What Does
Dipped Gloves Mean?
Dipped gloves are industrial products that provide extra protection to the hands from cuts, heat, and abrasions. These gloves are made by dipping a knit-base glove into a desired mixture of coating.
Dipping can range from a partial dip to a full dip, depending on the function that the pair needs to perform. This also determines how many times the gloves should be dipped—once or multiple times. Some of the dips that have been popularly used in the past few years and are known to have given the maximum protection are polyurethane, nitrile, sandy nitrile, foam nitrile, or latex.
Safeopedia Explains Dipped Gloves
Each of the dips has its own functions and drawbacks. For instance, the polyurethane is considered to be light and soft while providing the maximum dexterity and flexibility. It is comfortable and promises a strong grip, and it can be used while handling small parts and light oil conditions. The only drawbacks observed with this dip would be that it loses grip in heavy oil conditions and is not that effective in resisting abrasion.
Nitrile dips are considered to be the best abrasion- and puncture-resistant material that also provides a firm grip on oily surfaces. Because of its thick shield, though, it lacks dexterity and tactile sensitivity. Therefore, it is hard to do jobs that include handling small machine parts.
Sandy nitrile dips are the most popular choice for both heavy and oil industries, owing to the thick, non-slip protection offered. These dips are also considered ideal to protect against abrasions, punctures, cuts, and snags. Similar to nitrile dips, sandy nitrile dips also compromise the flexibility and dexterity of the gloves.
Foam nitrile is an excellent choice to protect from abrasions, cuts, and high temperatures. It absorbs liquid and draws oil away from the glove’s surface, making it easier to grip machine parts. The type of oil in which the laborer is working needs to be considered in determining whether foam-nitrile-dipped gloves are suitable.
Latex is said to provide the best overall dry grip of any coating. However, the only issue with latex is that some workers are allergic to it. Moreover, it tends to degrade when it comes in contact with oil or hydrocarbon-based fluids.
Double dips are always considered to be best because this provides extra protection from any accidents. However, the gloves become extremely rigid after the second dip, and it takes some practice to perform work in them effectively.
Although it is always recommended to use fully dipped industrial gloves for foolproof protection, there are less-hazardous industries that can make do with partially dipped nitrile coating. These gloves are coated on the palm and on all five fingers. While the coating protects the hands from abrasions and heat, the upper layer of the hands can breathe, keeping the worker comfortable. These gloves are not used in chemical industries that require fully dipped gloves, but they are majorly used by mechanics, painters, and general assembly workers. They are also used in the construction sector.