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The Right Gloves for Agriculture

The Right Gloves for Agriculture

Did you know disposable gloves are a crucial tool in the agriculture industry? Within the agricultural industry there are a number of tasks where gloves serve as a protective barrier. They are essential for working with livestock, handling chemicals like herbicides and disinfectants, or dealing with contaminated substances like soil.

There are numerous varieties of herbicides and insecticides that are used in agriculture, and each includes chemicals that can be harmful to humans. This means the importance of personal protective equipment is crucial to help reduce or even eliminate exposure to the harmful chemicals.

In the dairy farming sector of the agriculture industry, disposable glove use has grown in recent years. The gloves help prevent the spread of bacteria, which is key to keeping the animals safe. One sick animal can put the other livestock and employees in jeopardy and also halt production. There are several zoonotic diseases, which are those transmitted from animals to humans. One is brucellosis, a disease caused by a bacteria known as brucella and primarily affecting animals. However, humans can contract brucellosis if they come in contact with an infected animal or animal products. Additionally, as livestock handlers need to ensure they are not passing diseases from infected animals to healthy animals, the use of disposable gloves helps minimize transmission.

Those within the agriculture industry also need industrial-based protection when repairing and maintaining their fleet equipment. Whether tractors or combine harvesters, the machines contain chemicals that can cause health risks if they transmit onto a worker’s hands and are absorbed through the skin.

Currently the lighter-weight nitrile gloves have been more popular in the agriculture industry, offering durability as well as chemical and pesticide resistance as at a competitive price. Nitrile gloves are made of synthetic rubber, providing the best overall chemical resistance. Those who spend their days spraying pesticides on crops have a higher risk of chemical absorption. Nitrile gloves provide the protection that will not easily break down upon contact with harsh chemicals.

Latex gloves are the second-most common disposable glove used in agriculture. These gloves are also frequented by those dealing with pesticides. When handling plants and associated products, latex gloves provide protection to the user even if chemicals aren’t visible. Though nitrile gloves have become more popular, latex is also a great material for those without allergy concerns.

When it comes to handling and tending to livestock, vinyl gloves are the best option compared to the other glove materials, especially for tasks that require frequent glove changes. Vinyl is an inexpensive material that is perfect for short-duration tasks. For example, when workers move from animal to animal, changing their disposable gloves can help prevent cross contamination and the spread of illness. Vinyl gloves are also common in breeding applications.

Regardless of the application, it is important to remember that disposable gloves are not solely for safeguarding workers and livestock. They also protect government and private inspectors. These parties should also wear the appropriate disposable gloves to guard themselves and livestock they inspect and ensure the integrity of agricultural facilities.

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