Salisbury Glove Testing Methodology and Permeation Rate Data

An Introduction to Salisbury Glove Testing

Salisbury glove testing refers to a method of testing the effectiveness of protective gloves against hazardous materials. This type of testing is important for ensuring the safety of workers in industries that utilize toxic chemicals or radioactive materials. The name "Salisbury" comes from the Salisbury methodology which provides a standardized way to compare the performance of different gloves. In this article, we will explore what Salisbury glove testing is, its importance, how it works, and key considerations when selecting protective gloves.

What is Salisbury Glove Testing?

Salisbury glove testing involvesmeasuring how well glovescan resist the penetration of chemicals. It determines the length of time it takes for a chemical to permeate through a glove material. The testing methodology was developed by food technologists at the Salisbury Biological Laboratory in the United Kingdom in the 1970s. Today, Salisbury glove testing data allows industrial workers to compare the chemical resistance of different gloves to make an informed decision on the appropriate hand protection for their workplace.

The Importance of Testing Glove Permeation

Understanding how long it takes for industrial solvents, cleaners, and other hazardous substances to diffuse through protective glove materials is crucial for worker safety. Chemical burns, infections, and intoxication risks can be avoided by selecting the most impervious glove possible for each unique job duty. Salisbury glove testing provides quantified data for comparing variables like material type, glove thickness, and chemical concentration exposure over time.

Without standardized Salisbury test results on glove permeation rates, chemical workers would have to rely on subjective product marketing claims or guess which gloves might offer superior protection. Getting glove selection wrong can have devastating health consequences for employees over repeat chemical exposures.

How Salisbury Glove Testing Works

During Salisbury glove testing, glove material specimens are securely mounted in a test cell apparatus. Then, a hazardous chemical is introduced into the outer chamber of the test cell at a controlled concentration and temperature. Time measurement begins the moment the test chemical comes into contact with the test glove swatch.

Technicians record the elapsed breakthrough time, monitoring when chemical permeation is first detected on the inner chamber side of the test glove material. The swatch exposure continues until steady-state permeation reaches 1 microgram per minute. Data logs document the chemical’s accumulation rate in micrograms over time.

The testing apparatus may also measure other variables like swell rate, absorption rate, and degradation. Swell rate shows how much a glove material expands when saturated with a chemical. High swell can compromise glove fit and dexterity.

Key Considerations in Glove Selection

When examining Salisbury glove test reports, keep the following factors in mind:

• The type of chemical - Some glove materials provide excellent protection against certain chemicals but have poor resistance to others. No glove protects against all substances.
• Breakthrough time - Longer breakthrough times indicate better impermeability from the chemical. Consider how long gloves need to provide protection in your particular work application.
• Thickness - Increasing glove thickness typically improves breakthrough resistance but may reduce dexterity.
• Cost - More protective specialty glove materials are typically more expensive. But glove cost should not outweigh worker health and safety.

Conclusion

Salisbury glove testing provides standardized permeation data to compare the effectiveness of protective gloves against industrial chemicals. When chemical safety managers review Salisbury test reports, they can make evidence-based glove selection decisions rather than guesswork. Investing in properly tested hand protection reduces injuries, preserves worker health over time, and demonstrates a company’s commitment to safety.

FAQs

What chemicals are used in Salisbury glove testing?

Over 40 hazardous industrial chemicals are used including solvents like alcohol, ketones, esters, aliphatics, and aromatics. Acids, bases, amines, and other chemical classes are also tested. The specific substances are ones commonly handled in workplaces requiring protective gloves.

Does Salisbury testing check for glove dexterity?

No, the Salisbury test only looks at permeation breakthrough time and material swelling. It does not assess glove flexibility, finger dexterity, or grip. Workers should try various gloves on to ensure a comfortable, non-restrictive fit for their required manual tasks.

Can any glove material be Salisbury tested?

Yes, common glove materials like latex, nitrile, neoprene, butyl rubber, natural rubber, polyethylene, PVC, and specialty barrier laminates can undergo Salisbury permeation testing. The method determines how long it takes test chemicals to diffuse through glove swatches.

Who sets the standards for Salisbury glove testing methodology?

Globally recognized standards groups like the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and ASTM International have created standard practices for conducting Salisbury glove permeation testing to ensure consistency, reliability, and repeatability across different testing labs.