When handling chemicals ranging from common household cleaning supplies such as bleach or ammonia to harsher or more volatile chemicals, workers should ¬¬– and typically do! – wear chemical gloves to protect their hands. However, glove solutions only protect the hand, leaving the rest of the body exposed to possible chemical splashes or interactions that can result in adverse health effects over time.

When selecting chemical body protection, one must start with considering the type of chemicals present in the workspace and types of interactions that may occur; this will help indicate whether a lighter-weight disposable suit or heavy-duty hazmat suit is the right choice for the task at hand. Regardless, any individual regularly interacting with chemicals should wear a suit, which limits skin exposure and safeguards the entire body against chemical contact and possible hazards.

Chemical suits can be used in a range of industries and for a variety of tasks, including everything from laboratory, life sciences, janitorial and even routine household cleaning. Ensuring chemical protection doesn’t stop at the glove is critical to ensure workers are protected against all chemical exposures.