The Many Uses for Gloves in a Facility

There are many types of facilities throughout the United States and worldwide, all containing many applications that require the use of disposable gloves. There are different levels of tasks within each; some are core to the business, while others are support tasks. Each of these instances, regardless of importance, requires a particular level of protection.

Below are several examples of applications at large facilities where the use of disposable gloves is beneficial:

• Cleaning and Janitorial: Disposable gloves serve as a unit of protection against the harsh chemicals used in cleaning supplies. Additionally, they protect the user from bodily fluids and pathogens when sanitizing restrooms. Nitrile or vinyl disposable gloves are commonly used, as nitrile is sustainable against harsh chemicals while vinyl is great for short-duration tasks.
• Childcare: Some facilities have childcare available for their employees onsite. Childcare employees use disposable gloves as a protective barrier both for themselves and the child. Often used when changing diapers, cleaning messes and toys, or feeding children.
• First Aid: Disposable gloves are commonly associated with first aid as they provide a protective barrier protection between individuals. Nitrile exam-grade gloves safeguard those administering against bloodborne pathogens and other potential diseases.
• Cafeteria: Light-duty disposable gloves are commonly associated with foodservice. Vinyl gloves are often used in both food production and foodservice, while poly gloves are common in foodservice. Many facilities prefer the use of antimicrobial vinyl disposable gloves, as they deliver an added layer of protection.
• Line Workers: Those who work on the factory floor handle a variety of harmful materials and substances. For example, in battery manufacturing plants and processing plants, lead is present during the manufacturing process. Those employees who are exposed to these risks need the proper hand protection. Nitrile gloves are made of a highly chemical resistant synthetic rubber, making them a suitable choice.
• Maintenance: From machinery repair to transportation vehicles, maintenance workers come in contact with grease, gasoline, and many other solvents. Gloves are an essential tool in protecting their hands while repairing.
• Packaging: Did you know that those in the packaging part of the manufacturing process are also subject to food safety regulations? Therefore, the use of disposable gloves can preserve the integrity of the packaging in addition to upholding safety standards when food and consumables are being packaged.
• Printing: Industrial printers use chemicals to print labels and packaging for products. The chemicals can commonly include emulsions, inks, oxidizers, and solvents. Disposable gloves protect workers’ hands from risks including nervous system damage that can occur through skin absorption.
• Security: These employees are responsible for conducting inspections of others and need to don disposable gloves when doing so. The use of gloves delivers protection against contracting illness upon physical touch.