Protective Gloves

Protective Gloves for Healthcare
One of the most important things to remember about gloves used in most healthcare settings is that they are considered medical devices and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Medical gloves can include surgical gloves, examination gloves or gloves for handling chemotherapy agents.The FDA advises medical and healthcare workers to wear Protective Gloves any time they might come into contact with a patient's bodily fluids, such as blood, vomit or urine, or any other possible contaminants.

Protective Gloves for the Food Industry
In food service, protecting workers from bacteria in raw meats and other ingredients is just as important as protecting patrons from germs and microbes that might be on workers' hands. Those in the food industry must also avoid cross-contamination and must change gloves after handling raw meat, fish and other items before touching a different item. Comfortable, loose-fitting and affordable gloves like PVC, vinyl and TPE make these changes quick and easy.

Protective Gloves for Chemical Manufacturing
Gloves are extremely important when workers can be exposed to potentially caustic substances in jobs like manufacturing and petrochemical or oil refining. Some glove materials are resistant to certain chemicals but weak to others.

Protective Gloves for Childcare
Anyone who works in childcare knows it can be a messy business. Employees at daycares and similar facilities will face several situations where gloves are helpful or required during a typical workday. Gloves protect workers while changing diapers, cleaning up vomit or applying first aid to minor injuries. Gloves also protect children from germs on workers' hands, and they're useful and necessary when preparing children's meals or feeding them.

Visual Inspection
Before and after each use, look for signs of wear, such as fraying, tears, or holes. Ensure that the gloves have not become overly stretched or shrunk, as this can affect their protective properties.

Tactile Inspection
Put on the gloves and feel for any thinning areas, especially in high-wear zones like the fingers and palms. Also, check the glove's grip. Over time, the grip can degrade, making it harder to hold onto tools or materials.

Contamination Check
Inspect the gloves for any contamination like oils, chemicals, or other foreign substances. These can break down the materials of the glove, reducing its protective capabilities.

Check for Stiffness
Gloves that have become stiff or have lost their flexibility might have been exposed to extreme conditions or chemicals. Stiff gloves can hinder dexterity and might not offer the same level of protection.

Clean Regularly
If your gloves become dirty or are exposed to contaminants, clean them as per the manufacturer's guidelines. For many gloves, mild soap and water will suffice. However, always check for specific cleaning instructions.

Air Dry
After washing, let the gloves air dry. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or using a high-heat source like a hairdryer, as this can degrade the materials.

Store Properly
Store your gloves in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep them flat or hang them up rather than balling them up or folding them.
Avoid Chemical Exposure: Unless specifically designed for chemical resistance, keep your gloves away from oils, solvents, and other chemicals.

Rotate Pairs
If possible, have more than one pair of gloves and rotate their use. This allows one pair to rest and regain its protective properties while you wear the other.

Replace When Necessary
No glove lasts forever. If, during your inspections, you find that your gloves show significant wear or damage, it's time to replace them. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry.