Buy vinyl gloves - a cheap alternative to nitrile and latex
Protective gloves are available in various materials. One of these is vinyl. It offers a good and inexpensive alternative to nitrile and latex. However, vinyl gloves are less robust. Protective gloves protect the wearer from viruses and bacteria or toxic or corrosive substances, for example. If protective gloves fall under the EN 374 standard, they are part of the personal protective equipment (PPE) that is required by law for self-protection when working with potentially hazardous activities.
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Vinyl gloves - What are the properties of vinyl gloves?
Vinyl gloves are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and are sometimes mixed with plasticizers, so-called phthalates. Gloves made from this material are 100% latex-free.
The most important features at a glance
Water-repellent and relatively inexpensive
Skin-friendly and odorless material
High wearing comfort
Recommended in areas where gloves need to be replaced frequently
Not very robust, usually only have a short service life
Suitable for handling acids, alkalis and other chemicals with a low risk factor
Vinyl is an alternative for people with a latex allergy. It is water-repellent and relatively inexpensive. However, it is not considered to be very robust and therefore usually has a short lifespan. Vinyl gloves can tear even with light finger pressure and offer less sensitivity. The porosity of vinyl gloves is difficult to control during production. Overall, the material is skin-friendly and odorless, making it very comfortable to wear. Due to its low price and relatively low robustness, it is particularly suitable in areas where gloves need to be replaced frequently. If they comply with the EN 374 and EN 455 standards (see standards), they can also be used for handling acids, alkalis and other chemicals with a low risk factor.
Vinyl gloves - in which areas are they used?
As vinyl is a particularly soft material with a very smooth surface, it is mainly used in the care sector. Vinyl gloves are suitable for brief contact with alkalis and acids, which is why they can be used for light care and washing work. They are suitable for the medical sector, provided they meet the various standards (EN 455, EN ISO 374).
Vinyl gloves are also used in private households, industry and hairdressing salons.
They are only suitable for the food sector to a limited extent and only after special food safety tests. If vinyl gloves come into contact with fatty foods, plasticizers can dissolve and contaminate the food.
Nitrile or latex gloves are recommended for heavier use and for greater tear resistance. As these are disposable products, the gloves must be changed after a single use.
AttentionProtective gloves are used especially in laboratories or in areas of the healthcare sector where there are high protection requirements. For activities that are assigned to certain protection levels, there are certain requirements that the gloves must meet. These activities include contact with certain biological substances that pose a health risk. For example, working with dangerous pathogens in laboratories or clinics. In these areas, chemical protective gloves according to EN 374 are used, which fall under category III mentioned below.
Buying vinyl gloves - what you should look out for
When buying gloves, it is important to pay attention to a number of aspects, depending on the intended use. You may have to choose between powdered or non-powdered and sterile or non-sterile gloves. Depending on the area of application, gloves must also meet certain standards to which their manufacture is subject. In addition, protective gloves are assigned to different categories depending on the area of application and the associated risks. Furthermore, there are different types of chemical gloves depending on their resistance to chemicals.
Powdering: yes or no?
Gloves are available powdered or non-powdered. Powdered gloves offer both advantages and disadvantages. It should be noted that powdered gloves are prohibited in the medical sector, the food industry and the catering trade.
Advantages of powdered gloves
Powdered gloves make it easier to put on and take off, especially when your hands are damp or wet. They are particularly popular in the hot season or in southern countries. In the past, gloves were often used because of this advantage. Due to the disadvantages of powdering, powder-free versions are preferred nowadays.
Disadvantages of powdered gloves
The powder from the gloves can become airborne, especially when removing the gloves. It can also settle on surfaces, clothing and skin. The latter can then lead to skin irritation, itching, dry skin or irritated mucous membranes. Food can be contaminated by the powder. For these reasons, the wearing of powdered gloves is now prohibited in the medical and food sectors.
Thanks to their smooth surface, vinyl gloves are particularly easy to put on and take off, even without powder.
Sterile or non-sterile gloves?
Protective gloves are available either sterile or non-sterile. Sterile gloves, such as surgical gloves, protect both users and patients from infection. Non-sterile gloves, on the other hand, protect the user or staff from contact with infectious material (e.g. blood) and hazardous substances (e.g. surface disinfectants). The decision between sterile and non-sterile gloves should therefore be based on the requirements of the respective area of application.
Standards
The ISO 13485 standard, for example, is one of the most important standards that protective gloves should meet. This contains the requirements for comprehensive quality management for the design and manufacture of medical devices. The international EN ISO 21420:2020 standard applies to protective gloves. It replaces the previous EN 420 standard and covers the general requirements for protective gloves, such as performance, comfort and harmlessness.
The EN 455 and EN 374 standards include clear regulations for disposable medical gloves. EN 374 (1-5) regulates chemical resistance to chemicals and microorganisms. The EN 455 standard (1-4), on the other hand, deals with various criteria for disposable gloves and their impermeability, physical properties, biological evaluation and durability. If vinyl gloves meet these standards, they can be used in the medical sector.
Whether the gloves are flawless and impermeable is tested with the so-called AQL value using a water impermeability test. The AQL value (Accepted Quality Level) is set at different levels, but is 1.5 for disposable examination gloves.
Categories
As already mentioned, there are different categories to which protective gloves are assigned depending on the risk situation. Chemical or examination gloves in accordance with EN 374 are only assigned to category III.
Overview: Risk categories
Category I: Minimal risks - For tasks with low protection requirements, e.g. protection against dirt, gardening, mild cleaning agents
Category II: Medium risks - For protection against mechanical hazards, for example
Category III: High risks - To protect against irreversible damage or fatal hazards. E.g. due to chemicals, heat, cold, radiation, electricity
Types
Chemical gloves according to EN 374 (1-5), as used from protection level 2 in laboratories or in the healthcare sector, are divided into three different types:
Overview: Glove types
Type A Gloves fulfill at least performance level 2 and are resistant to at least six test chemicals from the list of 18 tested chemicals.
Type B Gloves also fulfill at least performance level 2 and are resistant to at least three test chemicals from the list of 18 tested chemicals.
Type C Gloves fulfill at least performance level 1 and are resistant to at least one test chemical from the list of 18 tested chemicals.
Protective gloves made of nitrile or latex are alternatives to vinyl gloves.