During the COVID-19 pandemic, gloves have become an essential part of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for many industries. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends their use and provides guidelines on how to use gloves effectively.
Disposable gloves serve as a protective barrier against various contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, and potent chemicals. While latex gloves are commonly used and relatively inexpensive, it’s worth noting that there are other options available on the market. Latex gloves are durable, but they should never be reused to avoid spreading contaminants. After a few hours of use, it’s best to switch to a new pair.
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What Are Latex Gloves?
Latex gloves, made from natural rubber, are a popular choice due to their affordability. They provide protection against pathogens and are commonly used in food handling and medical settings. Latex gloves are crucial in workplaces where there is a risk of coming into contact with contaminated surfaces or bodily fluids.
These gloves offer excellent dexterity, making them suitable for tasks that require precision, such as surgical procedures. They are also essential for disease control and prevention. Foodservice or grocery store workers can prevent the spread of contaminants to customers by wearing gloves, while medical professionals can protect themselves from infected patients by using medical-grade latex gloves.
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However, some people may experience allergic reactions to latex gloves. In such cases, nitrile gloves are a suitable alternative that offers similar qualities. Workers who handle food or patients directly may prefer nitrile gloves to avoid the risk of allergic reactions in themselves or others.
How Long Should Gloves Be Worn?
Latex gloves can be safely worn for an extended period. A study conducted by Glasgow Dental School demonstrated that latex gloves can be used for up to three months without causing skin irritation. The participants in the study used gloves at least four days a week, for eight hours each day. This indicates that latex gloves can be worn for many days without compromising the health of your skin.
However, it’s important to remember that latex gloves are thin and disposable, which is why they are typically purchased in large quantities. Despite the extended wear time without skin irritation, it is still essential to change gloves regularly throughout the workday.
A good rule of thumb is to change to a new pair of gloves whenever starting a new task to prevent cross-contamination. Additionally, gloves should be changed immediately if they become ripped, soiled, come into contact with raw meat, or after approximately four hours of continuous use for a single task.
Proper Use of Latex Gloves
Latex gloves act as a protective barrier, shielding your skin from harmful substances like potent chemicals, viruses, and bacteria.
However, it’s important to note that once the contaminants are on the gloves, they can be spread onto other surfaces. If you are using gloves to protect yourself from COVID-19 or other harmful pathogens, avoid touching your face and remember to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after removing the gloves.
Choose Reliable PPE from ICU Productions
For reliable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including gloves, masks, gowns, hand sanitizer, and face shields, consider contacting ICU Production Inc. With over ten years of experience, they provide high-quality PPE that complies with national standards and is certified by the CDC and FDA. Take the necessary steps to protect your employees on the job by reaching out to them today.
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