Confident grip in chemical environments

Ansell, a world leader in hand protection, announces the launch of the first chemical-resistant glove to incorporate Ansell Grip Technology™, the AlphaTec™. Designed as a liquid-proof glove requiring less force needed to grip oily or wet objects, the AlphaTec™ has been successfully tested at the production sites of 25 major industrial companies throughout Europe. Trials confirmed outstanding performance and acceptance, with over 83% of workers claiming they could perform tasks better.

 

The glove’s unique combination of grip and chemical resistance together with the glove’s flexibility and dexterity make it the logical choice when dealing with chemicals. The AlphaTec™ is recommended for handling and light assembly applications in environments with potential chemical hazards, including the chemical industry, printing, mining, aerospace, agriculture, oilfield exploration and production, and automotive and/or OEM markets.

 

AlphaTec’s™ carefully designed production process ensures an exceptionally safe chemical barrier. The polymer coating does not penetrate into the liner during manufacture, providing a consistent protection for the skin. AlphaTec™ provides a superior level of resistance to a lot of chemicals, and in particular to hydrocarbon-based chemicals, oils and solvents. AlphaTec’s™ nitrile coating is also designed to give greater flexibility. The shape of the glove has been specially designed and features more closely fitting fingers, resulting in enhanced finger sensitivity and tactility for the user. The internal lining consists of a seamless knit for reduced friction and even more tactility.

 

Tests have shown that over a range of increasing weights, Ansell Grip Technology™ provides a better wet/oily grip than any other similar glove available on the market today. Oil grip tests on comparable gloves show that gloves with Ansell Grip Technology™ require from 34-69% less grip force to lift an oily 4.5 kilo object. ⁽¹⁾ According to the US Centre for Disease Control, there is evidence of a positive association between forceful work and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The reduced necessity for exertion provided by an improved grip results in greater object control, comfort, safety and productivity, and can contribute to preventing the onset of occupational injuries such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), tendonitis, De Quervain’s disease and tenosynovitis.

 

Ansell’s Grip Technology™ coating offers the AlphaTec™ excellent grip when handling slippery objects, a performance which is particularly marked when grasping heavier objects (4-5 kilos and up). It integrates microscopic channels in a patented ultra-thin nitrile layer, directing fluids away from the grip surface, thus leaving a significant contact area dry with almost the same grip as under fluid-free conditions. With this improved adherence, workers experience greater comfort, minimising fatigue and stress.

 

AlphaTec™ is the first of a series of Ansell glove ranges to benefit from the revolutionary Ansell Grip Technology™. In addition to other selected specialist gloves, Ansell Grip Technology™ is also being integrated into other popular glove ranges such as the HyFlex. In launching AlphaTec™, Ansell has chosen to take the lead by directly addressing a major workforce concern, muscular strain and stress.