Vinyl gloves are one of the most popular choices across many industries. Even though they aren’t as durable as nitrile and latex gloves, they are relatively cheap to produce and straightforward to use.
Vinyl gloves are widely used in the food industry. They’re powder-free, ideal for food handling, and quick to slip on and off if they become dirty between uses. Vinyl gloves are softer than other types of gloves, allowing hands to move freely and breathe.
While more industries have adopted the use of gloves during the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals may not be aware of which glove type is most suitable for their line of work. Vinyl gloves have different properties to nitrile or latex gloves and offer some specific advantages.
What are Vinyl Gloves?
Vinyl gloves are made from a synthetic monomer material called polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The PVC undergoes a process of polymerization, which produces a hard and rigid material that is mixed with a plasticizing chemical to make a flexible material to produce the gloves.
When to Use Vinyl Gloves
Vinyl gloves can be used in a wide variety of situations and industries. The most common circumstances where vinyl gloves are suitable for food handling, cleaning tasks, and light medical use such as for examinations with low risk of exposure to body fluid. These gloves offer limited protection against exposure to chemicals or biomedical substances but can temporarily protect the hands from contact with non-hazardous materials.
If your line of work requires known contact with harmful substances, you will need to invest in a medical-grade glove instead. Their lack of chemical resistance makes them unsuitable for handling industrial cleaning solvents. They are not puncture-resistant or form-fitting, meaning those in the mechanical field requiring protection and dexterity will not benefit from a vinyl glove.
In general, vinyl gloves are excellent for any low-risk tasks requiring hygienic protection and are a less expensive option than latex or nitrile.
Benefits of Vinyl Gloves
Vinyl gloves have a wide range of advantages. They are cost-effective, latex-free, anti-static, and flexible.
Because of their anti-static nature, vinyl gloves can be useful when working with wires and cords. When working with cords, vinyl gloves are useful to protect hands against chafing. Nitrile gloves are also anti-static and more durable, although they are more expensive.
Many people experience allergic reactions when using latex gloves. Here, vinyl gloves provide a significant advantage. They are entirely latex-free, making them suitable for anyone who may have a latex allergy.
Get the Best Personal Protective Equipment With ICU
Whether you choose vinyl, latex, or nitrile, a pair of gloves is an essential tool to keep you and others safe when handling food or potentially hazardous materials.
At ICU Production Inc., we have over a decade of experience providing healthcare workers and businesses with high-quality, thoroughly tested PPE. We offer gloves, masks, face shields, hand sanitizer, and various other products. All our gloves, gowns, and masks are approved by the CDC and FDA in compliance with the standard rating system.