Packaging Supplies
Browse articles written by our packaging experts
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December 14, 2023
What is Gauze?
Gauze is a pad that goes on wounds.
Non-Adherent Gauze Pads
Non-Adherent Gauze Pads do not adhere.
Our Non-Adherent Gauze Pads
Product
Image
Sizes
Features
Non-Adherent Gauze Pads
2" x 3", 3" x 4"
Covers wounds; does not adhere
Non-Adherent Pads with Adhesive Strips
Non-Adherent Pads with Adhesive Strips have adhesive strips.
Our Non-Adherent Pads with Adhesive Strips
Product
Image
Sizes
Features
Non-Adherent Pads with Adhesive Strips
2" x 3", 3" x 4"
Covers wounds; contains adhesive strips
Non-Sterile Surgical Sponges
Non-Sterile Surgical Sponges are not sterile.
Our Non-Sterile Surgical Sponges
Product
Image
Sizes
Features
Non-Sterile Surgical Sponges
2" x 2", 3" x 3", 4" x 4"
Absorbs biohazarous substances
Sterile Gauze Pads
Sterile Gauze Pads are, in fact, sterile.
Our Sterile Gauze Pads
Product
Image
Sizes
Features
Gauze Pads
2" x 2", 3" x 3", 4" x 4"
Covers wounds; non-sterile
Sterile Gauze Pads
2" x 2", 3" x 3", 4" x 4"
Covers wounds; sterile
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November 30, 2023
What are Burn Care Products?
Burn Care Products provide relief and protection for burns and severe skin irritation. These products are ideal for food service, industrial worksites, and other work situations where there is a risk of high heat and burning.
Burn Cream
Burn Cream provides relief to fresh burns, bug bites, scrapes, and other skin irritants.
Our Burn Cream
Product
Image
Size
Quantity
Features
Burn Cream
0.9 g
25 / case
Moisturizing aloe; antiseptic pain relief
Burn Dressings/Pads
Burn Dressings/Pads relieve heat and pain from burns and irritation on the skin and prevent them from spreading further.
Our Burn Dressings/Pads
Product
Image
Sizes
Features
Moist Burn Pads
2" x 3", 3" x 4"
Cools and protects burns and scrapes
Sterile Burn Dressings
2" x 6", 4" x 4", 4" x 16"
Sterile; pain relief within minutes
Burn Gel/Spray
Burn Gel/Spray provide immediate and long-lasting pain and heat relief to burns, scrapes, and other skin irritants.
Our Burn Gel/Spray
Product
Image
Size
Quantity
Features
Burn Gel
1/8 oz
25 / case
Individual packets for easy travel
Burn Spray
2 oz
1 / case
Spray bottle for quick and easy application
Burn Gel
4 oz
1 / case
Larger bottle for long-lasting use
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November 30, 2023
Tape guns are as much of a warehouse standard as forklifts and pallets. These dispensers expedite the process of sealing boxes and cartons. As standard as these accessories are, it can be a little tricky for first-timers to try loading one. In this article, we will provide easy instructions on how to properly load your tape gun.
We’ve made a short how-to video for loading your tape gun that you can follow along to here:
1. Ensure You Have the Right-sized Dispenser
Before you load the tape gun, you want to make sure that your tape gun is the right size for your tape. A roll of tape that’s too wide won’t fit, while tape that’s too thin can slide back and forth along the tape reel, resulting in messy taping jobs.
To determine if you have the right-sized dispenser, place your tape next to the serrate blade at the end of the tape gun. If the width of your tape is about as long as the blade, then your tape gun is the correct size for the roll of your tape.
2. Slot Your Tape onto the Tape Reel
Set your tape gun on a flat surface and place your roll of tape onto the tape reel, pushing it down until it is fully inserted.
When you slot your roll of tape into your tape gun, you want to make sure that the adhesive side faces the floor when unrolled.
3. Feed Your Tape Through
First, open the loading gate, or the metal plate located at the front of the tape gun, and feed your tape through the opening until it sticks 2 to 3 inches past the front of the dispenser. Close the loading gate.
