Nitrile Gloves Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Comprehensive Guide to Nitrile Gloves
What Are Black Nitrile Gloves?
Black Nitrile Gloves are a form of hand protection. The glove material is a compound called nitrile, which is a chemical resistant, puncture resistant material. Nitrile is basically a synthetic reprocessed version of latex.
What Are Nitrile Gloves Made From?
Nitrile is a synthetic co-polymer, formed through acrylonitrile and butadiene combining. Nitrile gloves begin their lifecycle as rubber from rubber trees. They are then transformed into latex rubber. After they are turned into latex rubber, they are again reprocessed until they turn into the nitrile compound material. The extra processing removes all latex proteins. The extra step of processing in the glove creation process was originally why when nitrile gloves first hit the market, they were so expensive compared to latex. However, technological advancements have lead to more cost-effective practices in the making of nitrile gloves. Nitrile gloves are now just as affordable as latex gloves. The reprocessing and removal of all latex proteins means that nitrile material also has a lower allergy rate than latex.
What Are Black Nitrile Gloves Used For?
Black nitrile gloves are commonly used for trade-based jobs. Such as mechanics and technicians. The colour black also makes them perfect for tattooing hairdressing or any job that requires a sleek glove.
Are Black Nitrile Gloves suitable for Mechanics?
Black Nitrile Disposable Gloves are the preferred disposable gloves for mechanics in Australia. Some black nitrile disposable gloves even have low sweat technology, making them perfect for mechanics and outdoor tradespeople in the Australian Summer.
Are Nitrile Gloves Food Safe?
Nitrile Gloves are food safe by Australian Food Standards. However, not all gloves are HACCP Certified Food Safe, so always check with the manufacturer before using nitrile gloves with food.
Are Nitrile Gloves BPA Free?
Nitrile Gloves are BPA free, Latex-free, Phthalate free, Vinyl Free, MBT free and often powder free.
Are Nitrile Gloves Waterproof?
Yes, Nitrile gloves are waterproof. The Glove Company’s nitrile gloves also have strong chemical resistance. Nitrile is derived from rubber so it is naturally waterproof.
How Long Are Nitrile Gloves Good For?
Nitrile gloves last a long time, however like any natural product they will eventually degrade. To ensure your box of nitrile gloves lasts its lifetime, make sure that you store them out of direct sunlight, and out of the heat.
What Do Nitrile Gloves Protect Against?
Nitrile Gloves protect the wearer’s hands. The nitrile material keeps the wears hands safe from any contamination, and they also stop the user from contaminating any item or surface that they are touching. Nitrile is waterproof, greaseproof, oil proof and most importantly, chemical resistant to a range of common chemicals and substances. Nitrile gloves are also commonly used in the medical industry due to their high puncture resistance, and dexterous strength.
Are Nitrile Gloves Impermeable?
It is important to remember nothing is impermeable forever. Nitrile material does have a higher chemical resistance rate than compared to latex material, although some chemicals will eventually pass through, especially strong grade chemicals. However, for an everyday work glove, nitrile gloves are a good choice for hand protection against common chemicals.
Are Nitrile Gloves Recyclable?
Yes, Nitrile Gloves are recyclable in Australia. Nitrile gloves can be recycled. However, they need to go in a special separate recycling bin, as opposed to your standard recycling bin. The Glove Company firmly believes in protecting everyone’s hands, as well as the beautiful planet we call home. That’s why we are happy to introduce you to TerraCycle.
TerraCycle is a company that provides specialist disposable glove recycling boxes. You can buy them online, or from Australia Post. Fill the box with your used disposable nitrile, vinyl or latex gloves. Then you simply ship the box to the collection address, and shipping is already included in the price of the box!
Are Nitrile Gloves Biodegradable?
Yes, Nitrile Gloves are biodegradable! Nitrile disposable gloves will eventually biodegrade. However, they do take longer to break down then latex disposable gloves.
Is Nitrile Rubber?
Nitrile is derived from rubber trees. The rubber is processed until it turns into Nitrile Material.
Are Nitrile Gloves Hypoallergenic?
Nitrile Disposable gloves have a lower allergy rate than latex disposable gloves. Nitrile is the superior choice when it comes to people with allergies or sensitive skin.
Nitrile or Latex for Mechanics Gloves?
Nitrile gloves are stronger than latex gloves. They are also more resistant to chemicals, have higher puncture resistance, and they come in trade industry-specific colours. Whereas latex gloves more commonly occur in the medically associated blue and white colours. Most mechanics need a strong, dexterous, chemical resistant glove, therefore they usually always go for Black Nitrile Gloves.
Written by Yvette Staples
Marketing & Communications Manager – with over 5 years experience in the health & safety industry.