Anybody will be shocked when they feel static electricity. The sudden flow of electricity can make you jump and drop what you are holding. And if you are exposed often or your tasks involve getting in contact with static electricity, you will need to wear anti-static equipment to prevent any accidents.
There are many anti-static equipment you can use to avoid static electricity, such as gloves. But what is static electricity and is it harmful to the body? And do latex gloves prevent static electricity? Read on to get all the answers and more.
Let’s start!
What is Static Electricity?
Everything is made of atoms which contain electrons that have a negative electric charge. Typically, electrons orbit around a nucleus that has a positive electric charge. This is what a balanced atom is.
However, there are instances where electrons break away from the orbit due to exterior objects such as balloons. These objects steal the electrons from other objects making them negatively charged. When there is no outlet letting the electrons move, they become static electricity (also called unmoving electricity or electrostatic discharge).
To make it short, static energy is a phenomenon where electric particles are transferred from one object to the next which causes a small electric static shock, sparks or attracts small objects like dust, hair, or feathers.
How Can Latex Gloves Prevent Static Electricity?
There are many types of disposable gloves and each has its own purpose, uses, and advantages. When it comes to food handling, wearing latex gloves is a must. This versatile and useful type of disposable gloves can also protect you from static energy.
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When you are wearing latex gloves and come in contact with an object with ESD, it will prevent static electricity from going through your skin. Static electricity is not conducted. What happens is your latex gloves will hold the static electricity or charge and then pass it through when it comes in contact with metal. It will remain in the latex gloves until you pass it through a conductor.
Why Do You Need Anti-Static Latex Gloves?
Here are two main reasons why you need to wear anti-static gloves, especially if you are often exposed to static electricity.
Protect the Wearer From Static Electricity
Static electricity is very surprising and shocks you. There are instances when the person suddenly drops their equipment due to the static shock leading to accidents and emergencies. In various industries, preventing these accidents is crucial for safety, especially if you are handling electronics and chemicals.
By wearing ESD-safe gloves, you can protect yourself and your staff from electrical shock, accidents, and emergencies.
The right ESD-safe gloves should be able to dissipate or conduct static electricity. Anti-static gloves can prevent and decrease the risk of ESD. However, it is very important to remember that they are not grounded. You should add anti-static equipment such as a grounding wrist strap to lower the risks.
Prevent Static Electricity Transfer
Wearing anti-static gloves is crucial when handling static-sensitive components and equipment such as circuit boards and electronics. Static electricity discharge can be damaging and shocking not only to a person but also to certain objects. It is imperative to wear anti-static gloves with grounding equipment to prevent the transfer of ESD and damage to these static-sensitive components and objects, especially if you are building computer components.
Things to Consider in Choosing Anti-Static Gloves
There are many types of anti-static gloves available in the market. And each type is designed for specific use or purpose. Also, these ESD-safe gloves are made from different materials. To help you choose the right anti-static gloves for you or your staff, here are 5 things you need to consider.
(Photo by RephiLe water from Unsplash)
Purpose
This is the first thing you need to consider. Are you going to use ESD-safe gloves for assembly or handling? When you know the purpose of your anti-static gloves, it will be easier for you to choose which disposable gloves or reusable gloves fit your needs.
Chemicals Handled
Certain disposable gloves are resistant to chemicals but not all. If you or your staff are handling a specific type of chemical, check whether the materials of your ESD-safe gloves are resistant to these chemicals before using them. Gloves should be able to protect you from static electricity as well as chemicals.
Safety
The safety of the wearer is very important. If you or your staff have specific allergies or sensitivities, such as latex, it is best to consider not using them to ensure your and your employee’s safety and productivity.
Electrical Resistance
The conductivity of the ESD-safe gloves is crucial. If you or your staff are handling static-sensitive components, it is best to look for higher-quality anti-static gloves to prevent static discharge. This will avoid problems, losses, and accidents.
Cost
Once you narrow down your choices, it is now time to weigh up the cost versus the features and benefits. For example, both fabric and latex gloves provide anti-static capabilities. Latex gloves are cheaper and disposable. While fabric gloves are more expensive but reusable. You need to weigh down your options and choose the one that fits your use, purpose, and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the commonly asked questions about static electricity and ESD-safe gloves.
Do latex gloves protect against electricity?
If you are handling electricity on a regular basis, it is best to wear nitrile gloves to protect yourself from electrical problems. In addition, nitrile gloves protect your hands from various abrasions and cuts.
Latex gloves can protect you from static electricity. But, it can’t provide the same superior protection against electricity as nitrile gloves. And if you are exposed to electricity quite often, it is best to choose a type of gloves that can provide the protection you need.
What kind of gloves prevents static electricity?
There are four types of gloves you can use to protect yourself from static electricity depending on how you are going to use them.
- Latex gloves: This type of gloves is the most economical, cost-effective, and cheapest anti-static gloves available in the market. It is disposable, adorable, affordable, comfortable, fits well, and is very elastic compared to other gloves. However, if you have sensitive skin or a latex allergy, you can’t use latex gloves.
- Synthetic latex gloves: It is a great option for those people with latex allergies. These type of gloves is very soft to wear. However, it is less durable and has a looser fit compared to latex gloves.
- Nitrile gloves: It is also a helpful option for those with sensitive skin and latex allergies. Nitrile gloves are very durable, puncture-resistance, and can protect the wearer against various solvents and chemicals. However, compared to latex gloves and vinyl gloves, nitrile gloves are more expensive.
- Fabric gloves: Compared to disposable gloves, fabric gloves are more economical and reusable. You can wash them after use. The best part about fabric gloves is there are many varieties and options, such as lint-free, low-lint, and stretch.
When choosing the type of gloves to wear to provide protection against static energy, you need to consider what your tasks entail. For example, some materials can’t offer protection against specific chemicals. Check the materials’ resistance to the chemicals you will be handling to avoid problems and injuries.
Also, check the features of the gloves you are using. There are gloves that come with different added features such as non-slip grip pads and resistance for cuts and abrasions.
Always take a closer look at the materials, features, and sizes of your gloves.
Do rubber gloves work as anti-static?
Rubber is a natural insulator. Meaning, rubber gloves don’t conduct electricity and can provide protection against static electricity and shock. The rubber material doesn’t act as a conductor preventing the electricity from passing through the gloves into your skin. Hence, if you are exposed to electricity or static electricity often, it is best to wear proper protective equipment such as rubber gloves to prevent electric shock.
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Check Out the Best Latex Gloves at Gloves.com
Once you decide which anti-static latex gloves you need, visit Gloves.com to shop for the best gloves in the market. We have numerous high-quality latex glove options with different features, colors, sizes, and features to choose from. Each latex glove is made from durable materials to ensure durability and longevity.
Whether you need powder-free or powdered latex gloves, you can find them here. Check out our latex gloves today!