4. Prep Your Tape Gun for Sealing
After you close the loading gate, pull the tape over the serrated blade and cut it.
All Sealed Up
And now your tape gun is ready to use! Loading a tape gun is like riding a bike: you do it enough times and it becomes second nature. If you ever feel lost or confused later on when trying to load a tape gun, feel free to use this article and video as a guide going forward.
While you’re here, be sure you take a look at our wide selection of packaging supplies, including tape dispensers for various kinds of tape. All equipment and accessories for tape come with free shipping, so you start practicing loading your tape gun today!
For more information on our packaging accessories, be sure to check out our equipment and accessories product guide.
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November 29, 2023
What?
Gloves come in different sizes.
How Do I Measure My Hand for Gloves?
Take a tape measurer and fully wrap it around the widest part of the palm of your hand.
Use the following chart to determine the size of glove you need:
XS
S
M
L
XL
2XL
6-7"
7-8"
8-9"
9-10"
10-11"
11-12"
Enjoy your gloves!
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November 27, 2023
When you hear the word “packaging”, what image comes to mind? More likely than not, it’s a corrugated cardboard box. A corrugated shipping carton is as standard as packaging supplies get, available in a wide variety of sizes and styles to serve a wide range of needs. Of course, in order to properly protect the items you’ve placed inside of them, these cartons need to be properly sealed with durable packing tape.
So you just need to put some tape on the box and you’re all set, right? Yes and no. Tape is an absolute necessity in shipping, but you also need to make sure that you’re applying it right. In this article, we will go over the types of tapes to use and, of course, how to tape a box in the first place so you can prevent product damage, delayed operations, and unhappy customers.
What Tape is Best for Sealing Cartons?
Not all tapes are up to the task. For instance, save your masking tape for the next painting job since it doesn’t have enough adhesive strength to keep your cartons sealed. And not even the world-famous duct tape can withstand all the handling, jostling, and exposure to the elements that come with shipping and storage.
What if we told you that there is tape out there specifically made to seal cartons? Well, it’s real and it’s called carton sealing tape (go figure). These pressure-sensitive tapes are typically made from a plastic backing that is coated on one side with either an acrylic or rubber-based adhesive. Carton sealing tapes are tested and approved to withstand all the rigors of shipping.
But can you do better? You can! Introducing kraft paper tape, a super strong water-activated tape that keeps your goods inside and intruders out. These gummed tapes require a specialized dispenser that brushes the adhesive coating with a thin layer of water to activate it. The water-activated adhesive is so powerful that it penetrates the fibers of the carton; this means that the tapes cannot be removed without damaging the tape and/or the package underneath, making it an effective means of preventing tampering and pilferage.
For more reading on the differences between pressure-sensitive and water-activated tapes, take a look at our article comparing these types of tape side-by-side.
I Have My Tape, Now How Do I Use It?
When it comes to sealing cartons, the trick is to use the minimum tape necessary to properly seal them. This increases the efficiency of your shipping operations and keeps your material costs low. We have a short video on how to seal cartons that you can follow along to:
If you’re using carton sealing tape with a tape dispenser, you want to make sure that the end of the tape extends 2 to 3 inches past the roll so that the tape can effectively stick to the box. First, seal the two flaps together. Stick your tape 2 to 3 inches near the top of the box and extend it across the box, keeping it centered and finishing with 2 to 3 inches on the other side. Next, form an H-shape with your tape by sealing the perpendicular sides of the flaps so that all openings on the carton are sealed up. For extra support, tape across the middle perpendicularly.
If you’re using kraft tape with a water-activating dispenser, you first want to set the dispenser so that it dispenses the adequate lengths of tape. Then seal your carton as you would with carton sealing tape, first sealing the flaps across the middle, then sealing the flaps perpendicularly. An additional strip can be applied across the middle for added support.
All Sealed Up
Sealing cartons may seem like a straightforward affair, but even in this, there is technique. When you seal your boxes and cartons, think like an engineer: use the right tape for the job and use the least amount necessary to form proper seals. This way, you not only prevent damage and dissatisfaction, but you can also save hundreds to thousands of dollars in the long run with efficient carton-sealing.
