About Chemicals

Chemicals are unpredictable, complex and dangerous!

Did you know that our PVA™glove will protect you from some of the most dangerous chemicals on the market?

In fact, the glove can remain submersed in Ethylene Dichloride, an experimental carcinogen, for at least 6 hours before signs of permeation breakthrough. It can also withstand Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), Methylene Chloride, Toluene and Xylene and a range of other notoriously dangerous chemicals where many other gloves fail. 

Yet, this same PVA™ glove will dissolve in water!

Such is the unpredictable, complex and dangerous nature of chemicals. Even the best-made, most sophisticated glove offers little protection if it’s the wrong glove. 

There is no ‘one glove fits all’ either when it comes to chemicals. If you or your workers believe that a ‘so-called’ broad range chemical glove, such Red or Green PVC, will do the job every time, you are risking serious injury - even death!

No chemicals are safe. Any worker that handles chemicals is at risk.

As chemicals are commonplace in the workplace, nearly all workers are exposed to some sort of chemical hazards. It's important to learn about the chemicals and the protection that you need to be safe.


Ansell Chemsafe™  will help you pass this critical Acid Test by assisting you in identifying and understanding the dangers involved with handling chemicals. It will provide the solutions you need to ensure that you and your workers are adequately protected.

Chemicals can contain hazardous or dangerous materials that can harm you. Knowledge and proper handling of chemicals will help to assure its safe use and reduce accidents. Treat all chemicals with respect and be aware of the dangers and hazards.


Chemsafe Facts:
  • Chemicals can contain hazardous or dangerous materials that can harm you. Knowledge and proper handling of chemicals will help to assure its safe use and reduce accidents. Treat all chemicals with respect and be aware of the dangers and hazards.
  • Chemicals can become corrosive, explosive, flammable or poisonous when mishandled, resulting in uncontrolled chemical or physical reaction.
  • Some chemicals are reactive to certain materials and can become hazardous when caused to react by heat, pressure, shock, friction or by contact with air or water.
  • Reactive interactions can also occur when two or more chemicals are combined.
  • Health hazards can cause illness or other health problems such as dizziness, headache, skin rash, nerve disorder or damage to body organs.

Source: Center for chemical process safety



Chemsafe Case Study:


Chemical reactivity hazards have been involved in some of the most severe industry incidents:

  • The 1976 runaway reaction at Seveso, Italy that resulted in the contamination of land with dioxin.
  • The 1984 methyl isocyanate release in Bhopal, India that resulted in 2000 fatalities.
  • The 2001massive ammonium nitrate explosion near Toulouse, France that led to 30 fatalities, 2500 injuries, damage to nearly a third of Toulouse, and permanent closure of the facility.

Source: International Labour Organisation