Safety is paramount in every field of life. However, its value significantly increases for people working in specific work sites. For instance, construction sites and larger industries are a different breed of workspace particularly for people working near large types of machinery and chemicals. To ensure workers’ protection, safety gears play an integral part in such places. Among the safety gear, gloves are of utmost importance for people operating machines and working on site. But with the different types of gloves such as polyurethane and nitrile available, the dilemma can rise as to which material to choose. We can help solve the polyurethane vs nitrile gloves dilemma.
We will do a detailed guide on polyurethane vs nitrile gloves, their pros, cons, and qualities to help determine the right type for you.
What are Polyurethane Gloves
These gloves are made from a synthetic material that is known for its high elasticity and durability. Polyurethane is a type of polymer that can be molded into different forms, making it a versatile material for glove manufacturing. These gloves are thin, flexible, and provide excellent dexterity – making them an excellent choice for applications that require precision handling.
What are Nitrile Gloves
They are made from a synthetic rubber material that is similar to latex. However, these gloves are free from latex proteins that can cause allergic reactions. These are also known for their excellent resistance to chemicals and punctures. Therefore, these are highly sought after by industries that handle hazardous materials.
Polyurethane vs Nitrile Gloves – Differences
There are several differences between these two types of gloves. One of the main differences is the level of protection. While nitrile gloves offer excellent protection against chemicals and punctures, polyurethane gloves are not as suitable for use in environments with a risk of exposure to hazardous materials.
Another major difference is their level of flexibility. these gloves are more flexible than nitrile gloves, making them a viable option for tasks requiring precision handling. Conversely, nitrile gloves are stiffer and less flexible, but they provide better grip and are more durable.
Pros and Cons of Polyurethane Gloves
Our overview of polyurethane vs nitrile gloves can help people determine which is the right type for their business. That said, let’s go through the pros and cons of polyurethane gloves.
Pros
These gloves have several advantages over the other types. One of the main advantages is their high level of dexterity. These gloves are thin and flexible, allowing workers to perform tasks that require precision handling. They are also comfortable to wear and offer good tactile sensitivity.
Cons
One of the main drawbacks of these gloves is their low level of protection. Polyurethane gloves are not suitable for use in applications that require protection against hazardous materials. They are also less durable than nitrile-made gloves and can tear easily.
Pros and Cons of Nitrile Gloves
In the polyurethane vs nitrile gloves comparison, let’s now take a look at the pros and cons of gloves made of nitrile.
Pros
These have several advantages over polyurethane gloves. One major advantage is the high level of protection. These gloves are resistant to chemicals, punctures, and other hazardous materials, making them an ideal choice for industries handling these materials.
Another advantage is their durability. These are more durable than polyurethane gloves and can withstand more wear and tear. They are also less likely to tear or puncture, which provides workers with a great level of protection.
Cons
A major drawback of these gloves is their stiffness. These are less flexible than polyurethane gloves, which can make it difficult to perform tasks that require accurate handling. Additionally, these are less comfortable to wear and can cause hand fatigue over extended periods of use.
Polyurethane vs Nitrile Gloves: Which One to Choose?
The choice between polyurethane vs nitrile gloves depends on the specific application. If you work in an industry that handles hazardous materials, nitrile-made gloves are the better choice due to their high level of protection.
For working in an industry that requires precision handling, polyurethane types are the better choice due to their high level of dexterity. The onus lies on the owners or purchasers to select the type depending on the nature of their business.
Where to Buy Polyurethane and Nitrile Gloves?
The comparison between polyurethane vs nitrile gloves helps decide the right type of gloves. The next step is buying the gloves. Nitrile and Polyurethane gloves can be purchased from a variety of sources, including medical supply companies, online retailers, and industrial supply stores. Be sure to buy gloves and all other safety gear from an authorized brand.
Moreover, you can check reviews, ratings, and testimonials to get an idea about any specific brand. Since workers’ safety is in question, it is essential to keep the quality in check.
FAQs
What is Better than Nitrile Gloves?
While these gloves are an excellent choice for industries that handle hazardous materials, there is a glove type that offers even better protection – neoprene gloves. Neoprene gloves are made from a synthetic rubber material that is resistant to chemicals, punctures, and other hazardous materials. They also provide a higher level of durability and are more comfortable to wear than gloves made from nitrile.
Why Nitrile Gloves are Recommended?
Despite the drawbacks of nitrile gloves, they are still recommended for use in industries that handle hazardous materials. Nitrile gloves offer a high level of protection against chemicals, punctures, and other hazardous materials, making them an ideal choice for these environments. They are also more affordable than neoprene and some other types, which makes them a cost-effective choice for many businesses.
Are Polyurethane Gloves Heat Resistant?
These gloves are not heat resistant and should not be used in environments where there is a risk of exposure to heat. They can melt when exposed to high temperatures, which can cause burns or other injuries to the hands. If you work in an environment that involves exposure to heat, it is recommended to use gloves made from heat-resistant materials such as leather or Kevlar.
This brings us to the end of our comparison of polyurethane vs nitrile gloves. Both types remain highly popular in specific industries because of their unique qualities. Each type has some advantage over the other, however, both hold their value in the industry.
Our guide on the polyurethane vs nitrile gloves comparison can give you a clear idea about these two types and help you select the right one for your business.
Stay tuned for information about different glove types and more.