While you’re still here, be sure to check out our wide selection of tape products, including carton sealing tapes and kraft tapes. All of our tapes come with free shipping, so you can start practicing your proper carton-sealing technique right away. When the right tape is applied to cartons correctly, the elements don’t stand a chance against your packaging.
If you’re interested in learning more about carton sealing, Packaging Digest has a great article about sealing adhesives and how they’re used.
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November 15, 2023
What are Eye Care Products?
Eye Care Products are products that care for your eyes.
Eye Drops
Eye Drops are drops that go in your eye.
Our Eye Drops
Product
Image
Size
Features
Opti-Clear Drops
0.5 oz
Single bottle to relieve dry and itchy eyes
Refresh Drops
0.01 oz
30 individual packets to relieve dry and itchy eyes
Eye Magnets
Eye Magnets are magnets for your eyes.
Our Eye Magnets
Product
Image
Material
Features
Eye Magnet with Loop
Stainless Steel, Nylon
Magnet end for metallic particles, nylon loop end for non-metallic particles
Eye Pads/Cups
Eye Pads/Cups go on your eyes.
Our Eye Pads/Cups
Product
Image
Material
Features
Non-Sterile Disposable Eye Cups
Plastic
Assists in applying eye wash solution
Sterile Oval Eye Pads
Gauze
Protects eyes from injury or irritation
Sterile Eye Wash
Sterile Eye Wash is an eye wash that is sterile.
Our Sterile Eye Wash
Product
Image
Size
Features
Eye Wash Solution
1 - 32 oz
Bottle of solution that cleans and clears eyes
Sterile Eye Wash Station
16 oz
Convenient station with two 16 oz solution bottles
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November 06, 2023
What are Bandage Wraps?
Bandage Wraps are specifically designed to soak up fluids and shield wounds from potential infection.
Our Bandage Wraps
Product
Image
Features
Self-adhering; constant compression
Non-Sterile; latex-free; constant compression
Sterile; latex-free; supports strained muscles
Secondary bandage; self-adhering
Stretchy elastic; constant compression
Highly absorbent; contours to bodily shapes
Self-adhering; breathable cotton yarn
Supports limbs; binds splints together
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November 03, 2023
Nitrile gloves are the most common type of disposable glove available. These lightweight, flexible, and puncture-resistant gloves protect the hands of workers against biohazards and dangerous chemicals across the world. And unlike latex gloves, nitriles are hypoallergenic and safe to use by anybody. In this article, we will go over what they’re made of, what kind of protection they offer, and a few tips for safely handling and wearing them.
What are Nitrile Gloves Made Of?
Nitrile gloves are made from acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, a 100% synthetic rubber material. Nitrile rubber was originally used to make grommets and gaskets for aircraft. However, manufacturers soon took notice of nitrile’s incredible resistance to chemicals and contamination and realized it would make a great material for disposable gloves.
What are Nitrile Gloves Tested On?
Nitrile gloves are tested on how well they perform when exposed to chemicals. During these exposure tests, the gloves are judged on three main criteria:
Breakthrough Time: How long it takes to detect a foreign substance inside the glove.
Degradation: How much the gloves swell, crack, soften, and/or shrink.
Permeation Rate: How quickly and at what rate the foreign substance passes through the material following a breakthrough, including exterior absorption, diffusion, and interior desorption.
What Kind of Protection Do Nitrile Gloves Offer?
Depending on the chemical that the gloves are exposed to, nitrile gloves will provide one of the following levels of protection:
Short-term Splash Protection: Breakthrough will not occur within 15 minutes of exposure for gloves at 5 mil or greater. Nitrile provides short-term splash protection against oils, fuels, weak acids and caustics, and some organic solvents.
Poor Protection: Breakthrough may occur in under 1 minute for gloves at 5 mil or less. Nitrile provides poor protection against alcohols, ketones, concentrated acids, amines, and aromatic hydrocarbons.
