Temperature Requirements for Nitrile Gloves

Gloves are used in many professions to protect hands from heat, cold or caustic chemicals, and to prevent transmission of disease. Allergies to latex, the material used in the majority of exam gloves, are on the rise, and nitrile gloves provide an alternative. Nitrile rubber (acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer) is a man-made, or synthetic, polymer. Polymers are comprised of many ("poly") repeating units ("-mers") that make a chemical chain. Nitrile combines acrylonitrile, butadiene, and carboxylic acid to give nitrile gloves strength, flexibility, and resistance to tears, while allowing tactile sensitivity. They may be used safely in a wide range of temperatures.

Temperature Range

• Nitrile gloves can continuously be used at temperatures as low as -20 degrees F., and as high as 250 degrees F. Nitrile can intermittently withstand temperatures as low as -20 degrees F., and as high as 300 degrees F. The temperature range for short-term exposure of nitrile is -40 degrees F. to 400 degrees F.

Nitrile Grades

• Nitrile gloves can be made in various grades that may affect their temperature range. A higher acrylonitrile content will provide higher oil resistance, but makes nitrile less flexible at cold temperatures. Special compounding can extend the temperature range at either end of the scale. Consult the manufacturer's recommendations.

True Temperature Range

• Other factors may affect nitrile's true, useful temperature range, such as the weight of the material being held, the length of time it will be held, and whether the material is a solid, liquid, or a gas. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulation 1910.138(b) states, "Employers shall base the selection of the appropriate hand protection on an evaluation of the performance characteristics of the hand protection relative to the task(s) to be performed, conditions present, duration of use, and the hazards and potential hazards identified." Factors specific to the intended use of the nitrile gloves must be considered and temperature ranges may need to be adjusted accordingly.