Glove Intelligent Assistant
11.12.2024
Previously the ASK GIA Blog discussed understanding chemical permeation times. To recap, chemical permeation is the amount of time until a chemical passes through the glove material at a molecular level. Degradation is any change to the physical properties of the glove due to continuous contact with certain chemicals. Degradation usually manifests as discoloration, swelling, shrinking or even cracking of the glove. While degradation is usually the first visible sign of glove failure, even if there are no visible signs of degradation, it is not a guaranteed assurance of glove performance. A glove can fail even before there are signs of degradation. It’s important to note the permeation or breakthrough times (BTT) of different gloves. Breakthrough time is the measurement that takes a chemical to penetrate the material from the outside of the glove to the inner lining to reach to skin surface.
Tests measure the elapsed time between initial contact of the test chemical with the outside surface of the glove and the time at which permeation rate reaches 0.1µg/cm2/min (ASTM F739-12) to qualify the ANSI/ISEA 105 performance levels. A higher the performance level is better as it means it takes longer for the glove to fail. Once the breakthrough time has elapsed, the glove is no longer providing adequate protection for the user to perform the task prolong with the intended chemical.
SW is equipped with the necessary testing in accordance with ASTM standards used in the industry. We provide information on the standardized breakthrough time (BTT) and levels, compliant with ANSI/ISEA 105 requirements for common chemicals. This information can be found in the information tab of our gloves on all product web pages, as well as in relevant guides.
Additionally, we offer our Chemical Support Service, which is simple and efficient. Customers can access this service on our website and submit the Chemical Safety Data Sheet (SDS) if they want to know the specific BTT for SW gloves beyond what is already declared.
SW also maintains a comprehensive catalog of literature on our website, allowing customers to evaluate the best solutions for their needs. Our goal is to help our customers maintain optimal hand protection with minimal hassle.
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.