No Protection: Breakthrough is near-instantaneous, meaning gloves at 5 mil or less cannot offer any amount of protection. Thin nitrile cannot protect against chemicals like concentrated acetic acid, 30% ammonium hydroxide, 95% sulfuric acid, or any percentage of hydrofluoric acid.
How Does Nitrile Compare to Latex?
Nitrile has replaced latex as the most popular material for disposable gloves and for good reason: nitrile can offer greater protection than latex with almost none of the health risks.
For one, nitrile is hypoallergenic and 100% latex-free. Latex is a common allergen and can cause those with the allergy to experience an aggressive reaction. Nitrile, meanwhile, is perfectly safe to use. In fact, the only reactions nitrile causes are related to the presence of allergenic additives, such as powder for easy donning and doffing or accelerants that boost the gloves’ elasticity. If this is a concern, nitrile gloves are available powder and accelerator-free.
Nitrile is a tougher and thicker material than latex, providing greater resistance to punctures and chemical contaminants. On top of this, nitrile lasts longer and doesn’t degrade as quickly as latex does. However, the thicker material means that nitrile is not as flexible or dexterous as latex.
What is Donning and Doffing?
Donning and doffing is the process of safely putting on and removing disposable gloves. Donning and doffing promote workplace hygiene and prevent contact with harmful substances. We’ve made a short video that you can follow along to here:
Before you don your gloves, first wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Now you may don your gloves, ensuring the gloves are the right fit for the size of your hand and that they lack any cuts, holes, or tears.
By the time you’re done wearing your gloves, they may be covered in a layer of contamination that could be harmful to your skin and therefore require proper doffing procedure. First, using a gloved hand, grab the palm of the other glove and pull it off your hand, turning it inside-out as you remove it. Hold the removed glove in the remaining gloved hand. Next, tuck your fingers underneath the wrist of the second glove and peel it off, turning it inside-out over the first glove. Safely dispose of the gloves. Finally, thoroughly wash and dry your hands after doffing your gloves.
In general, you should change gloves once your gloves lose their ability to adequately protect your hands. Whether they’ve been stained, torn, or a breakthrough has taken place, you need to replace these gloves immediately. Additionally, avoid cross-contamination by changing gloves between handling chemicals. No matter what, never reuse disposable gloves. They’re disposable for a reason, you know.
Final Thoughts
While nitrile gloves are about as everyday as a stapler or a pencil, you still need to make certain considerations when wearing them and changing them. Nitrile offers a comfortable fit and great chemical resistance, but it isn’t invincible. Keep in mind the substances that nitrile can handle and those it can’t. For more information on the material properties of nitrile gloves and advice on best practices, check out this article from the University of Pennsylvania.
And since you’re here, take a look at our selection of disposable gloves, which includes nitrile. All our disposable glove products come with free shipping, so we can help you stock up on nitrile gloves, the safe and sanitary solution to workplaces with dangerous substances.
For further reading on disposable gloves and workplace safety, check out our article going over hand safety basics.
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November 03, 2023
What is Safety Glass Care?
Safety Glass Care encompasses products that are specially made to clean and maintain safety glasses. Great safety glass care lengthens the lifespan of the safety glasses and ensures maximum visibility and protection.
We sell both individual accessories and full lens cleaning stations.
Our Safety Glass Care Products
Product
Image
Features
Lens Cleaning Fluid
Cleaning solution that removes debris and keeps glasses clear
Lens Cleaning Spray Pump
Replacement spray pump for lens cleaning fluid
Lens Cleaning Paper Refills
Used with lens cleaning solutions to keep glasses clear
Fog-Be-Gone Towelettes
Performs well in extreme humidity and high temperatures
Pure Sight Towelettes
Safeguards against fog and static for everyday usage
Pyramex Anti-Fog Towelettes
Cleans plastic surfaces, easy to store
Pop-Up Canister
Anti-static and anti-fog, cleans a wide variety of glass surfaces
Tissues
Used with lens cleaning solutions to keep glasses clear
Disposable Lens Cleaning Station
Contains multiple lens tissues and a bottle of cleaning solution
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December 14, 2023
What is Gauze?
