Collection: Disposable Gloves and PPE
ClickCleaning offers an extensive range of gloves, PPE and heavy-duty workwear designed to protect workers across diverse industries. Our comprehensive collection includes latex, vinyl and nitrile disposable gloves with some of the most competitive prices available, offering excellent value whilst maintaining the highest safety standards. From medical-grade examination gloves to industrial-strength protective equipment, our range features disposable plastic aprons, coveralls, household rubber gloves in multiple colours, rigger gloves, and specialist protective equipment including shoe covers and neoprene gloves. All products meet relevant safety standards including EN420, EN455, and EN374, ensuring reliable protection for healthcare, food service, cleaning, industrial, and domestic applications.
Gloves and PPE Product information
ClickCleaning offers an extensive range of gloves, PPE and heavy-duty workwear. Our prices on latex, vinyl and nitrile disposable gloves are some of the most competitive around and should save you money.
Personal protective equipment represents the final line of defence against workplace hazards, providing essential protection when engineering controls and safe work practices cannot eliminate all risks. Modern PPE technology combines advanced materials with ergonomic design to deliver superior protection whilst maintaining comfort and functionality across demanding applications.
At ClickCleaning, we provide comprehensive gloves and PPE solutions designed to meet varied safety requirements across all industries. Our carefully selected range includes Nitrile Disposable Gloves in black and blue for superior chemical resistance, Latex Powder-Free Gloves for medical applications, Vinyl Gloves in clear and blue for cost-effective protection, Household Rubber Gloves in pink, blue, yellow, and green for domestic cleaning, Industrial Gloves including rigger gloves and PVC options, Disposable Aprons in white and premium clear options, Coveralls for full-body protection, and Shoe Covers for contamination control.
The selection of appropriate gloves and PPE depends on understanding hazard assessment, material compatibility, and performance requirements. Chemical resistance varies significantly between materials, with nitrile providing superior protection against oils and chemicals whilst latex offers excellent tactile sensitivity. Barrier protection levels affect contamination control, with medical-grade products meeting stricter standards than industrial
alternatives.
Disposable Gloves Technology
Disposable gloves represent sophisticated protective technology engineered to provide barrier protection whilst maintaining dexterity and comfort. Modern manufacturing processes create consistent wall thickness, optimal grip characteristics, and reliable barrier performance across diverse applications.
Nitrile Disposable Gloves
Black and blue nitrile gloves offer exceptional chemical resistance combined with superior puncture protection for demanding applications. Nitrile construction provides excellent resistance to oils, greases, and petroleum-based chemicals whilst maintaining flexibility and tactile sensitivity.
The synthetic rubber composition eliminates latex proteins, making nitrile gloves suitable for individuals with latex allergies. This latex-free construction prevents sensitisation whilst providing reliable barrier protection against biological hazards and chemical exposure.
Chemical resistance characteristics include excellent performance against acids, bases, and organic solvents commonly encountered in industrial and
laboratory environments. The material maintains integrity when exposed to cleaning chemicals, making nitrile ideal for professional cleaning applications.
Puncture resistance significantly exceeds latex alternatives, providing enhanced protection against sharp objects and reducing the risk of barrier failure during demanding tasks. The material's strength enables confident handling of rough surfaces and challenging materials.
Temperature stability ensures consistent performance across varying environmental conditions. Nitrile maintains flexibility in cool conditions whilst resisting degradation at elevated temperatures, supporting diverse application requirements.
BioTouch Biodegradable Nitrile Black Gloves represent advanced environmental technology that combines superior protection with sustainable disposal characteristics. These innovative gloves maintain all performance advantages of traditional nitrile whilst offering accelerated biodegradation under appropriate conditions.
Latex Powder-Free Gloves
Natural latex gloves provide exceptional tactile sensitivity combined with excellent barrier protection for medical and precision applications. The natural rubber construction offers superior elasticity and comfort whilst maintaining reliable protective performance.
Powder-free formulation eliminates concerns about powder contamination and respiratory irritation whilst maintaining easy donning characteristics. The absence of powder prevents particle transfer and reduces the risk of allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Medical-grade quality ensures compliance with EN455 standards for barrier protection, dimensions, and biological safety. These gloves meet stringent requirements for healthcare applications whilst providing reliable protection across diverse medical environments.
