as new techniques are found; therefore the tactile sensation problems previously encountered are now being overcome. The price differences that previously deterred companies from buying nitrile gloves have now changed and people are gradually using this product more. There are some industries which use these due to their resistance to chemotherapy drugs, solvents and oils.

Latex gloves and their benefits

The latex or natural rubber glove has been in use for many years and has been the preferred choice with some companies. They are especially good for use in biohazard protection and infection risk areas, but can cause an allergic reaction with a growing number of wearers. The advice given on the Health & Safety Executive's (HSE) website, regarding the protection of employees at work, is that a full workplace risk assessment must take place to ensure the correct gloves are worn for the right job.

Choosing the right gloves for your company

The use of gloves in the workplace is not just to protect you and your employees from harm, but also to protect whatever materials or foodstuffs you are using. The range of gloves available on the market is huge and you can be sure there are going to be the correct ones for you. Whether you choose latex or nitrile gloves for the job you intend them for, you will be guaranteed to get the protection and safety that is required.

Written by Bethany Taylor from Brosch Direct