Gauze is a pad that goes on wounds.
Non-Adherent Gauze Pads
Non-Adherent Gauze Pads do not adhere.
Our Non-Adherent Gauze Pads
Product
Image
Sizes
Features
Non-Adherent Gauze Pads
2" x 3", 3" x 4"
Covers wounds; does not adhere
Non-Adherent Pads with Adhesive Strips
Non-Adherent Pads with Adhesive Strips have adhesive strips.
Our Non-Adherent Pads with Adhesive Strips
Product
Image
Sizes
Features
Non-Adherent Pads with Adhesive Strips
2" x 3", 3" x 4"
Covers wounds; contains adhesive strips
Non-Sterile Surgical Sponges
Non-Sterile Surgical Sponges are not sterile.
Our Non-Sterile Surgical Sponges
Product
Image
Sizes
Features
Non-Sterile Surgical Sponges
2" x 2", 3" x 3", 4" x 4"
Absorbs biohazarous substances
Sterile Gauze Pads
Sterile Gauze Pads are, in fact, sterile.
Our Sterile Gauze Pads
Product
Image
Sizes
Features
Gauze Pads
2" x 2", 3" x 3", 4" x 4"
Covers wounds; non-sterile
Sterile Gauze Pads
2" x 2", 3" x 3", 4" x 4"
Covers wounds; sterile
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November 30, 2023
What are Burn Care Products?
Burn Care Products provide relief and protection for burns and severe skin irritation. These products are ideal for food service, industrial worksites, and other work situations where there is a risk of high heat and burning.
Burn Cream
Burn Cream provides relief to fresh burns, bug bites, scrapes, and other skin irritants.
Our Burn Cream
Product
Image
Size
Quantity
Features
Burn Cream
0.9 g
25 / case
Moisturizing aloe; antiseptic pain relief
Burn Dressings/Pads
Burn Dressings/Pads relieve heat and pain from burns and irritation on the skin and prevent them from spreading further.
Our Burn Dressings/Pads
Product
Image
Sizes
Features
Moist Burn Pads
2" x 3", 3" x 4"
Cools and protects burns and scrapes
Sterile Burn Dressings
2" x 6", 4" x 4", 4" x 16"
Sterile; pain relief within minutes
Burn Gel/Spray
Burn Gel/Spray provide immediate and long-lasting pain and heat relief to burns, scrapes, and other skin irritants.
Our Burn Gel/Spray
Product
Image
Size
Quantity
Features
Burn Gel
1/8 oz
25 / case
Individual packets for easy travel
Burn Spray
2 oz
1 / case
Spray bottle for quick and easy application
Burn Gel
4 oz
1 / case
Larger bottle for long-lasting use
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November 30, 2023
Tape guns are as much of a warehouse standard as forklifts and pallets. These dispensers expedite the process of sealing boxes and cartons. As standard as these accessories are, it can be a little tricky for first-timers to try loading one. In this article, we will provide easy instructions on how to properly load your tape gun.
We’ve made a short how-to video for loading your tape gun that you can follow along to here:
1. Ensure You Have the Right-sized Dispenser
Before you load the tape gun, you want to make sure that your tape gun is the right size for your tape. A roll of tape that’s too wide won’t fit, while tape that’s too thin can slide back and forth along the tape reel, resulting in messy taping jobs.
To determine if you have the right-sized dispenser, place your tape next to the serrate blade at the end of the tape gun. If the width of your tape is about as long as the blade, then your tape gun is the correct size for the roll of your tape.
2. Slot Your Tape onto the Tape Reel
Set your tape gun on a flat surface and place your roll of tape onto the tape reel, pushing it down until it is fully inserted.
When you slot your roll of tape into your tape gun, you want to make sure that the adhesive side faces the floor when unrolled.
3. Feed Your Tape Through
First, open the loading gate, or the metal plate located at the front of the tape gun, and feed your tape through the opening until it sticks 2 to 3 inches past the front of the dispenser. Close the loading gate.