Tactile sensitivity enables precise manipulation of instruments and materials, making latex gloves preferred for surgical procedures and detailed work requiring maximum dexterity. The natural elasticity provides excellent fit and comfort during extended wear.
Biodegradability characteristics support environmental responsibility whilst maintaining protective performance. Natural latex decomposes more readily than synthetic alternatives, reducing long-term environmental impact.
Vinyl Disposable Gloves
Clear and blue vinyl gloves offer cost-effective protection for applications requiring frequent glove changes and basic barrier protection. The polyvinyl
chloride construction provides adequate protection for low-risk environments whilst maintaining economic viability.
Cost-effectiveness makes vinyl gloves ideal for high-volume applications where gloves are changed frequently. The lower material cost enables extensive
use whilst maintaining basic protective capability for appropriate applications.
Clear construction enables visual inspection of contents and maintains aesthetic appeal for food service applications. The transparency allows monitoring of cleanliness whilst providing necessary barrier protection.
Blue colouration provides enhanced visibility for contamination detection and supports colour-coding systems in food preparation environments. The distinctive colour enables rapid identification of glove fragments if contamination occurs.
Chemical resistance includes basic protection against mild cleaning solutions and food-grade materials. Vinyl provides adequate protection for general cleaning tasks whilst remaining cost-effective for routine applications.
Limitations include reduced elasticity compared to latex and nitrile alternatives, requiring careful sizing for optimal fit. The material may be less suitable for applications involving aggressive chemicals or demanding mechanical stress.
Household Rubber Gloves
Household rubber gloves in pink, blue, yellow, and green provide durable protection for domestic cleaning applications whilst supporting colour-coding systems that prevent cross-contamination between different areas.
Colour-Coded Domestic Protection
Pink household gloves traditionally indicate general cleaning applications, providing durable protection for routine household tasks whilst maintaining
aesthetic appeal for domestic environments.
Blue household gloves support systematic cleaning approaches, enabling dedication of specific equipment to particular areas or tasks. The colour-coding prevents cross-contamination whilst maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Yellow household gloves often indicate bathroom and sanitary applications, providing durable protection against harsh cleaning chemicals commonly used in bathroom maintenance whilst supporting hygiene protocols.
Green household gloves frequently designate kitchen and food preparation areas, ensuring cleaning equipment remains dedicated to food-safe environments whilst providing chemical resistance against kitchen cleaning products.
Reusable Protection Technology
Rubber construction provides superior chemical resistance against household cleaning products, enabling safe handling of bleach, detergents, and
disinfectants commonly used in domestic cleaning applications.
Extended cuff design protects forearms from chemical splashes whilst maintaining comfortable wear during extended cleaning sessions. The longer length prevents solution infiltration whilst supporting thorough cleaning procedures.
Grip enhancement features include textured surfaces that provide secure handling even when wet or contaminated with cleaning solutions. The improved grip reduces fatigue whilst maintaining control during demanding cleaning tasks.
Durability characteristics enable repeated use and washing, providing economic advantages over disposable alternatives for routine cleaning applications. The robust construction withstands regular cleaning and disinfection procedures.
Industrial Gloves
Industrial gloves including rigger gloves, PVC knit-wrist gloves, and heavy-duty options provide mechanical protection for demanding work environments involving rough materials, sharp objects, and challenging conditions.
Rigger Gloves
Standard rigger gloves combine leather palms with fabric backs to provide balanced protection against abrasions, cuts, and mechanical hazards whilst
maintaining dexterity for material handling applications.
Leather construction offers natural resistance to abrasions and punctures whilst providing comfortable wear during extended use. The natural material
breathes well whilst maintaining protective integrity under demanding conditions.
Fabric backing enables flexibility and ventilation whilst maintaining structural integrity. The combination of materials provides optimal balance between protection and comfort for general industrial applications.
Mechanical protection includes resistance to cuts, abrasions, and impact hazards commonly encountered in construction, maintenance, and general
industrial work. The construction provides reliable protection whilst maintaining hand mobility.
PVC Knit-Wrist Gloves
PVC knit-wrist gloves provide chemical resistance combined with mechanical protection for applications involving wet conditions and chemical exposure. The PVC coating offers waterproof protection whilst maintaining grip characteristics.
