Gloves

Disposable gloves are a vital part of any infection control strategy and are also important for keeping hands clean and protecting them from chemical damage in tasks such as cleaning, decorating or car maintenance. Our ranges are sourced from quality manufacturers and conform to the highest specifications and standards. Virtually all our gloves are available in three sizes: small, medium and large.

Which type of glove do I need?

Polythene gloves are very good value for general household and catering tasks, but their welded seams make them unsuitable for applications where infection transmission could occur. For that you need latex, nitrile or vinyl gloves:

Latex Gloves	Vinyl Gloves	Nitrile Gloves
Good tactility and strength Resistant to a wide range of aqueous chemical solutions Similarly priced to vinyl gloves Can cause an allergic reaction in those sensitive to latex	Contain no proteins or allergens Less tactile and not as strong as latex Thicker and more resistant to some chemicals than latex Similarly priced to latex gloves	Contain no proteins or allergens Do not absorb oils and solvents as readily as latex Generally stronger than latex and vinyl with similar tactility More expensive than latex or vinyl gloves

Powdered or powder-free?

Powdered gloves are cheaper and easier to put on, but the powder can cause an allergic reaction and, in latex gloves, can absorb allergens from the glove and cause them to become airborne. Powder-free gloves, although more expensive, should therefore be the choice for all patient-contact situations or where the wearer has a latex or powder allergy.

Find out more about gloves and allergies (PDF).