Disposable nitrile gloves: How chemical-resistant are disposable nitrile gloves? Are they only resistant to certain classes of chemicals and up to certain concentrations?
Submitted by sat on 16 February 2018
Answer reviewed 28th January 2023
The chemical resistance of disposable gloves depends upon the chemical and its concentration. Refer to information contained in the SDS under Section 8: Exposure controls and personal protection, where information on hand protection and other exposure controls for handling the chemical is discussed. Gloves with a longer cuff, specifically for handling concentrated chemicals, are available.
Information on glove selection can also be found in the Science ASSIST Chemical Management Handbook for Australian Schools - Edition 31
1 Science ASSIST website, (2018, November), ‘Chemical Management Handbook for Australian Schools - Edition 3’, retrieved from https://assist.asta.edu.au/resource/4193/chemical-management-handbook-australian-schools-edition-3
The Glove Company website, (2021, March 1), ‘Nitrile gloves frequently asked questions and answers’ retrieved from https://theglovecompany.com.au/hands-on-safety-blog/2018/nitrile-gloves-frequently-asked-questions-and-answers-faqs/
Atom website, (2021, December 2), ‘EN374 Gloves Standards: Hand Protection Against Chemicals’, retrieved from https://blog.atom.com.au/en374-gloves-standards-hand-protection-against-chemicals
Ansell website, (2023), ‘Are nitrile gloves chemical resistant?’, retrieved from https://www.ansell.com/au/en/faq/are-nitrile-gloves-chemical-resistant