Chemical resistance includes protection against acids, bases, and organic solvents commonly encountered in industrial applications. The PVC coating
provides barrier protection whilst maintaining tactile sensitivity.
Waterproof construction prevents liquid penetration whilst maintaining breathability through the knit backing. This combination enables comfortable
wear during wet work applications whilst providing reliable protection.
Grip enhancement features include textured PVC surfaces that provide secure handling even in wet conditions. The improved grip reduces fatigue whilst
maintaining control during demanding tasks.
Pro-Guard Industrial Heavyweight Gloves
Pro-Guard industrial heavyweight black gloves provide maximum protection for the most demanding industrial applications involving heavy machinery, sharp objects, and challenging environmental conditions.
Heavy-duty construction utilises advanced materials and reinforced design to provide superior protection against cuts, abrasions, and mechanical hazards. The robust construction withstands extreme conditions whilst maintaining protective integrity.
Chemical resistance characteristics include protection against industrial chemicals and solvents commonly encountered in manufacturing and maintenance applications. The material maintains integrity when exposed to demanding chemical environments.
Reinforced areas provide enhanced protection at high-wear locations whilst maintaining flexibility for essential hand movements. The targeted reinforcement extends glove life whilst maintaining protective performance.
Disposable Protective Clothing
Disposable protective clothing including aprons, coveralls, and shoe covers provides comprehensive protection against contamination whilst maintaining
cost-effectiveness and convenience for diverse applications.
Disposable Plastic Aprons
White disposable plastic aprons provide essential protection for food preparation, healthcare, and cleaning applications where contamination control
is critical. The lightweight construction enables comfortable wear whilst maintaining reliable barrier protection.
Standard white aprons offer basic protection for general applications requiring contamination control. The polyethylene construction provides adequate barrier protection whilst remaining cost-effective for high-volume use.
Premium extra-thick clear aprons provide enhanced protection for demanding applications involving chemical exposure or mechanical stress. The increased thickness provides superior barrier properties whilst maintaining visibility.
Tie-back design ensures secure attachment whilst enabling easy removal for rapid changeover between tasks. The tie system prevents contamination during donning and doffing procedures whilst maintaining user safety.
Contamination control benefits include preventing transfer of bacteria, chemicals, and other contaminants between different areas or tasks. The barrier protection maintains hygiene standards whilst supporting regulatory compliance.
Disposable Coveralls
Disposable coveralls provide comprehensive full-body protection for applications requiring maximum contamination control or chemical protection. The one-piece construction eliminates gaps whilst providing complete coverage.
Full-body protection includes coverage of torso, arms, and legs to prevent contamination exposure across all body areas. The comprehensive coverage
ensures protection whilst maintaining comfort and mobility.
Lightweight construction enables comfortable wear during extended periods whilst maintaining protective integrity. The material balance provides adequate protection without excessive bulk or weight.
Elastic closures at wrists and ankles provide secure sealing whilst maintaining comfort and flexibility. The elastic design prevents contaminant infiltration whilst enabling normal movement.
Breathable materials reduce heat buildup whilst maintaining barrier protection. The construction enables comfortable wear during physical activity whilst providing reliable contamination control.
Shoe Covers
Blue shoe covers provide essential protection for contamination control in clean environments whilst preventing tracking of contaminants between different areas. The disposable construction ensures fresh protection for each application.
Slip-on design enables rapid application and removal whilst maintaining secure fit during use. The elastic design accommodates various shoe sizes whilst providing reliable coverage.
Contamination prevention includes protecting footwear from chemical splashes, biological materials, and other contaminants commonly encountered in
industrial and healthcare applications.
Clean room applications benefit from the contamination control provided by shoe covers, preventing introduction of outside contaminants whilst maintaining sterile conditions.
Specialist PPE
Specialist PPE including Unger ErgoTec Neoprene Gloves provides advanced protection for specific applications requiring unique material properties or
ergonomic features.
Unger ErgoTec Neoprene Gloves
Unger ErgoTec Neoprene Gloves represent advanced technology designed specifically for professional cleaning applications requiring chemical resistance combined with extended wear comfort.
