Home Safety

Safety

When working in harsh or dangerous environments, it’s vital to equip your team with the personal protective equipment (PPE) and shop cleanup tools to keep them safe. Imperial has everything you need to keep your technicians protected on the job.

Gloves

Nitrile Gloves

If you think all disposable gloves are alike, you might be letting a better solution slip through your fingers. It might be time you give some thought to your disposable gloves. From food service and manufacturing floors, to medical settings, janitorial and cleanroom use, nitrile gloves are quickly replacing latex gloves as the leader in workplace protection.

What Are Nitrile Gloves?

Much more than "just gloves", Nitrile gloves are made from synthetic rubber. This rubber makes them more resistant to oils and chemicals than other disposable gloves. This protection can protect your hands from injury and long-term illness. They can also reduce opportunities for cross-contamination—helping to maintain the integrity of your products and services.

Are Nitrile Gloves Safe?

A study conducted by the International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics looked at the toxicity level of different glove materials. In comparing natural rubber latex to synthetic rubber latex, the study showed that the synthetic (nitrile) exhibited a lower toxic response compared to natural rubber.

What is the Difference Between Latex and Nitrile Gloves?

Latex gloves are made from plant-based rubber and have the feel of a second skin, where you can feel the object you are holding. One of the issues with latex gloves is their ability to cause serious allergic reactions. This is due to the plant-based proteins used in the manufacturing of latex gloves.

Nitrile gloves are made from a synthetic rubber. Due to the manufacturing process of nitrile, allergic reactions are very low. Nitrile gloves are more durable than latex gloves, but that durability comes at the expense of a natural feel to the objects you are holding.

Benefits Driving Nitrile Popularity

Greater durability

More resistance to higher temperatures

Less likelihood of passing on contaminants

Minimal allergic reactions

More puncture resistant than latex

Nitrile Gloves Fall Into Two Main Grades

Industrial-grade nitrile gloves are worn when working with chemicals, such as in the janitorial, food service and automotive industries. Industrial-grade nitrile gloves can offer differing levels of protection from disposable nitrile (low chemical resistance) to reusable nitrile gloves that offer high levels of puncture and chemical resistance. Some nitrile gloves are also anti-static, ideal for those working with machinery or electronics.

The thickness of your nitrile gloves will make a difference to your ability to carry out tasks. Industrial-grade disposable nitrile gloves will usually be around 0.06mm-0.08mm in thickness, providing splash resistance to chemicals. Thicker re-usable industrial nitrile gloves will provide a longer contact time resistance.

The thinner the gloves, the more dexterity the user will enjoy—making more intricate tasks easier to perform. If you require extra grip, then nitrile gloves with raised patterns are a good choice, as they increase grip strength on wet or slippery equipment.

Medical nitrile gloves are referred to as "exam" grades. This type of nitrile glove is best for those working in medical professions where they require protection from contact with blood-borne pathogens or contaminants in the environment. you'll notice dental practices, hospitals, doctor surgeries and laboratories opting for this grade of glove, as they have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they provide the protection those wearing them require.

Right Sizing

Nitrile gloves are available in an array of sizes—most in XS - 2XL. The right fit is important. Before placing a full order, seek out samples to test first. This will ensure the gloves actual fit and feel matches expectations. Too small and the glove can be stretched excessively causing the material to break or fracture quicker. Too large and it may not offer the right protection against chemicals.

Many Colors Available

Nitrile gloves come in a variety of colors which can help improve health and safety further. By wearing a bright color underneath a darker color, you can easily see holes or tears that form while working to ensure you are protected.

Blue

Standard nitrile color

Purple

White

Green

Lime Green

Powdered and Powder-Free

Powdered gloves absorb moisture and are a popular choice for those working within industries where gloves need to be taken on and off regularly. However, many prefer the non-powdered designs as they do not leave residue when removed and can be taken on and off just as easily as their powdered counterparts.

Environmental Impact

Does your industry have a recycling policy in place? Switching to nitrile gloves is one way to reduce impact on the environment, as they are created using a man-made material. Their durability allows them to have a longer life, reducing the number of gloves you are disposing overall.

