Safety gloves should always be worn when working with chemicals even if the chemical containers are tightly closed or the experiment being conducted is within a closed system. Gloves should be comfortable, of sufficient length to prevent exposure of the hand and wrist, and should be appropriate for the type of work to be performed. Gloves should be inspected for visible tears before use, changed when they become soiled or compromised, and discarded appropriately after use.
Safety gloves come in a variety of materials that provide different levels of protection. Laboratory personnel should use gloves that provide the highest level of protection against the substances to be used. Some individuals develop allergies to the materials used to manufacture safety gloves. If this occurs, select a comparable glove made of an alternate material.
Gloves must be worn to protect hands from exposure to hazardous materials. Glove selection should be based on an appropriate risk assessment. Alternatives to latex gloves should be available. Gloves must not be worn outside the laboratory.
- Change gloves when contaminated, integrity has been compromised, or when otherwise necessary. Wear two pairs of gloves when appropriate.
- Remove gloves and wash hands when work with hazardous materials has been completed and before leaving the laboratory.
- Do not wash or reuse disposable gloves. Dispose of used gloves with other contaminated laboratory waste. Hand washing protocols must be rigorously followed.
Wash your hands after removing gloves!
- Wearing contact lenses
- Glasses and googles
- Lab Coats and Aprons
- Eye Protection
- Hair and scarves
- Personal Clothing
Glove Comparison Chart
Summary: Consult this chart for an overview of commonly used glove types for laboratory use and their general advantages and disadvantages.
Read: Glove Selection and Usage above for more information on how to select the right glove for a job.
Once selected, glove use requirements for your lab should be posted in your Chemical Hygiene Plan flipchart under theStandard Operating Procedures section. Questions about glove selection? Please contact the Office of Environment, Health and Safety at 642-3073 or
Note: These photos are examples. Glove colors and appearances will vary. Many other models are commercially available in each glove category. UC Berkeley EH&S does not intend inclusion of any specific glove to be an endorsement.
To Wear or Not To Wear?
A very important question for your safety!
Why Wearing Gloves is ImportantIt is important to wear gloves when working with hazardous chemicals and other materials because they protect our hands from infection and contamination. Protective gloves should be selected on the basis of the hazards involved.
- Nitrile gloves protect against most chemicals and infectious agents.
- Rubber gloves protect against mild corrosive material.
- Neoprene gloves protect against most solvents, oils, and mild corrosive materials.
- Avoid latex gloves as many people are allergic or develop allergies to this material.
Wear gloves when your hands may come into contact with:
- infectious materials
- radioactive materials
- chemicals
- Don't wear gloves when touching common surfaces, such as telephones, computers, door knobs, and elevator buttons, or that may be touched without gloves by others.
- Don't wear gloves outside of the lab. When transporting hazardous materials between labs, use secondary containers that can be carried without gloves. [Bring gloves and spill materials in case of an accident.]
Questions on glove, lab coat or other safe practices? Contact EH&S at [631] 632-6410.
- Glove Safety Handout
- Ansell Glove Permeation/Degradation Resistance Guide
- Personal Protective Equipment Selection Guide
- Download the printable brochure for Gloves and Lab Coats