Many industries, including pharmaceutical, medical and janitorial services, use gloves to keep staff and others safe. Disposable gloves can protect against cross-contamination, infection, chemical exposure and other hazards.

Several types of disposable gloves are available for use, including latex, vinyl and nitrile gloves. Since every industry is exposed to different hazards, each sector tends to favor specific types of PPE.

Industries That Use Disposable Gloves

Disposable gloves provide protection and convenience for workers in several industries. Choose from inexpensive, easy-to-change gloves to highly specialized gloves for added security. With technological advancements, disposable gloves are now more durable, practical and cost-effective for various industries.

So, which jobs use disposable gloves? The following are examples of industries that use disposable latex, vinyl or nitrile gloves:

What Industries Use Latex Gloves?

Latex is naturally chemical-resistant and gloves made with the material offer protection against bloodborne pathogens and other hazards. Latex gloves are also dexterous and allow the user to feel through the glove, which is why they’re beneficial in medical and dental exams.

Today, along with non-latex gloves, disposable latex gloves are often used in the industrial, food service, sanitation, janitorial and child care industries.

What Industries Use Vinyl Gloves?

Vinyl gloves are a mix of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and plasticizers. Combining these materials makes vinyl gloves flexible, thin and comfortable for many fields. Vinyl gloves are also affordable, making them popular in industries with high glove turnover.

Vinyl disposable gloves are used in many industries, including painting and renovation, tattooing and beauty.

Which Industries Use TPE Gloves?

TPE stands for thermoplastic elastomer, a product combining the best qualities of rubber and plastic. TPE gloves can be recycled and are a sustainable option for eco-conscious food service workers and those in the childcare or beauty industry. TPE gloves are also waterproof, durable, nontoxic and comfortable.

What Industries Use Nitrile Gloves?

The uses of nitrile gloves are endless due to their various benefits. For starters, they are waterproof and resistant to punctures. Nitrile gloves can also protect workers from contaminants like pesticides, fungus and commercial cleaning products. They also provide a barrier for employees handling objects that could break and cause injuries, like glass and electronics.

Applications of nitrile gloves exist in various industries, from tattoo parlors to childcare centers and laboratories.

The Best Gloves for Different Industries

For several industries, disposable gloves made from the most common materials provide the best protection:

1. Agricultural

Nitrile gloves are ideal for anyone in the agricultural industry. With their tough, chemical-resistant properties, nitrile gloves can help prevent bacteria and pesticides from contacting workers or animals.

2. Beauty Industry

With the potential to come in contact with chemicals, dyes and contaminants, many in the beauty industry opt to wear disposable gloves. TPE and nitrile gloves are ideal for barbers, nail technicians, makeup artists and hair stylists. These gloves help avoid allergic reactions among customers and provide protection from chemicals and contaminants.

3. Childcare

Anyone who works in childcare knows it can be a messy business. With their ability to protect against bloodborne pathogens and other hazards, latex gloves are ideal for various tasks, like changing diapers or applying first aid to minor injuries. Latex and TPE gloves can also protect children from germs on workers’ hands, and they’re helpful and necessary when preparing meals or feeding children.

4. Dentistry

Gloves are necessary for dentists and dental hygienists who contact bodily fluids like saliva and blood regularly. Nitrile gloves, or a blend of latex and nitrile, provide optimal protection for dentists and their customers against germs and contaminants.

5. First Responders

While it depends on the application, nitrile gloves are generally the best disposable gloves for first responders. These gloves offer good stretch and fit and protection against hazards first responders might encounter, such as fentanyl. A blend of nitrile and vinyl is another option, as some align with ATSM D5250 standards for medical use.

6. Food Service

In food service, it’s essential to protect workers and patrons from bacteria in raw meats, as well as germs and microbes. It’s also critical for employees to avoid cross-contamination by changing their gloves after handling fish and raw meats before touching other items. Loose-fitting and affordable gloves like nitrile and vinyl make these changes quick and easy.

Discover our numerous disposable glove options for people in the food service industry.

7. Hospitality

Disposable gloves and other types of PPE are essential for hospitality workers, such as those who work in lodging, restaurants, travel and tourism. With many people traveling from various areas, it can be easy for bacteria and illnesses to spread quickly. Nitrile gloves are especially helpful in limiting the spread of bacteria from your hands. Learn more about our disposable gloves options for the hospitality industry.

8. Industrial

Anyone in the industrial industry requires PPE as they risk coming in contact with hazardous materials. For instance, sturdy latex or nitrile gloves can help protect workers from acids, lead, salts and solvents on the factory floor.

9. Janitorial

Janitors, custodians and those involved in commercial cleaning must protect themselves from unsanitary items and chemicals used in their duties. To protect hands against chemical cleaners or things you’d rather not touch, latex and nitrile provide an excellent barrier.

10. Laboratory

When working in a laboratory or another setting with continual acetone exposure, you’ll need gloves that can protect your hands. Latex gloves are ideal for protecting your skin from harsh and irritating chemicals. Shop disposable laboratory-safe gloves today!

11. Automotive

Those working around vehicles will likely encounter oil, grease, heat, chemicals and sharp or rough metal components. Thicker nitrile gloves offer optimal protection and are mechanics’ most durable disposable gloves. They can withstand high temperatures, oil, gasoline and many other chemicals.

12. Medical

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises medical and healthcare workers to wear disposable gloves whenever they come into contact with a patient’s bodily fluids or any other potential contaminants. Since many patients and workers experience latex allergies, nitrile gloves might be a better choice. Always ensure you purchase 510K-certified disposable gloves to adhere to regulations and protect your workers.

If you need medical gloves, check out our guide to buying the right type of medical gloves or shop disposable medical or surgical gloves online today!

13. Security Work

Security guards never know what they might encounter during their duties. They can encounter blood or other bodily fluids, chemicals and even sharp objects like needles and knives. Nitrile gloves are a good choice due to their resistance to chemicals and punctures.

14. Sports Centers and Gyms

You’ll need durable, reliable disposable gloves when you go to the gym or use different sports equipment. Nitrile gloves are an excellent choice for their protection against cuts, scratches and other wounds. They are also great for their increased flexibility, making them ideal for dexterity and sensitivity.

15. Tattoo Artists

Nitrile gloves are popular among tattoo artists for several reasons. For one, they protect against germ transmission between clients and equipment. Second, they lower the risk of disease and encourage tattoo healing. And finally, nitrile gloves form a barrier to guard against dermatitis and other ink sensitivity issues.

Choose the Right Disposable Gloves

Even in the same industry, workers may use several kinds of disposable gloves. A medical clinic, for example, may use surgical and non-sterile gloves for patient exams while using latex, non-latex and vinyl gloves for cleaning and lower-risk tasks. Keeping multiple types of gloves on hand gives you the resources to always choose the best glove for any task.

SUNLINE Supply sells many types of gloves and PPE to a variety of industries. Browse our selection of gloves, place your order now or contact us with your questions today.