If you’re trying to understand why you should select one glove coating over another to meet your PPE needs, you’re not alone. There are many coatings from which to choose, so how do you determine which one? Well, it depends greatly on the workplace hazard and the applications in which it will be used.
Workplace Hazards in the Selection of Coated Gloves
All of the various types of hand protection and glove coatings were developed in response to the type of PPE protection needed and required in the work place. Some specific types of gloves created in response to common workplace hazards that warrant the need for specific hand protection include the following:
- Chemical Resistant Gloves – To protect from chemicals that could burn the skin, such as those found in aerospace
- Heat Resistant Gloves – To protect from high heat applications, such as those found in steel mills
- Abrasion & Puncture Resistant Gloves – To withstand highly abrasive tasks like brick laying
- Cut-Resistant Gloves – To protect against sharp objects encountered, such as those found in metal stamping
- Impact Protection Gloves – To protect against impacts on the hands, which can occur in applications such as construction
According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), “It is essential that employees use gloves specifically designed for the hazards and tasks found in their workplace because gloves designed for one function may not protect against a different function even though they may appear to be an appropriate protective device.”
Types of Coated Gloves
NITRILE GLOVE COATINGS
An oil-resistant, synthetic rubber, nitrile provides protection against abrasions, snags, and punctures. Machine-knit nitrile-coated gloves are incredibly durable and offer an excellent sense of touch. They are available in flat nitrile, foam nitrile, sandy nitrile, and nitrile/polyurethane (PU) blend. They may also include the addition of nitrile palm dots to improve grip even more.
Common Applications: Auto Assembly & Repair, General Assembly, Electronics Assembly, Food Processing, Janitorial, Metal Fabrication, Painting, Plumbing/HVAC
Characteristics of Flat Nitrile Glove Coatings:
- Least Flexible of All Coatings
- Average Thickness
- Similar Durability to Polyurethane
- High Degree of Tackiness for Extra Grip
- Non-Porous
Gripping Strength: Dry – Good | Oil – Poor | Water – Poor
Example:
Characteristics of Foam Nitrile Glove Coatings:
- Flexible
- Average Thickness
- Good Durability
- Less Resistant to Abrasion than Flat Nitrile
- Slight Tacky Finish
- Porous
Gripping Strength: Dry – Excellent | Oil – Excellent | Water – Excellent
Example:
Characteristics of Sandy Nitrile Glove Coatings:
- Flexible
- Average Thickness
- Abrasion Resistant
- Added Gripping Power
- Minimal Tackiness
Gripping Strength: Dry – Excellent | Oil – Excellent | Water – Good
Example:
Characteristics of Nitrile/Polyurethane Blend (Microfoam) Glove Coatings:
- Best Flexibility of All Coating Types
- Thin & Smooth
- Lightest in Weight & Thickness
- Slightly Tacky for Extra Grip
- Porous
Gripping Strength: Dry – Good | Oil – Good | Water – Good
Here’s an easy reference for nitrile glove coatings:
POLYURETHANE GLOVE COATINGS
Without getting too technical, polyurethane (PU) is a petroleum-based thermoplastic elastomer. This makes PU glove coatings resistant to tears, snags and abrasions. It is also thin and so provides excellent tactility and reduces hand fatigue.
Common Applications: Painting, Appliance Manufacturing, Sensitive Assembly Operations, Aerospace, Wiring
Characteristics of Polyurethane Glove Coatings:
- Good Flexibility
- Good Resistance to Abrasion
- Better Wet Grip Compared to Other Coatings
- Thin & Lightweight
- Strong & Durable
- No Tackiness
- Porous
Gripping Strength: Dry – Excellent | Oil – Excellent | Water – Excellent
Example:
NATURAL RUBBER LATEX GLOVE COATINGS
Natural rubber latex provides exceptional gripping power and protection against punctures and abrasions. When paired with seamless, machine-knit shells, the high elasticity of the latex coating make these gloves exceptionally form fitting, flexible, and comfortable; however, latex may cause allergic reactions in some people. Available latex glove coatings include flat, foam latex, and crinkle (sandy) latex.
Common Applications: Drywall, Roofing, Forestry, Recycling Operations, Construction, Masonry, Tile Installation, Shipping & Receiving
Characteristics of Latex Glove Coatings:
- Flexible
- Relatively Thick
- Less Resistance to Abrasion Compared to PU/Nitrile
- Good Elasticity & Durability
- Minimal Tackiness
- Non-Porous
Gripping Strength: Dry – Good | Oil – Not Recommended | Water – Good
Example:
Characteristics of Foam Latex Glove Coatings:
- Flexible
- Soft, Pocked Texture
- Less Resistance to Abrasion Compared to PU/Nitrile
- Good Elasticity & Durability
- Minimal Tackiness
- Non-Porous
Gripping Strength: Dry – Good | Oil – Not Recommended | Water – Good
Example:
Characteristics of Crinkle Latex Glove Coatings:
- Flexible
- Heavy, Wavy Texture
- Less Resistance to Abrasion Compared to PU/Nitrile
- Good Elasticity & Durability
- Minimal Tackiness
- Non-Porous
Gripping Strength: Dry – Good | Oil – Not Recommended | Water – Good
Example:
PVC FOAM
PVC foam glove coatings are infused with air to create a porous, durable coating that rivals foam nitrile in abrasion resistance and offers improved wet grip and flexibility. In addition, these coatings will not adhere to glues and adhesives, which make them ideal for assembly with adhesive applications.
Common Applications: Assembly with Adhesives, Construction, Maintenance, Plumbing
Characteristics of PVC Foam Glove Coatings:
- Soft & Comfortable
- Durable / Hard Wearing
- Relatively Poor Abrasion Resistance Compared to Nitrile / PU
- Minimal Tackiness
Gripping Strength: Dry – Excellent | Oil – Good | Water – Excellent
Example:
Download this Comparison of Glove Coatings chart for easy reference. It includes additional information such as Limitations/Strengths, Prop 65 Compliance, Food Safety and more.
Related Information
BLOG: Nitrile Glove Coatings
DOWNLOAD: Hand Protection Glove Standards
DOWNLOAD: OSHA FACT SHEET PPE
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