Disposables – These are thin (4 to 6 mil) unsupported gloves, usually made from nitrile or natural rubber (commonly known
as latex). Disposable gloves provide limited protection against liquids, oils, chemicals and mechanical hazards, but are
an excellent choice for contamination protection. They can be used to protect the wearer from the product, or the product
from the wearer. They are ideal for tasks requiring short term protection from minor hazards. Typical applications
include maintenance, inspection, food preparation, etc. They are usually discarded after a single use.

Liquid & Chemical Resistant – Liquid & chemical resistant gloves provide a continuous membrane that protects the hands
from hazardous and non-hazardous substances. They are available in many different types and materials. Choice is
dependent upon the hazard being faced. Most gloves in this category are un-supported, but supported types are also available
(with an integral liner for wearer comfort). Many liquid & chemical-resistant gloves can also be used for protection
against abrasion, cuts, tears and punctures. Their applications vary depending on the material used.

General Purpose – This broad category of gloves encompasses many different designs and materials. For the most part,
they are intended to provide protection from dirt and mechanical hazards (such as sharp or abrasive objects) or to
enhance the wearer’s grip. Some types are also liquid proof, but generally offer low levels of chemical protection.

Cut Resistant – Cut resistant gloves are specifically designed to provide protection against sharp objects such as blades,
glass and metals. Gloves in this category offer enhanced protection compared to similar looking general purpose gloves,
because they are made from materials that offer superior performance against mechanical hazards. Typical materials
include Kevlar®, Dyneema®and stainless steel mesh.

Controlled Environment – Controlled environment hand protection products range from finger cots to cleanroom
gloves to glovebox and isolator box gloves. Finger cots are generally worn to protect an item or product from the
wearer (for example, static dissipative cots protect sensitive electronic components on a PCB). Cleanroom
gloves prevent contamination of critically clean products, such as silicon chips and protect the wearer from hazardous
chemicals. Glovebox and isolator box gloves allow a worker to safely handle toxic or radioactive substances within
the box, or protect the product in the box from contamination from the environment outside the box. Controlled
environments are found in the electronic,nuclear and pharmaceutical industries.