SAFETY GLOVES


SAFE HANDS


Emma Lovelock of hand protection specialist Unigloves highlights some of the key considerations when buying latex gloves.


Latex gloves have been around for over 100 years and remain a popular PPE choice across many industrial sectors due to their versatility, strength, elasticity and flexibility.


But in a market flooded with cheap disposable latex gloves, it can be tempting to reduce PPE costs by purchasing on price alone.


However, this strategy can create a false economy. Cheaper products tear more easily, leading to higher replacement costs over time. Lower-cost manufacturing processes may also increase the risk of irritation and sensitisation, including latex allergies.


WHAT IS LATEX?


Natural rubber latex (NRL) is derived from the milk-like sap of Hevea brasiliensis rubber trees found in Africa and South-East Asia. During manufacturing, the latex is mixed with accelerators and processed to improve flexibility.


Despite concerns around latex allergies, latex gloves remain popular because of their comfort, hygiene, flexibility and dexterity. This makes them particularly suitable where touch sensitivity is important. They also offer protection against a range of chemicals, detergents and biohazards such as bacteria and other pathogens.


WHAT MAKES CHEAP LATEX GLOVES CHEAPER?


Several factors influence the cost of latex gloves, including raw materials, manufacturing processes and quality control.


Raw materials: The materials used in cheaper disposable gloves can cause sensitivity and allergic reactions in some wearers, ranging from skin irritation to respiratory issues and anaphylaxis.


Chemical accelerators: Consider gloves that are accelerator-free, phthalate-free and/or treated to reduce latex protein levels. Phthalates are inexpensive additives used to improve flexibility, while chemical accelerators stabilise latex during production.


Manufacturing processes: Many lower-cost gloves use cheaper materials and lack advanced treatments that reduce the risk of Type I and Type IV sensitivities. Powder-free, low-protein gloves are more expensive to produce but reduce the likelihood of latex allergy and workplace contamination.


Quality control and testing standards: Select gloves certified to internationally recognised standards, including:


• EN ISO 374 (Chemical & Micro-organism Protection): – Type A: Breakthrough time >30 min against ≥6 chemicals.


– Type B: Breakthrough time >30 min against ≥3 chemicals.


– Type C: Breakthrough time >10 min against ≥1 chemical.


• EN 374-2 (Penetration): Liquid-proof barrier against water and microorganisms.


• EN 16523-1 (Permeation): Measures how long chemicals take to pass through the glove.


• EN 374-4 (Degradation): Measures deterioration such as swelling or brittleness after chemical exposure.


• EN 374-5 (Micro-organisms): Tests resistance to bacteria or fungi. If the glove passes virus tests, it is marked with the word ‘VIRUS’.


• EN 388 (Mechanical Risks): Tests resistance to abrasion, blade cut, tear and puncture.


Some manufacturers’ gloves do not meet these standards, often reflected in the price. Always consult the manufacturer’s product guide to ensure that the appropriate quality standards have been met.


LATEX GLOVE TREATMENTS


Leading manufacturers, including Unigloves, use specialist treatments during production:


Chlorination: Reduces tackiness, making gloves easier to don and remove. It also helps minimise particulate contamination and Type I and IV sensitivities, while extra washing reduces soluble latex proteins.


Leaching: Removes natural water-soluble proteins and chemical residues. This process also washes away excess additives, reducing the glove’s chemical and protein content.


CONCLUSION


Buying latex gloves based on price alone is often a false economy, as lower-quality options can result in higher overall costs, increased waste and greater safety risks.


Working with leading manufacturers helps reduce risk and ensures you are selecting the right gloves to keep working hands safe.


https://uk.unigloves.com 42 TOMORROW’S HEALTH & SAFETY YEARBOOK 2026/27 WWW.TOMORROWSHS.COM


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