Nitrile Gloves

Nitrile gloves provide high levels of protection for medical and care staff. Nitrile rubber is a practical and safe alternative to latex and vinyl. While latex gloves give a high level of protection in medical environments, they can give rise to allergic reactions. Vinyl gloves eliminate the risk of allergic reactions, and are an inexpensive option. However, vinyl weakens when stretched and offers limited protection from infections and chemicals.

Disposable nitrile gloves are a more robust, all-purpose option. Unlike Latex gloves, they are non-allergenic, and unlike vinyl, they are durable and exceptionally resistant to puncturing. They offer effective protection when handling hazardous and corrosive chemicals, and they form a barrier against infection. As a result, they are used widely in hospitals and other medical environments, and they are equally useful in a wide variety of job roles where high safety standards are required.

What are nitrile gloves?

Nitrile gloves are made from a synthetic rubber compound. They are close-fitting on the hand and fingers, and allow wearers to feel and grip while providing protection from infection and skin damage. They are disposable and should not be washed, decontaminated or reprocessed. Nitrile gloves do not contain latex which can cause allergic reactions. They are widely used because of the high levels of resistance they offer to abrasive materials and many chemicals and other hazards.

Do nitrile gloves expire?

The shelf life of nitrile gloves is in the region of three years. Gloves supplied by reputable manufacturers will give an expiry date on the package.

Who uses nitrile gloves?

Operatives in many fields have a requirement for gloves which protect the wearer and allow them to work in hygienic, sterile and clean environments. Sectors in which nitryl gloves are used include all types of healthcare, food preparation and processing, laboratory work, and pharmaceutical packing and handling. Nitrile gloves are a popular choice within the NHS and have a high resistance to chemicals found in care homes and hospitals, but not to corrosive cleaning chemicals.