Neoprene construction provides excellent chemical resistance against cleaning solutions whilst maintaining flexibility and tactile sensitivity. The synthetic rubber material offers superior performance compared to natural alternatives.
Ergonomic design reduces hand fatigue during extended cleaning sessions whilst maintaining protective integrity. The construction supports natural hand
positions whilst providing reliable barrier protection.
Professional applications include window cleaning, facility maintenance, and specialised cleaning tasks requiring chemical resistance combined with
precision handling capability.
Extended wear comfort features include moisture management and ergonomic shaping that reduce fatigue whilst maintaining protective performance during demanding cleaning applications.
Safety Standards and Compliance
Understanding safety standards ensures appropriate product selection whilst maintaining regulatory compliance across diverse applications and industries.
EN420 General Requirements
EN420 establishes fundamental requirements for protective gloves including innocuousness, comfort, and efficiency. This standard ensures gloves do not cause harm whilst providing necessary protection.
General requirements include material safety, dimensional accuracy, and marking requirements that ensure consistent quality across all protective glove products.
Comfort specifications ensure gloves enable necessary hand movements whilst maintaining protective integrity. The requirements balance protection with functionality for diverse applications.
Efficiency standards ensure gloves provide advertised protection levels whilst maintaining durability through normal use patterns. The requirements
support reliable performance expectations.
EN455 Medical Gloves
EN455 specifies requirements for medical gloves including barrier protection, dimensional accuracy, and biological safety. This standard ensures medical-grade quality for healthcare applications.
Barrier protection requirements include freedom from holes and adequate thickness to prevent contamination transfer. The standards ensure reliable
protection for medical applications.
Dimensional specifications ensure consistent sizing and adequate coverage for medical procedures. The requirements support proper fit and protective performance.
Biological safety requirements include limits on latex proteins and chemical residues that could cause allergic reactions. The standards protect both
healthcare workers and patients.
EN374 Chemical Protection
EN374 specifies requirements for gloves providing chemical protection including permeation resistance and degradation testing. This standard ensures appropriate protection against chemical hazards.
Chemical resistance testing evaluates glove performance against specific chemicals commonly encountered in industrial applications. The testing ensures
reliable protection for intended uses.
Performance levels indicate the degree of protection provided against different chemical families. The classification system enables appropriate glove selection for specific applications.
Whether you're protecting healthcare workers, ensuring food safety, maintaining industrial safety standards, or providing reliable domestic protection, ClickCleaning's gloves and PPE range provides the performance, reliability, and compliance necessary for effective protection across all applications.
Please contact us if you have any questions about our range we can assist with.
Gloves and PPE FAQs
What's the difference between nitrile, latex, and vinyl gloves?
The fundamental differences between these glove materials lie in their chemical composition, protective properties, and intended applications, each offering distinct advantages for specific use cases.
Nitrile gloves are manufactured from synthetic rubber(acrylonitrile-butadiene), providing superior chemical resistance and puncture protection compared to natural alternatives. They excel against oils, greases, and petroleum-based chemicals whilst remaining latex-free, making them ideal for individuals with latex allergies. Nitrile offers excellent resistance to acidic and basic solutions, making it preferred for laboratory work, automotive applications, and industrial cleaning where chemical exposure is common.
Latex gloves are produced from natural rubber tree sap, offering exceptional tactile sensitivity and elasticity that makes them preferred for medical procedures requiring precision. The natural material provides excellent barrier protection against biological hazards and maintains comfortable fit during extended wear. However, latex proteins can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, limiting their use in environments where latex allergies are a concern.
Vinyl gloves are manufactured from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), providing cost-effective protection for applications requiring frequent glove changes. They offer adequate barrier protection for low-risk environments whilst remaining economical for high-volume use. However, vinyl provides limited chemical resistance and may not be suitable for applications involving
aggressive chemicals or demanding mechanical stress.
Selection considerations include the specific hazards present in your application, the frequency of glove changes, and any allergy concerns among users. For chemical exposure, choose nitrile; for medical precision work, consider latex; for basic protection with frequent changes, vinyl may be appropriate.
How do I choose the right glove size for optimal protection?
Proper glove sizing is crucial for maintaining protective effectiveness whilst ensuring comfort and dexterity during use. Incorrect sizing can compromise protection and increase the risk of glove failure.
