When it comes to PPE, disposable gloves play a crucial role in protecting your hands from the hazards that you may encounter throughout your daily operations. Disposable gloves are made from various materials such as latex, nitrile and vinyl. While the shelf life is extremely long on these products, they do expire. Whether you’re in the medical, industrial or food service industry, it’s important to know everything possible about your PPE. Throughout this blog, we’re going to cover gloves expiration dates and everything you need to know for success!
Factors That Affect Glove Shelf Life
Several factors can significantly affect your gloves shelf life, including material type, storage conditions, and exposure to environmental elements. In terms of material type, latex gloves tend to have a shorter shelf life compared to nitrile or vinyl gloves due to their natural rubber properties. Normally, latex gloves have a shelf life of 3 years while nitrile and vinyl gloves have a shelf life of around 5 years. In a perfect world, these gloves would always be stored in conditions that help them keep their integrity. However, that’s not always the case. When disposable gloves are exposed to chemicals, direct light, humidity, and high temperatures, their shelf life can be significantly impacted. The ideal temperature for your disposable glove is between 50F and 72F. It’s best practice to store your gloves in a cool environment with low humidity and clean surroundings.
How to Check if Gloves Are Still Usable
If you’re not sure about a certain pair of gloves, there are key indicators that could tell you whether they are compromised or not. For instance, if you notice that your gloves seem to be brittle, discolored, or less elastic than normal, it’s probably time to order a new case of gloves. Additionally, it’s important to check for cracks, fading, or weak spots to prevent using gloves that are bound to puncture or rip. Typically, a visual inspection will tell you everything you need to know about your gloves. However, it’s also possible to see how the gloves feel and fit. Your gloves should have a comfortable and elastic fit that feels strong.
Do Expired Gloves Still Offer Protection?
While some expired gloves may seem intact, their protective barrier may have degraded. Using expired gloves is often a bad idea as it can lead to injuries, contaminations, and other unwanted performance results. Overall, expired gloves have the potential to offer some level of protection, however, they are far less reliable than a fresh pair of gloves. It’s crucial to assess the condition of your gloves before using to ensure the integrity is maintained.
Final Thoughts
Disposable gloves have a shelf life that is critical to their performance. To prolong your gloves shelf life, its best to keep them in a cool and dry environment that is chemical free. If you’re unsure about a particular pair of gloves, check for cracks, discoloration, holes, and reduced elasticity to ensure that they haven’t degraded. Expired gloves don’t offer the same amount of protection or reliability as new gloves so it's best to make the switch as your old pair expires. Maintaining your disposable gloves is crucial for keeping you and your team safe, so don’t hesitate. Make sure to check out our catalog and pick up some new gloves!