Why should I choose disposable Nitrile gloves?
Disposable Nitrile Gloves have become an increasingly popular choice for disposable gloves over latex and vinyl alternatives for a wide range of applications including in the delivery of first aid.
There are two key advantages that nitrile gloves offer over latex and vinyl gloves:
Nitrile gloves are produced from synthetic rubber which does not contain proteins which are found in latex gloves. Nitrile gloves therefore pose a lower risk of allergic reactions for the wearer and the casualty compared to latex gloves. It is the proteins used in latex gloves which are known to aggravate sensitivity to natural latex rubber.
The synthetic construction of nitrile gloves means that they are stronger than latex gloves offering increased resistance to tears and punctures as well as being more flexible and elastic. Nitrile gloves can provide up to 3 times more resistance to punctures compared to latex gloves. They are also resistant to oil and many chemicals, making them more suitable than Latex should contact with chemicals be expected.
Historically nitrile gloves had a reputation of not fitting the hand as well as latex gloves or being able to offer the same level of dexterity, sensitivity and comfort. In recent years however, improved manufacturing processes and glove construction mean that nitrile gloves are today a truly suitable alternative to latex gloves.
The British Standard for Workplace First Aid Kits (BS 8599) specifies that disposable gloves in first aid kits should be nitrile as opposed to latex or vinyl gloves providing further credibility to their suitability for their use in first aid provision.
Here at Safety First Aid, we offer both medical grade (AQL 1.5) options for disposable nitrile gloves. Our nitrile gloves are available in a variety of colours. Our blue nitrile gloves are ideal for use in food handling and catering environments as should the glove become torn and fragments fall into the food, they will be spotted easily. And as well as being popular with first aiders, ambulance crews, dentists and doctors, nitrile disposable gloves are also an increasingly popular choice in a number of other industries. They can be used by beauty practicioners, prison and security staff for searches, tattoo artists, police and waste management.