Fentanyl-resistant gloves provide a relevant, imperative safeguard for the growing issue of fentanyl-related crimes and overdoses in the U.S. Chemically tested and certified, nitrile gloves offer protection in varying degrees based on the exposure time and material thickness.
Why do I need fentanyl resistant gloves?
All opioids, like heroin, morphine, or pain pills such as oxycodone, are highly addictive and have been considered part of a U.S. health crisis for years. While originally created as a pain medication for hospital use in a patch-delivery system, according to the DEA’s website, “Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid up to 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.”
Many street drugs like meth or heroin are now being cut with fentanyl, exposing an already vulnerable population to an even greater risk of overdose. First responders and police are often at the front line on crime scenes where this drug may be found. It is imperative for them to have the best available PPE to avoid lethal exposure. Nitrile, fentanyl resistant gloves provide this type of key protection.
Solutions
The Lab Depot offers nitrile gloves that have been tested and certified as fentanyl-resistant. We currently have two versions of the highly-rated Hourglass International, Inc. nitrile, fentanyl-resistant gloves: the Hourglass Fortis 500 and the Hourglass Scion 700.
Both products feature textured fingertips and Low Derma™ Accelerator Free Nitrile technology, focusing on improved stretch and providing clean and safe protection while optimizing strong barrier protection. Both gloves are also manufactured without natural rubber latex with no sulfur added and no dithiocarbamates, thiurams, or mercaptobenzothiazoles (MBT). They are powder-free. In addition to being fentanyl-resistant, they are certified for certain chemotherapy drugs.
FORTIS 500
The Hourglass Fortis 500 won’t irritate your skin and has been tested with no chemical breakthroughs for up to 240 minutes. Thicker than the average glove at 5.5 mil., this glove is NFPA 1999 certified for high-risk environments. It is Thiuram-Free, Carba-Mix Free, and Nickel Free.
SCION 700
The Hourglass Scion 700 has low dermatitis potential and a thickness of 3.5 mil., with no chemical breakthrough for up to 240 minutes. This glove is packaged in higher numbers, so this reduces packaging waste. It is Thiuram-Free.
Safety Protocol
As part of a larger safety protocol plan, when using fentanyl-resistant gloves, or nitrile gloves, there are several important items to consider.
1. Sizing
Make sure the correct size is being used. Most gloves are available in a wide range of sizes, from small to 1X, and there are also options with longer cuffs.
2. Inspection
Inspect all gloves before using them. During the course of work, it is important to watch for tears or punctures. However, there can be gloves that might be damaged before work begins. While this is rare, thanks to quality control, being vigilant about PPE is recommended.
3. Time Limits
In the circumstances of using gloves with dangerous chemicals like fentanyl, watch for time: 240 minutes = four hours. Universal precaution protocol recommends regularly changing gloves throughout their use. Safety plans should address and account for this consideration with all potential incident commanders and safety supervisors.
4. Removal
Remove gloves appropriately to ensure no exposure to chemicals and contaminants.
