Handling Corrosive Materials in the Automotive Industry

Ask GIA™ Blog

Glove Intelligent Assistant
10.09.2024

SW understands that automotive jobs often need workers to maintain high skill in various different and difficult working conditions. There can be various high-risk and critical moments, which require high-quality hand protection. In the automotive industry, workers additionally need to be cautious when handling corrosive materials. Additionally, the invisible nature of most hazards and zero visual warnings make it even more challenging for safety managers to identify and estimate the need for proper hand protection. Almost all the chemicals used in the automotive industry will not lead to any immediate visual or noticeable effects on the skin upon exposure. OSHA’s general requirement for hand protection does not provide specific guidelines for the automotive industry either.

Improper hand protection can lead to chronic skin irritation, defatting and cracking of the skin, and even cancer. Contact dermatitis occurs due to long-term exposure to compounds such as hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), plastic resins, and aromatic hydrocarbons present in primers and adhesives. Defatting and cracking of the skin: VOCs like heptane, xylene, and acetone used in reducers, degreasers, and paint systems tend to dissolve the skin’s protective barrier of lipids, causing defatting of the skin.

Alkaline and acidic solutions used in degreasing and phosphating of body panels could cause severe skin corrosion. As for cancer, some compounds in the automotive industry chemicals are potent carcinogens. Adhesives contain styrene block copolymers which are readily absorbed through the skin and are potent carcinogens.

 

Due to these concerns, SW has developed various solutions for our customers. SW offers a range of chemical-resistant gloves to cope with light-duty tasks and medium-duty tasks.
SW’s PowerForm (PF-95OR, PF-95BK, and PF-95GY) series offers adequate chemical resistance required for most of the painting, lubrication, and cleaning tasks in automotive parts and components manufacturing.

SW’s PowerForm series is effective against acids, alkalis, and solvent systems, ensuring safety in various industrial environments, under light-duty applications. It offers ample protection while still prioritizing user comfort. Our PowerForm series features a nitrile construction that balances flexibility with robust protection, allowing workers to perform tasks without compromising on safety. PF-95OR has a unique diamond-textured grip that provides better grip in wet and oily conditions during faster working situations.

 

SW’s NewTrile series is ideal for bulk and extended handling primers, base coats, and clear coats in automotive and industrial settings. SW NewTrile NU11 & NU15 gloves which has Type A chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, and puncture resistance, with inner chlorination, allows for easy sliding on hand skin. SW’s NewTrile NF15 is particularly optimized for extended exposures against some strong adhesives used in trims and interior components and the interior flocking provides better comfort in extensive usage. Both products consist of a grip pattern that allows a better grip in either surface conditions (wet or oil) to minimize fatigue during extensive working. The hand-specific design of the NewTrile range facilitates relaxed donning and doffing, minimizing preparation time.

SW offers a wide catalog of gloves so our customers can evaluate what is the best solution for their needs. We aim to help our customers maintain the best hand protection with the least hassle.

About SW Sustainability Solutions

At SW, we are committed to leading the glove industry in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. Our innovative EcoTek® technology exemplifies our dedication to sustainable solutions, while our expertise in sweat management ensures comfort and performance. We also offer specialized chemical compatibility support, assisting customers in selecting gloves tailored to their unique needs. Our mission is to provide products that prioritize safety, health, and environmental responsibility for our customers and the planet.