Glove Use in the Agricultural Industry

Those who work in the agricultural industry are involved in a wide variety of tasks, most of which disposable gloves serve as a protective barrier. Some of these tasks include working with livestock and handling herbicides and disinfectants in addition to contact with contaminated soil. When it comes to herbicides and insecticides, there are hundreds used in agriculture, each involving chemicals harmful to humans. Personal protective equipment must be used to reduce exposure to such chemicals.

In the dairy farming sector of the agriculture field, disposable gloves have become more common. The use of disposable gloves helps prevent the spread of bacteria, which is crucial—as any sick animal is unproductive until it can be brought back to good health.

Zoonotic diseases are those transmitted from animals to humans. For example, brucellosis is caused by the brucella bacteria that primarily affects animals. However, humans can come in contact with an infected animal, tool, or product. It is crucial that livestock handlers minimize the passing of diseases from unhealthy to healthy animals.

In addition, workers also need durable protection when repairing and maintaining equipment. This can include tractors and combine harvesters, as they contain chemicals that can easily infect workers through skin absorption. With these risks, it’s crucial to have a disposable glove that can stand up to harsh chemicals, bacteria, and heavy-duty tools.

Nitrile and Latex Gloves for Chemicals and Pesticides

Currently, in agriculture, lighter-weight nitrile gloves are more common as they offer durability in addition to chemical and pesticide resistance—all while providing a competitive price! Nitrile delivers the best overall chemical resistance of the materials due to the synthetic rubber it’s comprised of. Those who spend their days spraying pesticides on crops have a higher risk of contamination through skin absorption. Nitrile disposable gloves provide protection that will not easily break down upon contact with harsh chemicals. This is also beneficial in guarding against the many additional fluids that workers come into contact with while performing maintenance on vehicles and tractors.

Latex disposable gloves are the second most commonly used glove in the agriculture industry. The gloves are often donned when workers come into contact with pesticide residue. When handling plants and related products, latex gloves can protect from pesticides that are often not visible.

Vinyl Glove Use for Livestock Tending

When it comes to livestock tending, vinyl disposable gloves are the most suitable option compared to the other materials, especially for tasks that require multiple glove changes in a short duration of time. Vinyl is an inexpensive material, making it cost-effective for short-duration use. In agriculture, this is ideal for preventing cross-contamination between animals.

It’s important to remember that disposable gloves are not solely for safeguarding workers and livestock but are also beneficial for inspectors. Donning the appropriate disposable gloves during livestock and facility inspection can ensure that all involved parties are protected while minimizing the chance of contamination from both chemicals and livestock.