Glove Compatibility Chart

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Glove Compatibility Chart

The appropriate glove will protect skin from:

  • Contact with biological, chemical, or radioactive material
  • Burns from hot or extremely cold surfaces or corrosives
  • Cuts from sharp objects
Questions?
Contact EHS for assistance at EHSLabSafety@umich.edu.

Classes of Gloves

There are many gloves that are made for specific uses.  There is no one glove that protects against all hazards. And chemical resistance varies by glove material.
GLOVE CLASS TYPE FUNCTION
Light latex, neoprene, nitrile, or vinyl gloves
  • Disposable latex (powdered or un-powdered)
  • Disposable nitrile
  • Disposable vinyl
 Protects against:
  • Biological hazards (human blood, body fluids, tissues, bloodborne pathogens, specimens)
  • Relatively small volume chemical usage and minor splash potential
Light to heavy chemical resistant gloves
  • Natural rubber latex
  • Nitrile
  • Butyl
  • Neoprene
  • Viton® II
  • Silver Shield
  • Protects against specific chemical exposures based on chemical compatibility.
  • Used for larger volumes of chemicals with splash and immersion potential
NOTE: When selecting glove size, length, and thickness, consider exposure:
  • Duration
  • Quantities
  • Task activities
Insulated gloves
  • Terry cloth autoclave
 Protects against:
  • Hot liquids and equipment (autoclaves/ovens)
  • Open flames
  • Water bath
  • Oil bath
  • Cryogen
 Protects against:
  • Cryogenic liquids
Wire mesh gloves
  • Wire mesh
 Protects against:
  • Live animals
  • Equipment with cut warnings

Determining the Appropriate Gloves to Use

For assistance, refer to the following sources: The following companies provide information about glove compatibility.  Variables such as permeation and degradation rates, type of use, and type of protection are considered.
GLOVE COMPATIBILITY CHARTS DESCRIPTION
Ansell® Protective Products, Inc. Glove Compatibility Chart Rates each glove by permeation and degradation resistance by chemical.
Cole-Parmer® Provides glove compatibility results based on the chemical selected
MAPA® Professional Searches for gloves using the following criteria:
  • Type of protection
  • Environment
  • Description
  • Norms
Microflex Rates chemical resistance for Latex, Nitrile, and NeoPro gloves
North® by Honeywell Chemical Resistance Guide Rates each glove by physical and chemical performance
SHOWA BEST® Glove, Inc. Searches for gloves using the following criteria:
  • Primary hazard
  • Industry
  • Glove type
  • Liner
  • Coating
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