Why should single-use gloves be worn in lab and high-tech sectors?
In laboratory and cleanroom environments, stringent cleanliness and safety standards are essential to protect both users and the materials handled. Single-use gloves are a vital component of personal protective equipment (PPE), acting as a barrier to prevent contamination for both the wearer and sensitive samples. However, it’s important to note that single-use gloves should only be used when necessary, as excessive glove use adds to environmental impact through increased waste. In certain cases, sanitising or washing hands is sufficient. Here’s a look at why single-use gloves should be worn, their protective role, and how to use them responsibly.
Single-use gloves for personal protection
As stated by the International Labour Organisation, "A safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental right at work" (Source: https://www.ilo.org/topics-and-sectors/safety-and-health-work).
This principle was affirmed by the European Council in Directive 89/654/EEC, which outlines employers’ obligations to protect workers from hazards, including the provision of appropriate PPE, such as gloves compliant with Regulation (EU) 2016/425.
In laboratories or cleanrooms, personnel may encounter hazardous chemicals, biohazards, and other potentially harmful substances. Single-use gloves create a protective barrier, reducing the risk of skin irritation, burns, or exposure to pathogens, which can have serious health implications. It is important to select gloves that provide protection against the identified risks, following the guideline: ONE RISK, ONE GLOVE!
Minimising contamination
Single-use gloves help prevent cross-contamination in laboratory and cleanroom settings. Contaminants can easily transfer between surfaces, affecting sample integrity and product quality, and even causing regulatory non-compliance.
For example, in laboratories where biological samples or chemicals are handled, gloves prevent contamination of samples and equipment, resulting in more reliable and reproducible results.
In cleanrooms, small particles can severely impact product quality, especially in industries like semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. As the contamination control is vital, cleanroom-rated gloves are critical to minimising particle and microbial transfer from the operator’s skin to the cleanroom.
Maintaining aseptic conditions in critical applications
In applications such as medical and veterinary medicine manufacturing, maintaining aseptic conditions is paramount. This involves creating and sustaining an environment free from bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants.
As humans are the primary source of contamination, sterile single-use gloves are crucial in situations where any contamination could compromise outcomes.
Cleanroom sterile gloves undergo specialised processing to control microbial contamination such as endotoxins. Cleanroom gloves are thus essential in GMP-compliant Grade A and B pharmaceutical cleanrooms (according to Annex 1).
Improving product quality and compliance
For companies where compliance with strict hygiene and safety standards is mandatory, PPE like gloves helps prevent product recalls and reinforces a reputation for quality.
This is especially true in a sector such as food processing, where contamination can lead to significant financial loss, production downtime, and undermine the reputation. In biotechnology or pharmaceuticals, a contamination may ultimately affect supply chains and delay critical products from reaching patients.
Similarly, in electronics, handling components without adapted gloves risks ionic contamination or electrostatic discharge potentially affecting product performance. ESD disposable gloves with dissipative properties can mitigate the ESD risks.
Responsible use of disposable gloves
A French national campaign in the early 2000s used the slogan "Antibiotics are not automatic anymore" to encourage reduced overuse of antibiotics. This idea is also relevant for single-use gloves.
While disposable gloves are essential in specific settings, they should be used only when necessary. Excessive glove use contributes to environmental negative impact due to the resources involved in production (such as natural rubber latex or synthetic rubber derived from petroleum), as well as in transportation and disposal.
To align with sustainability goals and minimise waste, laboratories and cleanrooms can adopt practices that reduce unnecessary glove usage. This includes training personnel on:
- When to wear single-use gloves?
- How to select the right glove for specific applications?
- Selecting single-use gloves with the lowest environmental impact
Single-use gloves play a critical role in safety, hygiene, and quality in laboratory and cleanroom environments. By using gloves responsibly—only when necessary and choosing the right glove material and type—organisations can protect personnel, prevent contamination, and maintain compliance while supporting sustainability. Careful glove selection and sustainable practices promote a safer, more productive, and environmentally mindful workplace.
Contact our sales representative now to know more about SHIELD Scientific gloves solutions adapted to your needs.
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