Plumbers often have to carry out operations like cutting away broken pipes, installing new pipelines, and inspecting sewers. During these operations, they have to deal with hazardous chemicals, bacteria, and other contaminants.
That’s why one of the things they are mandated to wear by regulatory bodies like OSHA is gloves, like nitrile gloves. Their gloves protect them from these dangers and ensure operational and personal safety.
But how do gloves do that, and why should you opt for nitrile rubber gloves? Continue reading to know.
How Do Gloves Protect Plumbers in Plumbing Work?
Plumbers face a variety of chemical, physical, and biological hazards during their daily work. Let’s take a look at how gloves protect them from these hazards below.
| Hazard | Situations Where Plumbers Face Them | How Gloves Protect Them From These Hazards |
| Chemical | Lead from old pipes, asbestos in pre-1980s building foundations, and sulfur dioxide in sewers | Prevent their hands from coming into contact with these chemical substances through residue. |
| Physical | Cuts/Abrasions from broken pipes, jutting rods, heat exposure from welding, mild electrical shocks from exposed wires | Help protect their hand from these cuts, broken pipes, heat, and mild electrical shocks by cushioning against the impact of these shocks |
| Biological | Mold growing on rotting foundations, contaminants, and bacteria in sewers | Ensure that their hands or skin do not directly come into contact with these bacteria or contaminants, and help them avoid infections |
Table 1: How Gloves Protect Plumbers From Occupational Hazards
How Do Nitrile Rubber Gloves Compare Against Other Types of Gloves?
You’ll find that plumbers generally use gloves, like nitrile gloves, latex gloves, and vinyl gloves for their daily work. But exactly how do nitrile rubber gloves perform with respect to the other types of gloves?
Let’s understand that in the table below.
| Type of Glove in Question | Why Plumbers Use These Gloves | Why Aren’t These Gloves Preferred? | Where Are These Gloves Used? |
| Latex | Allow plumbers to freely use their hands, and they are economically priced | Can lead to latex allergies on the skin due to the powdery material present on them, and proteins found in latex | Light jobs such as repairing under-sink pipes |
| Vinyl | They are economically priced and free from latex. | They are prone to easy wear and tear since they aren’t durable. Weak resistance to chemical solvents | Handling pipes or basic plumbing tools since they aren’t ideal for chemical/heavy-duty operations |
| Nitrile rubber | Have a good resistance to various chemical solvents, are puncture-proof, fit plumbers’ hands easily, allow easy movement, and are quite durable overall. | They are relatively pricier compared to other gloves | Tasks like cleaning drains, cutting away broken pipes, installing under-sink pipes or other fixtures, and septic tank-related operations. |
Table 2: Nitrile Rubber Gloves vs Latex Gloves vs Vinyl Gloves vs Leather Gloves
Why Do Nitrile Rubber Gloves Stand Out In The Plumbing Industry?
Let’s now explore the features of nitrile rubber gloves that make them stand out as a much-needed professional plumbing equipment.
1. Chemical Resistance
Nitrile rubber gloves have an impressive resistance to most chemicals, including sodium hydroxide. Some other chemicals they are resistant to include acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and ethanol.
Exposure to isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, or acetone leads to red or itchy skin and rashes. So, plumbers are protected against these issues with the help of nitrile gloves.
2. Durability
Nitrile rubber is quite a long-lasting material and can withstand most punctures and abrasions.
That’s why plumbers use these gloves when repairing broken pipes, using sharp tools, and performing similar operations.
Their resistance to many chemicals also ensures that these gloves do not degrade easily, making them quite durable.
3. Allergy-Free
Nitrile rubber gloves are free from infection-causing materials or proteins like those in latex. This ensures that they are ideal for plumbers with prevailing dermatological issues or sensitive skin.
A lack of infections or skin issues also means that plumbers can avoid unnecessary hospital bills as well.
4. Tactile Sensitivity
Nitrile rubber gloves are known for their grip and ease of use. That’s why plumbers wear these gloves when handling professional plumbing equipment like pipe cutters and so on.
Their grip ensures that plumbers can avoid unfortunate accidents or cuts by dropping the tool and so on. Nitrile rubber gloves also allow plumbers to use their hands freely, since they are form-fitting.
This ensures that plumbers do not face any difficulties during operations, like repairing pipes, for example.
What To Consider Before Choosing a Nitrile Rubber Glove?
You should consider the following features before you choose nitrile gloves for your work:
1. Thickness
The thickness of the nitrile rubber gloves will determine how effective they are during operations. You’ll find that nitrile rubber gloves are available in three different types of thicknesses.
These are 3 mil, 5 mil, and 8 mil.
- 3 mil nitrile rubber gloves are effective for operations involving ease of use or increased hand movement. They are used for lightweight fixing attachments under sinks and for cleaning sinks.
- 5 mil nitrile rubber gloves allow plumbers to move their hands easily and are quite durable. That’s why plumbers use them to clean drains and sewers with chemicals and bacteria present.
- 8 mil nitrile rubber gloves have the highest durability. So, plumbers use them to repair broken pipes and handle sharp tools like pipe cutters.
2. Fit
The size of the gloves is an important factor when choosing nitrile gloves. Take a look at the table below to understand which glove sizes:
| Width of Hand | Ideal Recommended Glove Size |
| 6.5 cm to 7.5 cm | small |
| 7.5 to 8.5 cm | medium |
| 8.5 cm to 9.5 cm | large |
| 9.5 to 10.5 cm | extra large |
Table 3: Hand Width vs Glove Size
3. Grip Texture
You should ideally opt for diamond grip nitrile rubber gloves. These gloves create an anti-slip surface, allowing plumbers to handle tools in oily or wet environments. Plumbers also do not have to spend a lot of effort to grip tools, allowing them to save their energy.
These gloves are quite durable and can resist heavy wear and tear.
4. Presence of Powder
You should opt for powder-free nitrile gloves since they will cause less skin irritation. Powdered nitrile rubber gloves, on the other hand, are easy to wear but cause skin irritation.
Summary Recap
Choosing the right gloves, like nitrile rubber gloves, ensures plumbers’ safety during their work. These gloves offer the best combination of chemical resistance, durability, and dexterity.
Confused About Where To Find Nitrile Gloves?
If you need help finding the perfect nitrile rubber gloves for your plumbing team, get in touch with a reputable provider near you today!
