Ansell Gloves, Coveralls, and Work Boots: 7 PPE Questions From a Buyer Who Learned the Hard Way

I've been signing off on PPE orders since 2017, including a roughly $4,700 chemical-glove mistake in March 2021 that I'd rather forget. I now keep a procurement checklist so our team doesn't repeat my errors. Some of these questions are technical; some are procurement traps. If you're new to PPE buying, use this as a starting point, not a substitute for your own safety review.

One thing I believe strongly: the fundamentals haven't changed. If a glove leaks or a boot loses grip, it's useless. But the execution has transformed. What I treated as a safe enough process in 2017 would make me nervous now.

Is nitrile gloves latex free?

Yes, as a category, nitrile gloves do not contain natural rubber latex. What I mean is, they're made from a synthetic rubber called nitrile, not latex. So when someone asks me 'is nitrile gloves latex free?' I say yes, with the word 'technically' attached. Nitrile is the standard alternative if someone has a Type I latex protein allergy. But here's the catch: 'latex-free' and 'allergy-free' are not exactly the same. Some nitrile gloves contain chemical accelerators like thiuram or MBT that can cause a different skin irritation. We had a technician with itchy hands while wearing nitrile gloves; it wasn't latex proteins, it was likely the accelerators. If contact dermatitis shows up, ask your supplier about styles with lower or no added accelerators. Also remember the FDA banned powdered surgical and patient exam gloves in the United States as of January 18, 2017. Most importantly, no nitrile glove is a universal chemical barrier. Check compatibility with the specific chemical, not just the word 'nitrile.'

What's the difference between Ansell natural rubber latex gloves and nitrile gloves?

Natural rubber latex gloves are elastic and comfortable, with strong wet grip for water-based tasks. Nitrile gloves resist oils, greases, and many solvents better. That's why Ansell makes both. But the practical answer is less tidy. In 2017, I treated 'nitrile vs latex' as one decision. By 2025, our team treats it as three: material, thickness, and chemical compatibility. Looking back, I should have checked the chemical compatibility chart before buying a large batch of nitrile gloves for a cleaning process with an aggressive solvent. The nitrile wasn't a bad product; it was the wrong product for that chemical. When you're choosing between Ansell natural rubber latex gloves and nitrile, pull the SDS for your chemical and compare the manufacturer's permeation data. Neither material is universally better. The label is only the start.

How do I order Ansell nitrile gloves large without getting the wrong size?

Size labels are not universal. A 'large' in one style can fit like a medium in another. I learned this in 2022 when we ordered 2,000 pairs of Ansell nitrile gloves large, and part of the batch was too tight for our crew. The fix is to measure: wrap a fabric tape around the widest part of the palm and compare that number to the product-specific size chart. I want to say our standard large fit hands around 19 to 21 centimeters in circumference, but don't quote me on that; it varies by style. An oversized glove bunches around the fingertips, which kills dexterity and creates snag hazards. An undersized glove tires the hand quickly. If you're buying for multiple people, use measured data instead of a show of hands. If a worker is between sizes, I usually go up for comfort and chemical handling, or down for precision work.

Why do I need coveralls for men when I'm mainly ordering gloves?

Because exposure doesn't stop at the wrist. Chemical splash can hit the forearm, the lap, the chest, the legs. Coveralls for men are a containment layer, not just a uniform. In September 2022, a worker bent over a drum and got his shirt soaked; he had to strip at the safety shower before we sorted out the chemical. Nothing serious in that case, but it changed how I build PPE kits. For splash hazards, use disposable chemical-rated coveralls with a hood and elastic cuffs, not an open shop coat. If there is a flame or arc flash risk, choose the right flame-resistant or arc-rated coverall for that hazard. OSHA's PPE rule has the same logic for every body part: select equipment based on the task, conditions, hazards, and duration. Gloves are the beginning, not the entire system.

Should I buy 'On Cloud work boots' because they're comfortable?

I understand the appeal. If you're talking about On Cloud running shoes, they do feel like nothing else. But 'comfortable in the store' and 'safe on the job' are not the same category. As of early 2025, I hadn't seen a certified safety work boot from On. That might change, and I don't hold that against them; if it does, the certification will be printed on the boot or the box. In North America, look for ASTM F2413. In Europe, look for EN ISO 20345. A foam-cushioned sneaker without a safety toe or puncture plate isn't a work boot, no matter how soft it feels. In 2019, I bought boots that felt like slippers and watched them break down around chemical spills. Comfort helps with fatigue, but it has to come after or alongside certified protection.

What makes a cheaper glove brand acceptable?

The honest answer is: it depends on the job and the data. For light assembly or low-level contamination, a budget nitrile glove can be completely fine. For chemical handling, I look at thickness, material, tested breakthrough behavior, and whether the glove meets standards like ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 or EN ISO 374-1, not at the brand name alone. In 2021, the cost spreadsheet said buy a cheaper option, and the spec sheet appeared fine. My gut said the gloves were stiff and too thin. The crew wouldn't wear them, so we reordered. That's the hidden cost, which, honestly, I should have flagged before I made the purchase. I'm not saying only premium brands work; the PPE industry has evolved, and smaller brands can deliver good quality. But 'cheap per box' isn't 'cheap per hand,' especially when workers avoid wearing the ones you already bought.

Why doesn't the glove's rated breakthrough time match my real-world experience?

Because that rating is generated in a lab with a clean, static chemical challenge. In real use, the glove bends at the knuckles, rubs against surfaces, gets stretched, and sits in sweat. Those things speed up permeation. I want to say our worst example was a glove rated for 30 minutes that felt compromised after about 15 minutes on the job, but don't quote me on those exact numbers. The safer habit is to treat rated breakthrough time as an upper bound, not a guaranteed work window. Change gloves when they look swollen, discolored, or stiff, and change them between tasks if the chemical changes. Per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.138, selection should account for the task, duration of use, hazards, and conditions present. That last one is what I ignored in 2017. Don't learn that lesson from your own purchase-order history.