Shop Nitrile Gloves

Shop Now

Mechanics Gloves

Mechanics and riggers-style gloves protect hands from dirt, grime, scrapes and blisters. They have good dexterity and tactility and are often worn when performing basic tasks in general maintenance and repair operations, including handling boxes, stocking warehouses, performing carpentry work and working on cars and machinery.

Hook and Loop

Slip On

Elastic

Shop Mechanics Gloves

Shop Now

Respirators

Respirators come in different classifications. You’re probably used to seeing respirators with labels such as “N95” or “P100”. This rating system is actually made up of two parts. The letter denotes the type of material used in the respirator filter media and the types of hazards it protects against, while the number refers to the filter's ability to remove the most penetrating particle size while working in the field.

N, R and P Ratings

The first part of the rating can either be N, R or P. It may help to understand that the filters used in respirators trap particles 2 ways; first by the physical weave of the material, which regulates the size of openings for air to pass through. Second is a static electric charge, similar to the static charge generated by rubbing a balloon against your hair. This static electric charge is literally woven in during manufacturing.

Affects of Oil

The trick is that this charge may be reduced or dissipated by the presence of oil. The letter designations are meant to convey the relative ability of the filter media to resist that oil.

N-Rated

N-rated respirator masks are not resistant to oil-based substances. They should only be used in environments without oil aerosols. They protect against solid and liquid airborne particles, except those that contain oil.

R-Rated

R-rated respirator masks are somewhat resistant to oil-based substances. They protect against solid and liquid airborne particles, including those that contain oil. When using R-rated filters in oil-filled environments, you should only use the respirator for 8 hours at a time. Dispose of the filter or mask at the end of your shift. You should also replace these filters as they become clogged over time.

P-Rated

P-rated respirators are considered oil-proof. They go above and beyond R-rated respirators when it comes to oil resistance. They protect against all types of solid and liquid airborne particles. Just like R-rated respirators, P-rated respirators tend to degrade more quickly when used in atmospheres with oil-based particles.

Filter Replacement

It’s best to replace your filters or disposable respirator as the particle load clogs the filter media. The more dust in the air and the harder you work will have a direct effect on filter life. Also, keeping your reusable respirator clean helps in extending the life of the mask, as well as promoting good hygiene.

Numeric ratings

The numeric half of the rating refers to the percentage of particles the filter will remove from the air.

Testing

When testing filters for their efficiency, the challenge used is a smoke that has a particle size of 0.3 microns. This is a vanishingly small particle. In a completely still room, it may take 8 hours for such a particle to fall 8 feet.

Filtering Capabilities

Against the challenge particle cloud, we look at how much can get through the filter. For example, a “95” rating means the mask will filter out 95% of relevant particles. A mask with a “99” rating will filter out approximately 99% of hazardous particles, and the '100' rating filters out 99.7% which means it is virtually impenetrable.

Shop Respiratory

Shop Now

Absorbants

Absorbents are designed to pick up or contain spills from: fuel tanks, coolants, engine oils, in plant machinery and many other petroleum based product type spills or leaks. Industrial bonded and meltblown synthetic material is superior to other materials in strength and absorbency. Unlike clays and granular products, sorbents can be used in areas that manufacture foods or pharmaceuticals. Meltblown absorbents will not contaminate engines or transmissions during usage like clays or granular-based sorbent materials.

Absorbent Pads & Rolls

Use absorbent pads & rolls for absorbing universal, chemical or oil spills. Pads are pre-cut, while rolls allow you to choose the length you need.

Universal

Universal (gray) absorbents are versatile options to contain leaks, drips and spills throughout your facility.

Oil-Only

Oil-only (white) absobents are your most cost-effective solution absorbing oils and repelling water.

Chemical

Chemical (yellow) absorbents feature bright hues to aid in disposal and to promote a culture of safety.

Spill Kits & Refills

Spill kits provide fast response solutions for unplanned spills due to their variety of included products. Spill kits range from 2 gallon absorbency up to 95 gallon absorbency.

Specialty Absorbents

Specialty SOCs, pillows and drum covers can be used around a facility when a pad or roll may not be sufficient. These flexible absorbents allow you to place the absorbent exactly where you need it.