The following table gives recommended material for chemically-resistant
gloves for work involving a variety of chemicals.
| Chemical resistant gloves | ||
|---|---|---|
| Material | Generally suitable for | |
| Butyl rubber | Aldehydes
Carboxylic acids Glycols and ethers Hydroxyl compounds and alcohols Peroxides |
|
| Latex | See note below | |
| Natural rubber | Acetone
Acohols Alkalies and Caustics Ammonium fluoride Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) Phenol Plating solutions |
|
| Neoprene | Alcohols
Alkalies and caustics Cellosolve Degreasing solvents Mineral acids Oils Plating solutions |
|
| Nitrile rubber | Alcohols
Ammonium fluoride Freons Hexane Hydrofluoric and hydrochloric acid Perchloric acid Perchloroethylene Phosphoric acid Potassium and sodium hydroxide Water soluble materials, dilute acids and bases | Vinyl | General prevention of contamination
Medical examination Nuisance materials |
Those working in Oxford University should take note of the following information regarding the use of latex gloves, which is contained in the Appendix to University Policy Statement S3/02:
This may affect others in the vicinity, not just the person wearing the gloves. Therefore powdered latex gloves must not be used. If latex gloves are chosen, then only good-quality, powder-free ones with low levels (< 100 micrograms per gram) of extractable or leachable latex protein should be used."
Note that the ban on powdered latex gloves is Oxford University Safety Policy; such gloves therefore are not to be used within the PTCL. For further information on latex gloves, consult the HSE's web site on latex allergies.
Return to the
Safety Home Page of the Physical and
Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory at Oxford University.
Last updated August 12, 2006.