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• Latex gloves
• Nitrile gloves
• Vinyl gloves
• Why different materials

Latex gloves are made of natural rubber. They offer good protection against the transfer of bacteria and viruses. The advantage of latex gloves is that they feel comfortable and are flexible. These gloves are not suitable for persons with a latex allergy, however. They also cannot be used in combination with oil and grease.

Nitrile gloves are made of synthetic rubber and are often used as an alternative to latex gloves when someone is allergic to latex. They are also stronger than latex gloves, meaning they can be used more than once. They are resistant to oil, grease and chemical spatter (note: nitrile gloves are not resistant to ketones, oxidizing acids and nitrogen).  

Vinyl gloves are made of PVC. Out of the three different materials, vinyl is the least strong and offers the least protection. Just like nitrile, vinyl is a good alternative to latex gloves in case of an allergy. In addition, vinyl gloves are resistant to oil, grease and acids and bases (note: vinyl gloves are not resistant to solvents and ketones).

  

Gloves can have different functions for different types of work. For leaf picking and sorting, gloves are intended to avoid bacteria being transferred through the hands and to avoid damage to the plant, while in the preparation of crop protection agents, gloves are intended to protect the hands against harmful substances. There is no glove that is suitable for every situation. That is why it is important to choose a glove made of a suitable material for every situation.

As indicated above, not every glove is suitable for every application. Based on a CE marking, you can check the extent to which a glove offers protection. 

• Category 1: suitable for light work with limited risks.
• Category 2: suitable for work with medium risks.
• Category 3: suitable for work with irreversible and fatal risks.

For detailed information, you can consult the NEN certification of the glove. The NEN certification indicates what specific dangers the gloves protect you from. The most common certifications and associated dangers are:

• EN 420: general requirements
• EN 388: mechanical risks
• EN 374: chemicals and micro-organisms
• EN 407: heat and fire
• EN 511: protection against cold
• EN 421: protection against ionizing radiation and radioactive contamination

The CE marking and NEN certification are indicated on the packaging of the disposable gloves. Below is an example. This glove is suitable for work with irreversible and fatal risks (CE marking 3) and offers protection against mechanical risks (EN 388) and heat and fire (EN407).

Latex, nitril and vinyl gloves are available both powdered and unpowdered. The advantage of powdered gloves is that they are easier to put on and moisture and sweat better absorbed. This makes them more comfortable to wear than unpowdered gloves. 

However, powdered gloves are not suitable for use in the food industry, because the powder can end up on or in the end product. Unpowdered gloves that are suitable for use in the food industry have the “Food grade” quality mark. So take this into account when choosing the right glove.

  

Latex, vinyl and nitrile gloves are available in different colors. White and blue are used most. Blue gloves are mainly important in the food industry due to the HACCP guidelines. The blue color ensures that the glove is easier to see in the end product if a worker loses it. 
In addition, some companies make use of different colors of gloves for different types of work to avoid contamination. This is only applicable if the gloves are used multiple times.

Finally, you have to pick the right size. This is very simple: measure your palm from left to right. The number of centimeters directly indicates the size. For instance, if you measure 8 centimeters, you need size 8. 

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