4. Prep Your Tape Gun for Sealing
After you close the loading gate, pull the tape over the serrated blade and cut it.
All Sealed Up
And now your tape gun is ready to use! Loading a tape gun is like riding a bike: you do it enough times and it becomes second nature. If you ever feel lost or confused later on when trying to load a tape gun, feel free to use this article and video as a guide going forward.
While you’re here, be sure you take a look at our wide selection of packaging supplies, including tape dispensers for various kinds of tape. All equipment and accessories for tape come with free shipping, so you start practicing loading your tape gun today!
For more information on our packaging accessories, be sure to check out our equipment and accessories product guide.
-
November 29, 2023
What?
Gloves come in different sizes.
How Do I Measure My Hand for Gloves?
Take a tape measurer and fully wrap it around the widest part of the palm of your hand.
Use the following chart to determine the size of glove you need:
XS
S
M
L
XL
2XL
6-7"
7-8"
8-9"
9-10"
10-11"
11-12"
Enjoy your gloves!
-
November 27, 2023
When you hear the word “packaging”, what image comes to mind? More likely than not, it’s a corrugated cardboard box. A corrugated shipping carton is as standard as packaging supplies get, available in a wide variety of sizes and styles to serve a wide range of needs. Of course, in order to properly protect the items you’ve placed inside of them, these cartons need to be properly sealed with durable packing tape.
So you just need to put some tape on the box and you’re all set, right? Yes and no. Tape is an absolute necessity in shipping, but you also need to make sure that you’re applying it right. In this article, we will go over the types of tapes to use and, of course, how to tape a box in the first place so you can prevent product damage, delayed operations, and unhappy customers.
What Tape is Best for Sealing Cartons?
Not all tapes are up to the task. For instance, save your masking tape for the next painting job since it doesn’t have enough adhesive strength to keep your cartons sealed. And not even the world-famous duct tape can withstand all the handling, jostling, and exposure to the elements that come with shipping and storage.
What if we told you that there is tape out there specifically made to seal cartons? Well, it’s real and it’s called carton sealing tape (go figure). These pressure-sensitive tapes are typically made from a plastic backing that is coated on one side with either an acrylic or rubber-based adhesive. Carton sealing tapes are tested and approved to withstand all the rigors of shipping.
But can you do better? You can! Introducing kraft paper tape, a super strong water-activated tape that keeps your goods inside and intruders out. These gummed tapes require a specialized dispenser that brushes the adhesive coating with a thin layer of water to activate it. The water-activated adhesive is so powerful that it penetrates the fibers of the carton; this means that the tapes cannot be removed without damaging the tape and/or the package underneath, making it an effective means of preventing tampering and pilferage.
For more reading on the differences between pressure-sensitive and water-activated tapes, take a look at our article comparing these types of tape side-by-side.
I Have My Tape, Now How Do I Use It?
When it comes to sealing cartons, the trick is to use the minimum tape necessary to properly seal them. This increases the efficiency of your shipping operations and keeps your material costs low. We have a short video on how to seal cartons that you can follow along to:
If you’re using carton sealing tape with a tape dispenser, you want to make sure that the end of the tape extends 2 to 3 inches past the roll so that the tape can effectively stick to the box. First, seal the two flaps together. Stick your tape 2 to 3 inches near the top of the box and extend it across the box, keeping it centered and finishing with 2 to 3 inches on the other side. Next, form an H-shape with your tape by sealing the perpendicular sides of the flaps so that all openings on the carton are sealed up. For extra support, tape across the middle perpendicularly.
If you’re using kraft tape with a water-activating dispenser, you first want to set the dispenser so that it dispenses the adequate lengths of tape. Then seal your carton as you would with carton sealing tape, first sealing the flaps across the middle, then sealing the flaps perpendicularly. An additional strip can be applied across the middle for added support.
All Sealed Up
Sealing cartons may seem like a straightforward affair, but even in this, there is technique. When you seal your boxes and cartons, think like an engineer: use the right tape for the job and use the least amount necessary to form proper seals. This way, you not only prevent damage and dissatisfaction, but you can also save hundreds to thousands of dollars in the long run with efficient carton-sealing.