Measuring your hand requires determining the circumference of your dominant hand above the thumb and below the fingers. Using a flexible measuring tape, wrap it around your hand at the widest point, excluding the thumb. This measurement corresponds to standard glove sizing charts used across the industry.
Size interpretation follows standard conventions where measurements typically correspond to sizes: 7-8 inches equals Small, 8-9 inches equals Medium, 9-10 inches equals Large, and 10-11 inches equals Extra Large. However, sizing can vary between manufacturers, so always consult specific sizing charts for each product.
Fit assessment involves ensuring the glove covers your entire hand without being too tight or loose. A properly fitted glove should allow normal hand movement without excessive stretching or bagging. The fingertips should reach the glove tips without stretching, whilst the palm should sit comfortably without bunching.
Oversized gloves can compromise dexterity and may be more prone to tearing or catching on objects. They can also allow contaminants to enter through loose areas around the wrist or fingers, reducing protective effectiveness.
Undersized gloves create excessive stress on the material, leading to premature failure and reduced protective capability. They can also cause discomfort and restrict circulation during extended wear, affecting work performance.
Professional applications may require trying different sizes to find the optimal fit for extended wear and specific tasks. Consider having multiple sizes available to accommodate different users and ensure everyone can achieve proper fit.
What safety standards should I look for when purchasing PPE gloves?
Understanding safety standards ensures you select gloves that provide appropriate protection for your specific applications whilst maintaining regulatory compliance.
EN420 represents the fundamental standard for protective gloves, establishing general requirements for design, construction, and performance. This standard ensures gloves don't cause harm whilst providing necessary protection levels. All protective gloves should meet EN420 requirements as a minimum qualification.
EN455 specifically addresses medical gloves for single use, covering requirements for barrier protection, dimensional accuracy, and biological safety. This standard is essential for healthcare applications and ensures medical-grade quality. Parts of EN455 include freedom from holes testing, physical properties, biological evaluation, and shelf life determination.
EN374 covers chemical protection requirements, specifying performance against chemical permeation and degradation. This standard is crucial for applications involving chemical exposure and provides classification levels indicating protection against specific chemical families. The standard includes testing for breakthrough time and degradation effects.
ISO 21420 has replaced EN420 as the worldwide standard for protective gloves, providing updated requirements that reflect current technology and safety understanding. This standard covers general requirements applicable to all protective gloves.
AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) ratings indicate the defect rate for gloves, with lower numbers representing better quality. Medical gloves must achieve AQL 1.5 or better, whilst industrial gloves may have AQL 4.0. Lower AQL ratings indicate fewer defects and better barrier protection.
CE marking indicates conformity with European safety standards and regulations. Look for CE marking on packaging to ensure the product meets relevant safety requirements for your application.
How long can I safely wear disposable gloves?
The safe wearing duration for disposable gloves depends on several factors including glove material, application demands, and contamination levels encountered during use.
General guidelines suggest changing disposable gloves every 2-4 hours during continuous use, even if no obvious contamination has occurred. Extended wear can lead to material degradation, reduced barrier protection, and increased risk of bacterial growth inside the glove.
Immediate replacement is required when gloves show signs of damage, contamination, or performance degradation. Replace gloves immediately if you notice tears, punctures, chemical contact, or visible contamination. Also replace gloves between different tasks to prevent cross-contamination.
Material considerations affect maximum wear time. Nitrile gloves generally withstand longer wear periods than latex or vinyl alternatives due to their superior chemical resistance and durability. However, no disposable glove should be worn continuously for more than 4 hours without replacement.
Application demands influence replacement frequency. High-risk environments such as healthcare settings may require more frequent changes, whilst low-risk applications might allow extended wear within safe limits. Always prioritise safety over convenience when determining replacement intervals.
Environmental factors including temperature, humidity, and chemical exposure can accelerate glove degradation. Hot, humid conditions increase perspiration and may accelerate material breakdown, requiring more frequent changes.
Signs for immediate replacement include visible damage, chemical contact, suspected contamination, loss of dexterity, or discomfort. Trust your judgment – if gloves feel compromised, replace them immediately regardless of wear time.
