|
 Choosing
the Right Glove
One of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself is to choose the correct glove for your application. Consider the following: Protection This is the real reason you wear gloves. Be sure to select gloves that best protect you for the task you are performing. If you work in a high-risk environment where you come in contact with blood-borne pathogens or hazardous substances, wear high quality latex exam gloves or nitrile exam gloves. Good fit Many users wear gloves during their entire workday so they must be comfortable. Ill fitting gloves contribute to achy hands and poor tactile sensitivity. Latex gloves, due to the nature of flexible rubber, fit very well. Synthetic gloves vary in softness and flexibility. Vinyl gloves are usually looser in fit, but are soft and comfortable. Vinyl blend gloves compare well to latex fit and offer a good alternative. Price Price verses quality is an age-old concern. Should you buy the cheapest gloves you can find and worry about their functionality, or should you choose the most expensive gloves available? Consider your job risk factors and select the best quality and value equaled. Latex and vinyl gloves are pretty affordable these days. Synthetics are more costly. Think about the reason you wear gloves and gauge your choice with that in mind. Burney Medical sells high quality gloves at the lowest market price. Sensitivity Are you allergic to latex? Are your co-workers allergic to latex? Are you required to work in a latex-free environment? Latex allergies have become a concern, especially in the healthcare industry. If you are sensitive to latex, avoid latex products altogether and use only non-latex exam gloves, such as vinyl and nitrile. If you choose to use latex gloves, it is recommended that you choose powder free latex gloves with a reduced protein content. Polymer-coated gloves have reduced latex sensitivities for some wearers. Starch based powders may also cause skin reations. If you use a powdered glove, a simple switch to powder-free may help you avoid sensitivity.
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