Getting the right kind of PPE gloves will help you do the job better while also protecting yourself and others.

Quality and reliable personal protective equipment (PPE) has never been so important and necessary as the world continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic. Wearing the right type of gear in hospitals, clinics, drive-in testing centres and other medical settings is vital in protecting doctors, nurses and other staff involved in treating people and to help stop them from becoming infected. 

As our hands are one of the main ways we pick up germs, including viruses — as we touch infected people and surfaces and often then transfer the pathogen to the mouth area by unconscious face-touching — PPE gloves are a key part of the protective-gear arsenal. Other items include face masks and shields, gowns, shoes and shoe coverings as well as head coverings. They all work together to form a kind of insulating seal around a person and keep infections out. 

But one type of PPE glove stands out from the rest: they're nitrile gloves, and they have qualities that set them apart from the rest. Let's take a look at this material, what it offers in terms of performance and protection and if you should consider using it.

What Is Nitrile?

Nitrile is a type of synthetic co-polymer, or rubber, that has its origin in rubber from trees and is then made into latex with a combination of the organic liquid acrylonitrile and butadiene gas. Together, these compounds give nitrile a strong yet flexible property, making it a great choice for PPE gloves because it's hard to tear or puncture while also retaining the flexibility that wearers require to do their work. 

Some types of nitrile PPE gloves may be blended with various materials to give them additional flexibility, but that may also make them less resistant to the things that people wearing them might encounter. Typically, nitrile gloves will repel such hazardous substances as acids and other harsh chemicals, as well as oils and different types of fuel. Nitrile is not limited to gloves either, as it's used in lots of other settings, including for seals, in hoses and gaskets and transmission belts in vehicles — demonstrating how incredibly sturdy and reliable this material is. 

Dependable and Flexible PPE Gloves

Nitrile PPE gloves don't have to be entirely made of nitrile — it can just be in the palm area or the entire coating — nor are they limited to medical use, as they can be used in all kinds of industries and other environments where PPE is required to protect workers. They are designed to be single-use, however, so you should dispose of them after one wearing. 

Another benefit of nitrile PPE gloves, and why you might want to choose them over vinyl or other types, is that some people have allergies that can be triggered by their gloves — latex among them. Exposure to latex can cause itching and a runny nose in some people, while others may experience more extreme symptoms, such as a tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing. 

And nitrile rubber gloves can often be more comfortable to wear than other kinds. Instead of developing sweaty hands because the skin is trapped under a layer of vinyl or latex, nitrile gloves often have a soft-flock lining that absorbs moisture and makes them much nicer to wear. 

They're the perfect fit for your PPE glove needs. 

All the PPE gear you need, including nitrile PPE gloves, is right here at WISE Worksafe. Order now, and protect your workers from exposure to harmful materials and viruses.