Lab gloves
Lab gloves are thin, stretchy gloves, often made of a rubbery material called nitrile.
What is it for?
They protect your hands from chemicals and keep your samples clean.
How to use it
Put them on with clean, dry hands, and peel them off inside out so the outside never touches your skin.
🥽 Safety tip: Throw gloves away after one use, and wash your hands afterwards, even if you wore gloves.
Fun fact from Fizzy: Many labs use nitrile gloves instead of latex ones, because some people are allergic to latex.
A closer look
Gloves come in sizes from extra small to extra large, and they should fit snugly. Gloves that are too big can slip and make it hard to hold glassware. Nitrile gloves are often blue or purple, so it is easy to see if one has a tear.
Gloves are not magic. Some chemicals soak through them over time, so scientists check which type of glove to wear, and swap them if they get a splash.
Where you would see them
Lab gloves are worn in labs, hospitals, dentists and kitchens. Remember not to touch your face, your phone or door handles while wearing them, or the chemicals go wherever your gloves go.