Personal protective equipment is one of our biggest and most important ranges of products. Gloves specifically are an essential tool for maintaining safety within the workplace. There are so many different options of gloves to use, it is easy to get confused with which gloves will benefit your business most and whether you are optimizing your budget on the correct gloves needed for your business. Specifically we are going to talk about the two most similar and common types of gloves in PPE, nitrile and latex gloves. In this blog we will discuss the similarity and differences of these two gloves, as well as their advantages and disadvantages within the workplace and which will be most beneficial to your company.
The first thing we will look at is the superior durability of Nitrile gloves. They are highly resistant to punctures, tears, abrasions, making them ideal to work in areas which require a high level of dexterity and precision. Nitrile gloves also have excellent protection against a wide range of chemicals, acids, bases and oils.
An important difference between nitrile and latex gloves, is that nitrile gloves are latex-free. This means that they are a great option for people who are allergic to the latex material. Nitrile gloves are commonly used within the healthcare and food processing industry, as well as laboratories due to their effectiveness against harmful chemicals and substances.
Nitrile gloves are more expensive than latex gloves, making this one of the disadvantages of this choice in gloves. Another difference, is that they are also not as flexible or as comfortable as latex gloves, making them less desirable for employees who will need to wear gloves for extended periods of time.
Latex gloves are made from natural rubber latex and are known for their comfort, flexibility, and tactile sensitivity. Latex Gloves are soft and stretchy, which makes them easy to wear for long periods of time. They are used in the following industries: healthcare, food service and in places where employees need to handle sensitive materials or perform delicate tasks.
Latex gloves biggest disadvantage is that they can cause employees allergic such as skin irritation to severe anaphylaxis. Latex Gloves are also not as durable as nitrile gloves and are more susceptible to punctures and tears.
Which One Is Better for Your Workplace?
The choice between nitrile and latex gloves depends specifically on the working environment. If your employees will be in contact with chemicals or hazardous substances, nitrile gloves are the better option due to their durability and resistance to chemicals. If your employees need to perform delicate tasks that require precision and over a long period of time, latex gloves are the better option due to their comfort and tactile sensitivity. Nitrile and latex gloves have many areas where they are similar and can be used in the same industry, but the choice between comfort and durability is yours to make.
In conclusion, it is important to consider all the factors involved in selecting the right gloves for your workplace, including cost, comfort, durability, and safety. By taking the time to carefully evaluate your options and choose the right gloves for your specific needs, you can help ensure that your employees stay safe and protected on the job. At Sanitize Today, we have a variety of gloves which are suitable for the workplace in our PPE category. Shop Online at www.sanitizetoday.co.za for the best prices for your business. Read our other blog on how to choose the best personal protective equipment for your business to find out more information on our other products in PPE.