While you’re still here, be sure to check out our wide selection of tape products, including carton sealing tapes and kraft tapes. All of our tapes come with free shipping, so you can start practicing your proper carton-sealing technique right away. When the right tape is applied to cartons correctly, the elements don’t stand a chance against your packaging.
If you’re interested in learning more about carton sealing, Packaging Digest has a great article about sealing adhesives and how they’re used.
-
November 15, 2023
What are Eye Care Products?
Eye Care Products are products that care for your eyes.
Eye Drops
Eye Drops are drops that go in your eye.
Our Eye Drops
Product
Image
Size
Features
Opti-Clear Drops
0.5 oz
Single bottle to relieve dry and itchy eyes
Refresh Drops
0.01 oz
30 individual packets to relieve dry and itchy eyes
Eye Magnets
Eye Magnets are magnets for your eyes.
Our Eye Magnets
Product
Image
Material
Features
Eye Magnet with Loop
Stainless Steel, Nylon
Magnet end for metallic particles, nylon loop end for non-metallic particles
Eye Pads/Cups
Eye Pads/Cups go on your eyes.
Our Eye Pads/Cups
Product
Image
Material
Features
Non-Sterile Disposable Eye Cups
Plastic
Assists in applying eye wash solution
Sterile Oval Eye Pads
Gauze
Protects eyes from injury or irritation
Sterile Eye Wash
Sterile Eye Wash is an eye wash that is sterile.
Our Sterile Eye Wash
Product
Image
Size
Features
Eye Wash Solution
1 - 32 oz
Bottle of solution that cleans and clears eyes
Sterile Eye Wash Station
16 oz
Convenient station with two 16 oz solution bottles
-
November 06, 2023
What are Bandage Wraps?
Bandage Wraps are specifically designed to soak up fluids and shield wounds from potential infection.
Our Bandage Wraps
Product
Image
Features
Self-adhering; constant compression
Non-Sterile; latex-free; constant compression
Sterile; latex-free; supports strained muscles
Secondary bandage; self-adhering
Stretchy elastic; constant compression
Highly absorbent; contours to bodily shapes
Self-adhering; breathable cotton yarn
Supports limbs; binds splints together
-
November 03, 2023
Nitrile gloves are the most common type of disposable glove available. These lightweight, flexible, and puncture-resistant gloves protect the hands of workers against biohazards and dangerous chemicals across the world. And unlike latex gloves, nitriles are hypoallergenic and safe to use by anybody. In this article, we will go over what they’re made of, what kind of protection they offer, and a few tips for safely handling and wearing them.
What are Nitrile Gloves Made Of?
Nitrile gloves are made from acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, a 100% synthetic rubber material. Nitrile rubber was originally used to make grommets and gaskets for aircraft. However, manufacturers soon took notice of nitrile’s incredible resistance to chemicals and contamination and realized it would make a great material for disposable gloves.
What are Nitrile Gloves Tested On?
Nitrile gloves are tested on how well they perform when exposed to chemicals. During these exposure tests, the gloves are judged on three main criteria:
Breakthrough Time: How long it takes to detect a foreign substance inside the glove.
Degradation: How much the gloves swell, crack, soften, and/or shrink.
Permeation Rate: How quickly and at what rate the foreign substance passes through the material following a breakthrough, including exterior absorption, diffusion, and interior desorption.
What Kind of Protection Do Nitrile Gloves Offer?
Depending on the chemical that the gloves are exposed to, nitrile gloves will provide one of the following levels of protection:
Short-term Splash Protection: Breakthrough will not occur within 15 minutes of exposure for gloves at 5 mil or greater. Nitrile provides short-term splash protection against oils, fuels, weak acids and caustics, and some organic solvents.
Poor Protection: Breakthrough may occur in under 1 minute for gloves at 5 mil or less. Nitrile provides poor protection against alcohols, ketones, concentrated acids, amines, and aromatic hydrocarbons.
