Which type of gloves is recommended for battery service?

When performing battery service, it is crucial to use gloves that provide both chemical resistance and a secure grip to protect against harmful substances that may be present, such as sulfuric acid in lead-acid batteries. Nitrile gloves are favored because they offer excellent durability and resistance to chemicals, as well as tears and punctures. Latex gloves also provide a good barrier against chemicals but may not be as strong as nitrile when it comes to puncture resistance.

Although leather gloves can offer some mechanical protection, they do not provide adequate chemical resistance if they come into contact with battery acid. Cotton gloves lack the necessary protection against chemicals and do not offer a secure grip when working with potentially hazardous materials. Rubber gloves are a good option for electrical insulation, yet they may not perform as well when handling batteries due to their weight and specific use cases. Therefore, nitrile or latex gloves are the best choice for battery service, ensuring both safety and functionality.