Nitrile gloves are one of the most used types of disposable gloves for professional use. They are used, among other things, in cleaning, workshops, industry, food handling, clinics, care and other work areas where hygiene, dexterity and protection are important.
But what exactly is nitrile, and what is the difference between nitrile gloves, latex gloves and other disposable gloves?
Here we review the most important properties of nitrile gloves, areas of application and the conditions you should be aware of when choosing gloves for professional use.
What is nitrile?
Nitrile is a synthetic rubber material. Nitrile gloves are therefore produced without natural rubber latex and are a common alternative to traditional latex gloves.
The material has become popular for disposable gloves because it can combine good fit and finger feel with relatively high mechanical strength.
Nitrile gloves are available in many different qualities, thicknesses, sizes and surfaces. Therefore, the properties can vary considerably from one nitrile glove to another.
It is always the specific glove and its documented properties and certifications that determine which work tasks it is suitable for.
What are nitrile gloves used for?
Nitrile gloves are used in a wide range of professional work environments.
It can, among other things, be:
- cleaning
- workshops and automotive
- industry and production
- food handling
- clinics and care
- laboratories
- hairdressers and beauty treatments
- tattooing
- warehouse and logistics
The choice of glove should always be based on the specific work task.
A thin nitrile glove can, for example, be suitable for work tasks where dexterity and precision are prioritized, while a stronger nitrile glove can be relevant for more demanding work.
What are the advantages of nitrile gloves?
One of the reasons for the popularity of nitrile gloves are their combination of different properties.
Good finger feel and fit
Nitrile gloves can have a tight fit around the hand and fingers. This makes them relevant for tasks where the employee must be able to handle smaller objects or work precisely.
Available in different thicknesses
Nitrile gloves are produced in both lighter and stronger variants.
This means that companies can choose different gloves depending on whether the work requires high dexterity or a more robust glove.
Latex-free material
Nitrile is synthetic and does not contain natural rubber latex. This makes nitrile gloves a relevant alternative to latex gloves.
Many different areas of application
Nitrile gloves are used across many industries. However, the same type of nitrile glove is not necessarily suitable for all work tasks.
That is why the product's specifications and documentation should always be checked.
Do nitrile gloves protect against chemicals?
Nitrile can have good resistance to certain chemicals, oils and other substances, but this does not mean that all nitrile gloves protect against all chemicals., that all nitrile gloves protect against all chemicals.
Chemical protection depends, among other things, on the glove's material, thickness, construction, certification as well as which chemical and which exposure time is involved.
If the gloves are to be used when working with chemicals, you should therefore check the specific model's documentation and relevant chemical resistance.
The material alone is not sufficient to determine whether a glove is suitable.
Black or blue nitrile gloves?
Nitrile gloves are available in several different colors. Two of the most common are black and blue.
Black nitrile gloves are often seen in, for example, workshops, in detailing, industry, tattooing and other work areas.
Blue nitrile gloves are widely used in areas such as cleaning, food handling and various professional work environments.
However, the color alone does not tell what properties or approvals the glove has.
What is decisive is still the product's specifications and documentation.
Nitrile gloves for food
Nitrile gloves are also used within the food industry and when handling food.
Here it is important to check whether the specific glove is documented as suitable for the intended food contact.
One should therefore not assume that all nitrile gloves are automatically suitable for all types of food contact.
Nitrile gloves or latex gloves?
Latex and nitrile have different properties.
Latex gloves are made from natural rubber latex and are known, among other things, for elasticity and a good fit.
Nitrile gloves, on the other hand, are made from synthetic rubber and do not contain natural rubber latex.
Which type is best therefore depends on the work task, the user's needs and the demands placed on the glove.
Which thickness should you choose?
There is no one optimal thickness for all work tasks.
Thinner nitrile gloves can provide high finger sensitivity and be relevant for lighter work tasks.
Stronger nitrile gloves can be relevant when greater demands are placed on the glove's robustness.
One should therefore assess both the work task, the glove's documented properties and how long the glove is expected to last used.
How to choose the right size?
A correct size is important for both comfort and precision.
A nitrile glove that is too small can fit unnecessarily tight. A glove that is too large can make precision work more difficult.
Nitrile gloves are therefore usually produced in several sizes so that the employee can choose a suitable fit.
Nitrile gloves for professional use
Companies with a large ongoing consumption of disposable gloves should not only compare price per box.
It is also relevant to look at, among other things:
- area of application
- size and fit
- thickness
- durability
- documentation and certifications
- number of gloves per box
- consumption_size
- delivery security
The cheapest glove is not necessarily the most economical solution if several gloves are to be used for the same work task.
Nordic Safety offers nitrile gloves in various sizes, colors and qualities for professional companies.
See nitrile gloves for business and current prices. Choose model and size based on the work task. Also compare our shopping checklist and calculation of glove consumptionif you order in larger quantities.
Compare current nitrile gloves: nitrile gloves 5 g with 100 pcs. and stronger nitrile gloves 7 g.
