Gloves are necessary for many industries; they promote both hygiene and protection, therefore increasing safety in a working environment. There are many choices of gloves out there that are manufactured using various materials, however first you need to decide whether you require reusable or disposable gloves. There are both benefits and drawbacks to each product, what follows are the properties of both types of glove so that you can make an informed decision.

Disposable Gloves

In general, disposable gloves are thin. Because of this attribute, the user can retain excellent touch sensitivity and good dexterity. This type of glove is designed to protect against incidental contact with chemicals or other materials; such as when dressing a wound. This is because generally they have poor chemical resistance. If contact is made with biological materials or chemicals, it is important that they are changed afterwards and are not reused to prevent bacteria spreading or damage to the skin. It should be noted that disposable gloves are not suitable for handling aggressive chemicals. Since 1994, Sensifree Powder Free Latex Gloves have been our best seller when it comes to disposable gloves.

Reusable Gloves

Reusable gloves are typically much thicker than the disposable glove; therefore they offer much better protection. However, because of their increased thickness they can lower touch sensitivity and dexterity. Generally, this type of glove is longer than the disposable option, offering more skin protection; a good example of these products would be our PVC Red Gauntlet Gloves. Reusable gloves often offer better protection against liquids and hazardous chemicals. It is important that this type of glove is cleaned substantially after usage and left to dry to avoid contamination. If the gloves are used over a long period of time they should be inspected before use; if any holes are found or any other type of damage is seen they should be disposed of.

The Verdict

Both disposable gloves and reusable gloves have their benefits and drawbacks. When working with hazardous chemicals reusable gloves should be worn, but if you require touch sensitivity disposable gloves will be the best tools for the job. Here at Glove Club we stock an array of high quality gloves that are suitable for many different industries. For more information about any of our products, please get in contact with our experienced team who will be more than happy to provide you with the advice that you need.