▸ Chemical-Resistant Gloves

Select Protection for the Actual Chemical Chemical-resistant gloves must be selected according to the substances being handled, not simply their colour, thickness or general description. Different chemicals can affect glove materials in different ways. Exposure time, concentration, temperature & working conditions also influence suitability. Industrial Shed's collection includes selected nitrile...

Select Protection for the Actual Chemical

Chemical-resistant gloves must be selected according to the substances being handled, not simply their colour, thickness or general description.

Different chemicals can affect glove materials in different ways. Exposure time, concentration, temperature & working conditions also influence suitability.

Industrial Shed's collection includes selected nitrile chemical gloves, protective gauntlets & specialist hand protection for Australian industrial, maintenance & cleaning applications.

Understanding Chemical Compatibility

The first step is to identify the substance & review its safety data sheet.

The manufacturer's glove compatibility information should then be used to assess whether a particular material & model is suitable.

Important considerations include:

Chemical identity & concentration
Expected contact duration
Splash exposure or sustained contact
Glove material & construction
Permeation or breakthrough information
Degradation resistance
Temperature & working conditions

A glove described as chemical-resistant is not necessarily suitable for every chemical.

Nitrile Chemical Gloves

Nitrile is used in a range of protective gloves, including products intended for specified chemical-handling applications.

However, nitrile gloves are not interchangeable. Formulation, thickness, lining & manufacturing method can affect their performance.

Some products in this collection feature longer cuffs or textured gripping surfaces.

Check the manufacturer's chemical-resistance information for the exact model before selecting it for cleaning agents, oils, solvents or other substances.

Choosing Glove Length & Coverage

Shorter gloves may be suitable for some assessed tasks, while extended-cuff gauntlets can provide additional forearm coverage.

The required length depends on how the substance is handled & where contact could occur.

Longer gloves do not automatically offer greater resistance to the chemical itself.

For broader protective clothing requirements, explore Flame-Resistant Workwear only where that category is relevant to a separate assessed hazard.

Understanding Glove Standards

Manufacturer documentation may reference chemical-protection testing such as EN ISO 374 or mechanical-protection testing such as EN 388.

These assess different performance characteristics.

A mechanical protection rating does not establish chemical compatibility, while a chemical test result must be interpreted according to the tested substances & limitations.

Only display certification or standards claims on product pages where supported by the relevant manufacturer documentation.

Fit, Dexterity & Contamination Control

Choose a size that allows controlled handling without excessive looseness or restriction.

Consider grip texture, lining & the dexterity needed for the work.

Inspect gloves before use. Follow workplace procedures for safe removal to avoid transferring contaminants to the skin.

Cleaning, reuse & disposal should follow the manufacturer's instructions & the substances involved.

Supporting PPE for Chemical Handling

Hand protection may be one part of a broader exposure-control strategy.

Where airborne hazards are present, see Half-Face Respirators for relevant equipment categories, subject to separate respiratory assessment.

For eye or face splash hazards, browse Head & Face Protection.

For wider workplace protection, explore Safety & PPE for Large Sites.