Aircraft Maintenance Disposable Glove Guide: Choosing the Right Gloves for the Job

The right glove can also help prevent fingerprints, oils, dirt and other contaminants from being transferred to aircraft components and finished surfaces.

Latex and nitrile gloves are two of the most common disposable glove materials used in aircraft maintenance. Each has advantages, and specialized chemical-resistant gloves may be appropriate for more demanding applications.

Latex vs. Nitrile: At a Glance

When Should You Choose Latex Gloves?

Latex gloves are valued for their elasticity, close fit and excellent tactile sensitivity. They conform closely to the hand, making them useful for detailed maintenance tasks where technicians need good control of small components, fasteners and tools.

Common applications include:

• Precision component handling
• Inspection and cleaning
• Handling small hardware and fasteners
• General shop and hangar work
• Tasks requiring excellent tactile sensitivity

Natural rubber latex is not appropriate for everyone. Technicians with latex sensitivity or allergies should use a suitable latex-free alternative such as nitrile. Chemical compatibility should also be verified before using latex gloves with maintenance chemicals.

BAC Latex Glove Options

When Should You Choose Nitrile Gloves?

Nitrile is an excellent general-purpose choice for aircraft maintenance. It provides a useful combination of tactile sensitivity, durability and resistance to many oils, lubricants and other chemicals commonly encountered in the hangar.

Nitrile gloves are commonly selected for:

• Oils and lubricants
• Fuel and petroleum-based products
• Hydraulic fluids
• Cleaning solvents and degreasers
• Sealants and adhesives
• Routine component servicing
• General cleaning and maintenance

Important: Not all nitrile gloves have the same chemical resistance. Thickness, formulation, construction, exposure time and the specific chemical can all affect glove performance. Always check the glove manufacturer's chemical-resistance information and the applicable SDS.

BAC Nitrile Glove Options

Choosing the Right Glove Thickness

Glove thickness is generally a trade-off between dexterity and durability. Thinner gloves provide greater tactile sensitivity, while thicker gloves generally provide greater durability.

Glove thickness alone does not determine chemical protection. Always consider the specific chemical, concentration, temperature, exposure duration and manufacturer's chemical-resistance data.

Glove Selection by Aircraft Maintenance Task

Gloves for Aircraft Hydraulic Fluids

Aircraft technicians frequently work with hydraulic fluids such as Skydrol and HyJet. These fluids require careful glove selection because not every disposable glove provides the same level of protection against hydraulic fluids.

BAC offers the Microflex 93-260 Chemical Resistant Glove, a nitrile/neoprene glove with three-layer construction designed for demanding chemical applications. It is a particularly useful option when additional chemical resistance is required for aircraft maintenance.

For prolonged or repeated chemical exposure, always consult the glove manufacturer's chemical-resistance information and the applicable Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Select glove material and construction based on the specific fluid and exposure conditions.

Latex or Nitrile: Which Should You Choose?

Choose latex when:

• Maximum tactile sensitivity is important.
• A close, flexible fit is desired.
• The technician does not have a latex allergy or sensitivity.
• The application is compatible with natural rubber latex.

Choose nitrile when:

• You want a versatile general-purpose aircraft maintenance glove.
• Oil, fuel, lubricant or chemical exposure is possible.
• A latex-free glove is preferred or required.
• Additional puncture resistance is desirable.

Choose a specialized chemical-resistant glove when:

• There is prolonged or repeated chemical exposure.
• The chemical is particularly aggressive.
• The glove manufacturer specifies additional chemical resistance.
• Working with hydraulic fluids or other demanding aviation chemicals.

Important Glove-Selection Guidelines

• Check the SDS: Review the chemical manufacturer's SDS and glove manufacturer's compatibility information.
• Don't assume all nitrile gloves are equivalent: Thickness and construction can significantly affect performance.
• Replace contaminated or damaged gloves: Change gloves when they become damaged or contaminated.
• Choose the correct size: Proper fit improves dexterity and reduces tearing.
• Match the glove to the task: Disposable gloves are not a substitute for heavier-duty chemical, cut or other specialized gloves when required.
• Follow aircraft and employer requirements: Always follow applicable maintenance documentation, PPE programs and safety procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are nitrile gloves better than latex gloves for aircraft maintenance?

Not necessarily. Nitrile is often the more versatile choice because of its durability and resistance to many oils and chemicals. Latex provides excellent elasticity and tactile sensitivity. The correct choice depends on the task, chemical exposure and PPE requirements.

Are nitrile gloves safe for Skydrol?

Do not assume that every nitrile glove is suitable for Skydrol. Select a glove based on the manufacturer's chemical-resistance data for the specific glove and hydraulic fluid. BAC offers specialized chemical-resistant nitrile/neoprene options for demanding hydraulic-fluid applications.

Why do aircraft technicians use disposable gloves?

Disposable gloves help reduce direct skin contact with maintenance chemicals and help prevent oils, dirt and other contaminants from being transferred between the technician's hands and aircraft components.

Are latex gloves suitable for aircraft maintenance?

Yes. Latex gloves can be useful for tasks requiring excellent fit, flexibility and tactile sensitivity. However, technicians with latex sensitivity or allergies should use a suitable latex-free alternative.

What glove thickness should I use?

Thinner gloves generally provide better tactile sensitivity, while thicker gloves generally provide greater durability. Select thickness based on the task, exposure and required dexterity.

Can I use disposable gloves when applying aircraft sealants?

Disposable gloves are commonly used when handling sealants, but the specific glove material should be selected according to the sealant manufacturer's SDS and PPE recommendations. Chemical compatibility and exposure duration are important considerations.

Bottom Line for Aircraft Maintenance

For many everyday aircraft maintenance tasks, nitrile is an excellent general-purpose disposable glove. It provides a useful combination of durability, dexterity and resistance to many common maintenance fluids.

Latex remains a good choice when exceptional fit and tactile sensitivity are priorities and latex exposure is acceptable. For more demanding chemical exposure, choose a glove based on the specific chemical, concentration, exposure time and manufacturer's compatibility data.

Whether you need a thin glove for precision work, a heavier glove for durability or a chemical-resistant glove for demanding fluid applications, BAC stocks a variety of disposable gloves for aircraft maintenance and MRO applications.