Disposable Gloves

Cross-contamination is a daily risk for a number of workers. In the food processing and preparation industries especially, cross-contamination can spread bacteria such E.coli or Salmonella throughout very quickly. In a lab, it can destroy research and make specimen samples unusable. In the dental exam room, it prevents the spread of blood borne pathogens such as MRSA, HIV or Hepatitis C. Disposable gloves reduce contamination from occurring in both an inexpensive, effective manner and keep environments clean which ultimately elevates compliance.

Hospital, medical, dental, tattoo and veterinary office workers come into contact with bodily fluids such as blood, urine, salvia on a regular basis. Because of this, bacteria and viruses can spread fast-both among staff and the people and pets under the facilities' care. However, wearing and properly changing disposable gloves is an effective solution for keeping pathogens from transferring from one patient to another.Properly removing disposable gloves adds another layer to their protection. Instead of just pulling them off and tossing them into the trash, leaving pathogens on the outside of gloves exposed, make sure you fold your gloves over onto themselves. By folding the dirty surfaces over, all of the harmful substances will stay contained within them and a clean surface is available when disposing.

Some workers have no idea what they might encounter from one day to the next. Such is the case with plant and wildlife professionals, forensics, labs, EMT's, mechanics and doctor's. In the field, a worker might make contact with fluids or substances such as fentanyl that are toxic or can cause a severe allergic reaction.For this reason, disposable industrial and medical exam gloves provide professionals with a reliable layer of protection against the biohazards, molds, toxins, poisons and other dangerous substances that they might encounter. Because they're lightweight and comfortable, these types of gloves stand a better chance of being worn-allowing for a high level of P.P.E. compliance.

Their name says it all. Disposable gloves get tossed after one use -whether it's after a full shift or after coming into contact with one patient or specimen. Because they're not designed for wearing again and again, they don't have a chance to wear out under normal circumstances. Do your research before use. Harsh chemicals, animal fats and abrasive or sharp surfaces will degrade gloves fast. If you work is an industry where gloves get a workout, thicker materials or proper materials help them hold up through the shift or job application.

Disposable Glove MaterialsThe number one factor to consider when you're figuring out how to choose disposable gloves is the material, which will determine their feel and function. The three most common materials are latex, nitrile, and vinyl.

Mechanics Disposable GlovesConsider how much you want your gloves to visually contrast with external materials. Do you want to increase or decrease their visibility? For example, mechanics often prefer black disposable gloves to lower the visibility of grease. Conversely, cleanroom workers prefer white disposable gloves to make contamination more visible on the glove. Some workers, like those in food service, prefer the gloves themselves to be brightly colored and highly visible.You may also want to color code your disposable gloves to avoid any cross-contamination from different areas of a lab or simply to improve organization.

Disposable Gloves SizingThe last factor to determine how to choose disposable gloves is size. Picking the right size is essential for any PPE, but perhaps none more so than disposable gloves. Too small, and not only will they cause discomfort, but they also run the risk of tearing. Too big, and they not only decrease performance, but they also run the risk of increasing exposure to contaminants.The right disposable gloves should feel snug yet comfortable and dexterous. Sizes range from Extra Small up to XXL, so we recommend visiting our glove sizing page to help you find the size that's right for you.

The next factor to consider when determining how to choose disposable gloves is their mil thickness. This can range from 4 Mil (a.k.a. 4 millimeters thick) all the way up to 15 Mil. The higher the mil, the thicker the gloves, and the more wear and tear they will be able to sustain.Depending how demanding your application is, and how durable and long-lasting you want your gloves to be, will guide the disposable glove thickness you should select.

Medical Disposable GlovesMedical gloves, also known as exam gloves, are designed with utmost security in mind to protect medical professionals from hazardous microorganisms. In order to qualify for medical grade, the gloves must meet the inspection standards of the FDA and ASTM. If you're a medical professional, look for “exam” in the product title to ensure your gloves meet the task at hand.Workers outside the medical field should look at industrial grade gloves. If the glove does not say “exam”, it is safe to assume that they are industrial grade.