Are powder-free gloves better than powdered gloves?
Powder-free gloves offer significant advantages over powdered alternatives, particularly in terms of contamination control and user safety, making them the preferred choice for most applications.
Contamination prevention is a primary advantage of powder-free gloves. Powdered gloves can transfer particles to surfaces, products, or patients, creating contamination risks in sensitive environments. Powder-free gloves eliminate this risk whilst maintaining protective effectiveness.
Respiratory safety benefits include reduced risk of inhaling powder particles that can cause respiratory irritation. Powdered gloves release particles into the air during donning and removal, creating inhalation hazards for users and nearby personnel.
Allergen reduction is achieved through powder-free formulations that eliminate corn starch and other powdering agents that can cause allergic reactions. This makes powder-free gloves suitable for individuals with powder sensitivities.
Latex protein concerns are addressed in powder-free latex gloves, which typically contain lower levels of extractable proteins. Powder can bind to latex proteins and become airborne, increasing exposure risks for sensitive individuals.
Adhesion properties are improved with powder-free gloves, which don't leave residue on surfaces or interfere with adhesive applications. This makes them preferred for applications requiring clean surface contact.
Donning characteristics in powder-free gloves are achieved through surface treatments or manufacturing processes that enable easy application without powder. Modern powder-free gloves don comfortable as easily as powdered alternatives.
Professional standards increasingly favour powder-free gloves for medical, food service, and industrial applications where contamination control is critical. Many healthcare facilities have banned powdered gloves due to safety concerns.
What type of apron should I choose for food preparation?
Selecting appropriate aprons for food preparation requires understanding food safety requirements, contamination risks, and regulatory compliance whilst maintaining cost-effectiveness and user comfort.
Disposable plastic aprons provide excellent contamination control for food preparation applications where cross-contamination prevention is critical. They offer barrier protection against liquids and can be easily changed between tasks or when contamination occurs.
Material selection should prioritise food-safe materials that won't leach chemicals or particles into food products. Polyethylene aprons are commonly used for food preparation as they provide adequate barrier protection whilst remaining economical.
Colour considerations include using light colours such as white or clear for easy contamination detection. Dark colours may mask contamination, making it difficult to identify when replacement is needed. Some operations use colour-coded aprons to prevent cross-contamination between different food areas.
Regulatory compliance may require specific apron types for certain food operations. Check local food safety regulations to ensure your apron selection meets required standards for your specific food preparation activities.
Tie-back designs provide secure attachment whilst enabling easy removal for rapid changeover between tasks. The tie system should prevent contamination during donning and doffing procedures whilst maintaining user safety.
Length considerations include ensuring adequate coverage for the intended application whilst maintaining mobility. Longer aprons provide better protection but may interfere with movement, whilst shorter aprons may not provide adequate coverage.
Disposal procedures should be established for used aprons to prevent contamination spread. Used aprons should be disposed of properly and never reused for food preparation applications.
How should I store PPE gloves to maintain their effectiveness?
Proper storage significantly extends glove life whilst maintaining protective effectiveness and ensuring reliable performance when needed.
Temperature control is crucial for maintaining glove integrity. Store gloves in cool, dry conditions away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Extreme temperatures can cause material degradation and reduce protective effectiveness.
Humidity management prevents moisture-related deterioration that can affect glove performance. Store gloves in dry environments with adequate ventilation to prevent condensation and moisture accumulation.
Original packaging should be maintained whenever possible to protect gloves from contamination and physical damage. Keep gloves in original boxes or containers until ready for use to maintain cleanliness and organisation.
Inventory rotation using first-in-first-out principles ensures older stock is used before newer products. This prevents gloves from exceeding their shelf life and maintains optimal performance characteristics.
Contamination prevention requires storing gloves away from chemicals, solvents, and other materials that might affect their integrity. Separate storage areas for different glove types prevent cross-contamination and material interaction.
Physical protection includes preventing compression, folding, or crushing that could damage gloves before use. Store gloves in protective containers or shelving systems that maintain their shape and integrity.
Shelf life monitoring involves checking expiration dates and replacing expired products. Most gloves have shelf lives of 3-5 years when stored properly, but this can vary by material and manufacturer.
What's the difference between medical-grade and industrial-grade gloves?
