How Neoprene Chemical-Resistant Gloves Work
Neoprene gloves can provide chemical and physical protection for many industrial applications when properly selected for the hazard. This cross-section visualization examines the construction of a neoprene protective glove and the layers that separate the worker’s hand from the workplace environment.
About This Video
This OSHACode® visualization provides a cross-section view of a neoprene industrial glove and illustrates how its protective layers contribute to chemical resistance, durability, flexibility, and wearer comfort.
The animation examines the outer neoprene layer, the glove’s protective core, and the inner lining. Together, these components form a protective barrier between the worker’s skin and workplace contaminants.
Neoprene can provide resistance to a range of chemicals, but no glove material provides universal chemical protection. Proper glove selection depends on the specific chemical, concentration, exposure conditions, temperature, duration of contact, glove construction, and manufacturer chemical-resistance data.
This video is part of the OSHACode® HAZWOPER Visual Library, a collection of technical safety, environmental, and scientific visualizations designed to make complex concepts easier to understand.
How Do Neoprene Gloves Protect the Hands?
Neoprene is a synthetic rubber used in chemical-resistant gloves and other protective equipment. Depending on the glove’s design and formulation, it can provide resistance to certain chemicals while also offering flexibility and resistance to physical wear.
Chemical resistance, however, must be evaluated for the specific glove and chemical combination. A glove that performs well against one substance may provide inadequate protection against another.
Why Does Breakthrough Time Matter?
A glove can appear completely intact while a chemical is permeating through its material at the molecular level. For this reason, glove selection cannot be based solely on appearance, thickness, or the generic type of material.
Manufacturer chemical-resistance data should be evaluated for information such as permeation, breakthrough time and degradation when selecting gloves for a particular chemical exposure.