No Protection: Breakthrough is near-instantaneous, meaning gloves at 5 mil or less cannot offer any amount of protection. Thin nitrile cannot protect against chemicals like concentrated acetic acid, 30% ammonium hydroxide, 95% sulfuric acid, or any percentage of hydrofluoric acid.
How Does Nitrile Compare to Latex?
Nitrile has replaced latex as the most popular material for disposable gloves and for good reason: nitrile can offer greater protection than latex with almost none of the health risks.
For one, nitrile is hypoallergenic and 100% latex-free. Latex is a common allergen and can cause those with the allergy to experience an aggressive reaction. Nitrile, meanwhile, is perfectly safe to use. In fact, the only reactions nitrile causes are related to the presence of allergenic additives, such as powder for easy donning and doffing or accelerants that boost the gloves’ elasticity. If this is a concern, nitrile gloves are available powder and accelerator-free.
Nitrile is a tougher and thicker material than latex, providing greater resistance to punctures and chemical contaminants. On top of this, nitrile lasts longer and doesn’t degrade as quickly as latex does. However, the thicker material means that nitrile is not as flexible or dexterous as latex.
What is Donning and Doffing?
Donning and doffing is the process of safely putting on and removing disposable gloves. Donning and doffing promote workplace hygiene and prevent contact with harmful substances. We’ve made a short video that you can follow along to here:
Before you don your gloves, first wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Now you may don your gloves, ensuring the gloves are the right fit for the size of your hand and that they lack any cuts, holes, or tears.
By the time you’re done wearing your gloves, they may be covered in a layer of contamination that could be harmful to your skin and therefore require proper doffing procedure. First, using a gloved hand, grab the palm of the other glove and pull it off your hand, turning it inside-out as you remove it. Hold the removed glove in the remaining gloved hand. Next, tuck your fingers underneath the wrist of the second glove and peel it off, turning it inside-out over the first glove. Safely dispose of the gloves. Finally, thoroughly wash and dry your hands after doffing your gloves.
In general, you should change gloves once your gloves lose their ability to adequately protect your hands. Whether they’ve been stained, torn, or a breakthrough has taken place, you need to replace these gloves immediately. Additionally, avoid cross-contamination by changing gloves between handling chemicals. No matter what, never reuse disposable gloves. They’re disposable for a reason, you know.
Final Thoughts
While nitrile gloves are about as everyday as a stapler or a pencil, you still need to make certain considerations when wearing them and changing them. Nitrile offers a comfortable fit and great chemical resistance, but it isn’t invincible. Keep in mind the substances that nitrile can handle and those it can’t. For more information on the material properties of nitrile gloves and advice on best practices, check out this article from the University of Pennsylvania.
And since you’re here, take a look at our selection of disposable gloves, which includes nitrile. All our disposable glove products come with free shipping, so we can help you stock up on nitrile gloves, the safe and sanitary solution to workplaces with dangerous substances.
For further reading on disposable gloves and workplace safety, check out our article going over hand safety basics.
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November 03, 2023
What is Safety Glass Care?
Safety Glass Care encompasses products that are specially made to clean and maintain safety glasses. Great safety glass care lengthens the lifespan of the safety glasses and ensures maximum visibility and protection.
We sell both individual accessories and full lens cleaning stations.
Our Safety Glass Care Products
Product
Image
Features
Lens Cleaning Fluid
Cleaning solution that removes debris and keeps glasses clear
Lens Cleaning Spray Pump
Replacement spray pump for lens cleaning fluid
Lens Cleaning Paper Refills
Used with lens cleaning solutions to keep glasses clear
Fog-Be-Gone Towelettes
Performs well in extreme humidity and high temperatures
Pure Sight Towelettes
Safeguards against fog and static for everyday usage
Pyramex Anti-Fog Towelettes
Cleans plastic surfaces, easy to store
Pop-Up Canister
Anti-static and anti-fog, cleans a wide variety of glass surfaces
Tissues
Used with lens cleaning solutions to keep glasses clear
Disposable Lens Cleaning Station
Contains multiple lens tissues and a bottle of cleaning solution