Disposable gloves are a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) that are used in a variety of settings, such as in healthcare, food service, and hair salons. They are made from a variety of materials, such as latex, vinyl, and nitrile.
While they can offer many benefits, such as preventing the spread of infection, they can also have some drawbacks. For example, they can cause allergic reactions in some people and can also become a source of contamination if not used properly.
If you’re considering using these gloves, it’s important to weigh the risks and benefits to ensure that they are the best option for you and your workplace. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of these gloves!
Benefits of using disposable gloves
They are often used in the medical field and other industries with a high risk of infection. They are made from materials that protect the skin and prevent germs from spreading. The benefits of wearing these gloves include the following:
The most common use for these gloves is to protect both the wearer and others from contamination by the wearer’s hands. An example would be when a doctor is performing an operation or when a cook prepares food in a restaurant. They prevent germs on the wearer’s hands from being transferred to those who may come into contact with them later.
1. Reduced risk of infection:
Wearing gloves reduces the risk of contracting infections like staph or MRSA. This is particularly important for people who work in hospitals or with patients who have compromised immune systems.
2. Protection from chemicals:
They can also protect against heavy-duty chemicals, such as those found in factories or laboratories. These chemicals can cause burns or irritations if they come into contact with bare skin.
3. Warmth:
When worn during cold weather, they help keep hands warm and comfortable. This is especially helpful for outdoor workers who don’t have access to heated facilities at work locations.
4. Protection from contaminants:
They can be used as protection against contaminants such as dirt, dust, grease and other particles that can contaminate your hands while working on machinery or equipment in industrial settings.
Drawbacks of using disposable gloves
They are usually made of latex or nitrile, which can be problematic for some people. Latex allergies are common, and nitrile is often used as an alternative to latex because it also provides a barrier against liquids and particles while also being less likely to cause an allergic reaction. However, there are still cases where people who have latex allergies will react to nitrile gloves as well. In addition, both types of gloves can cause skin irritation in some individuals because they don’t allow the skin to breathe properly or absorb natural oils from your hands. This causes the skin on your hands to become dry and flaky — not exactly what you want when you’re trying to keep them clean!
They also tend to become sticky over time as they get worn out from repeated use or exposure to moisture and other contaminants in the air. This can make them difficult or impossible to remove without assistance from another person (or yourself if you’re wearing two pairs at once).
They tend to get dirty very quickly. This is because they cannot be washed or cleaned properly, so the dirt is trapped inside them.
They are not durable enough to withstand rough handling or repeated use. If you need to work with your hands a lot during the day, then you may find that gloves do not last long enough for your needs. Disposable gloves are helpful in many situations but can cause harm to others.
For more tips on food safety, check out the infographic below!
Infographic provided by Sunline Supply, a disposable medical gloves provider