(858) 224-9100
GONIOBRANCHUS CAVAE
PPE & Safety
Nitrile gloves, face masks, and biohazard disposal supplies for laboratory safety and compliance. Powder-free, latex-free formulations in all standard sizes.
XS-XL
Size Range
3.5-5 mil
Glove Thickness
BROWSE BY CATEGORY
What does your safety program need?
Hand protection, respiratory protection, and compliant waste disposal for BSL-1 through BSL-3 laboratories.
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Laboratory PPE Selection Guide
Personal protective equipment is the last line of defense between lab hazards and your team. Gloves protect against chemical splashes, biological agents, and skin irritants. Masks provide respiratory protection from aerosols, powders, and airborne pathogens. Biohazard bags and sharps containers ensure proper segregation and disposal of infectious and regulated waste. Proper PPE selection depends on the specific hazards in your lab - chemical handling requires different glove materials and thicknesses than routine biological work.
GLOVE COMPARISON
Nitrile vs. latex vs. vinyl
| Property | Nitrile (100%) | Latex (Natural Rubber) | Vinyl (PVC) | Nitrile-Vinyl Blend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent - broad solvent compatibility | Good - aqueous solutions, mild chemicals | Poor - minimal chemical protection | Moderate - light chemical use |
| Puncture Resistance | High | Moderate | Low | Moderate |
| Tactile Sensitivity | Good | Excellent | Fair | Good |
| Latex Allergen | No (latex-free) | Yes (Type I hypersensitivity risk) | No (latex-free) | No (latex-free) |
| Typical Thickness | 4-5 mil | 5-8 mil | 3-4 mil | 3.5 mil |
| Best For | Chemical handling, solvent work, biological safety | High-dexterity tasks, clinical procedures | Food service, low-risk tasks | General lab tasks, non-hazardous work |
| Cost | $$ | $$ | $ | $ |
💡Choosing the Right Glove Material
Nitrile is the best all-around choice for laboratory work - chemical-resistant, puncture-resistant, and latex-free. Use 4-5 mil nitrile for routine lab work and chemical handling. Latex offers superior fit and tactile sensitivity but poses allergy risks and is being phased out in many institutions. Vinyl is the most economical option but provides minimal chemical resistance - use only for low-risk tasks like food handling or non-hazardous material contact. For extended solvent exposure, consider thicker (5+ mil) nitrile or chemical-specific gloves rated for your exact chemicals.
🛡️Respiratory Protection Levels
Three-ply surgical masks provide basic barrier protection against large droplets and splashes - suitable for general laboratory use and BSL-1 environments. KN95 / N95 respirators filter at least 95% of airborne particles (0.3 um and larger) and are recommended for handling fine powders, aerosol-generating procedures, and work with respiratory pathogens in BSL-2+ environments. KN95 masks must fit snugly against the face to achieve rated filtration efficiency.
COMMON QUESTIONS
PPE & Safety FAQ
Yes. All our nitrile and nitrile-vinyl blend gloves are powder-free, which eliminates the risk of powder-related contamination to samples and reduces skin irritation with prolonged use. Powder-free gloves are required for most laboratory applications, cleanroom environments, and clinical settings.
For general lab work (pipetting, media prep, routine handling), 3.5-4 mil gloves provide adequate protection with good dexterity. For chemical handling with organic solvents, acids, or bases, choose 5 mil or thicker gloves for extended breakthrough times. For high-risk chemical work, consider double-gloving or using chemical-specific gloves rated for your exact reagents. Our product pages list the mil thickness and key chemical compatibility data for each glove.
Yes. Our red biohazard bags are rated for steam autoclaving at 121C (250F) and include a printed indicator patch that changes color upon reaching sterilization conditions. They are printed with the universal biohazard symbol and are available in multiple sizes to fit benchtop waste containers, floor bins, and large autoclave loads. All bags meet ASTM D1709 puncture resistance standards.
Yes. We carry nitrile gloves in blue, black, and clear (nitrile-vinyl blend). Some labs use color-coding to designate different work zones: blue for general lab work, black for chemical handling areas, and clear for food-contact or low-risk tasks. Color selection does not affect the chemical resistance or performance of the glove.
In addition to autoclave biohazard bags, we carry sharps containers for used needles, broken glass, and other sharp waste. We also carry biohazard labels and tape for secondary container marking. For chemical waste containers and solvent waste cans, contact us - we can source these through our supplier network based on your specific waste stream requirements.
Need PPE for a new lab setup?
We can build a complete safety package based on your BSL level, chemical hazards, and compliance requirements. Volume pricing on gloves and masks.