Understanding the distinctions between medical-grade and industrial-grade gloves ensures appropriate selection for specific applications whilst maintaining necessary safety standards.
Quality standards differ significantly between grades. Medical-grade gloves must meet EN455 standards including stringent requirements for barrier protection, dimensional accuracy, and biological safety. Industrial-grade gloves typically meet EN420 standards with less rigorous quality requirements.
AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) ratings are stricter for medical-grade gloves, which must achieve AQL 1.5 or better, meaning fewer than 1.5% of gloves in a batch may have defects. Industrial-grade gloves may have AQL 4.0, allowing higher defect rates whilst maintaining adequate protection for less critical applications.
Barrier protection requirements are more stringent for medical-grade gloves, which must demonstrate superior resistance to biological hazards and maintain integrity under medical conditions. Industrial-grade gloves provide adequate protection for their intended applications but may not meet medical standards.
Material specifications for medical-grade gloves include stricter controls on chemical residues, protein content, and biological contamination. These requirements ensure safety for patient contact and healthcare worker protection.
Testing procedures for medical-grade gloves include more comprehensive evaluation of barrier properties, biological safety, and performance characteristics. Industrial-grade gloves undergo less rigorous testing appropriate for their intended applications.
Regulatory compliance differs between grades, with medical-grade gloves requiring registration as medical devices whilst industrial-grade gloves are classified as PPE. This affects manufacturing oversight and quality assurance requirements.
Cost considerations typically favour industrial-grade gloves for appropriate applications, whilst medical-grade gloves command higher prices due to stricter manufacturing and testing requirements.
How do I safely remove contaminated gloves?
Proper glove removal technique is crucial for preventing contamination spread and maintaining safety during PPE doffing procedures.
Preparation involves identifying a suitable removal area away from clean surfaces and having appropriate waste disposal containers readily available. Never remove gloves over food preparation areas or clean work surfaces.
Step-by-step removal begins with grasping the outside of one glove near the wrist area, being careful not to touch the inside of the glove or your skin. Pull the glove away from your body, turning it inside out as you remove it.
Inside-out technique continues by holding the removed glove in your remaining gloved hand, then sliding fingers of the ungloved hand under the wrist of the remaining glove. Remove the second glove by pulling it away from your body and over the first glove, creating a bundle with all contaminated surfaces contained inside.
Immediate disposal of the glove bundle in appropriate waste containers prevents contamination spread. Never reuse disposable gloves or set them aside for later use.
Hand washing immediately after glove removal is essential for removing any contamination that may have occurred during the removal process. Use appropriate hand hygiene procedures for your application.
Surface decontamination of the removal area may be necessary if contamination is suspected. Clean and disinfect surfaces that may have been contacted during the removal process.
Practice and training improve removal technique and reduce contamination risks. Regular practice of proper removal procedures ensures competency during actual contaminated situations.
What factors should I consider when selecting protective coveralls?
Selecting appropriate protective coveralls requires evaluating multiple factors including hazard assessment, material properties, and user requirements to ensure optimal protection and comfort.
Hazard assessment forms the foundation of coverall selection. Identify specific risks including chemical exposure, biological hazards, particulate contamination, and mechanical hazards to determine appropriate protection levels.
Material selection depends on the hazards present. Polyethylene provides basic protection against particulates and light liquid splash, whilst more advanced materials like Tyvek offer superior barrier protection against hazardous chemicals and biological agents.
Sizing considerations ensure adequate coverage whilst maintaining mobility. Coveralls should provide complete body coverage without being overly restrictive, allowing normal movement whilst maintaining protective integrity.
Closure systems including zippers, elastic bands, and storm flaps affect both protection and convenience. Choose closure systems that provide adequate sealing whilst enabling easy donning and doffing procedures.
Breathability requirements vary by application duration and environmental conditions. Extended wear applications may require breathable materials to prevent heat stress, whilst short-term use may prioritise barrier protection over comfort.
Durability needs depend on application demands and expected wear patterns. Heavy-duty applications may require reinforced materials, whilst light-duty applications can use more economical options.
Disposal considerations include understanding waste disposal requirements for contaminated coveralls. Some applications may require special disposal procedures, affecting material selection and cost considerations.
