Ansell TouchNTuff 93-800 Chemical-Resistant Nitrile Gloves Review (2025): EN 374 Protection for Hazardous Chemical Handling
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★★★★½ 4.7/5
Reviewed by Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial — 2025
| Thickness | 8.3 mil |
|---|---|
| Color | Aqua/Teal |
| Count | 50 gloves/box |
| Cuff Length | 12 inches extended |
| Material | Nitrile |
| Powder | Powder-free |
| Latex | Latex-free |
| Standard | EN 374-1/-2/-3, EN 420 |
The Ansell TouchNTuff 93-800 is a purpose-rated EN 374 chemical-resistant nitrile glove designed for lab chemists, hazmat technicians, and industrial workers who handle organic solvents, acids, and chemical mixtures—where standard industrial nitrile offers insufficient permeation resistance.
Why This Glove Stands Out
EN 374 chemical permeation testing is the key differentiator. Unlike standard nitrile gloves, the 93-800 has been tested for breakthrough time against a panel of chemical agents and carries a Type designation validating its permeation resistance. The 12-inch extended cuff adds wrist protection against splash from above—a critical gap in standard 9.5-inch disposable gloves.
Performance and Fit
At 8.3 mil, this glove provides substantial physical durability alongside its chemical barrier. The thickness protects against puncture and abrasion during chemical handling tasks, while the nitrile formulation resists permeation from organic solvents, acids, bases, and many other laboratory and industrial chemicals. For tasks where you cannot switch gloves frequently, this barrier performance matters.
The aqua color is standard for Ansell TouchNTuff chemical-resistant products—providing visual identification that the correct chemical-rated glove is in use. In laboratory and chemical plant environments where multiple glove types are stored together, aqua immediately signals chemical protection class versus blue exam or black industrial gloves.
Durability and Chemical Protection
The 12-inch extended cuff addresses a real hazard gap. When working with open containers or overhead pour situations, standard 9.5-inch cuffs leave the wrist exposed. The 93-800's extended cuff protects the forearm against chemical contact and can be tucked under a lab coat or sleeve. Note: for heavy prolonged chemical immersion, reusable chemical-resistant gloves (neoprene, butyl) may be more appropriate—the 93-800 is a high-performance disposable, not a reusable chemical gauntlet.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- EN 374 chemical permeation testing validates resistance against documented chemical agents
- 12-inch extended cuff protects wrist and lower forearm against chemical splash
- 8.3 mil provides strong puncture and abrasion resistance alongside chemical barrier
- Aqua color provides clear visual identification of chemical-rated gloves in multi-glove environments
Cons
- 50-per-box count means higher per-pair cost than standard industrial nitrile
- 8.3 mil reduces dexterity—not appropriate for fine-motor or tactile-sensitive tasks
Who Should Buy This Glove
Order for laboratory chemists, quality control technicians, hazmat response teams, and chemical manufacturing workers who need validated EN 374 chemical permeation resistance in a disposable format. The extended cuff is specifically valuable for overhead pour and decanting tasks.
Who Should Skip It
Skip if your tasks are primarily mechanical (grip, puncture, abrasion) rather than chemical—the Ansell 93-256 MEGA Texture better serves automotive and heavy assembly. Skip for general exam use—the 93-800 at 8.3 mil is overspec for routine healthcare.
How It Compares
The Ansell 93-256 MEGA Texture is the mechanical equivalent—built for grip and abrasion rather than chemical permeation. The Kimtech Purple addresses a specific chemical subset (USP 800 hazardous drugs) at lower gauge. For sustained heavy chemical exposure beyond disposable glove capability, upgrade to reusable neoprene or butyl chemical gauntlets.
Related Nitrile Gloves
- Ansell Microflex 93-256 MEGA Texture Orange (industrial grip)
- Ansell Microflex SU-690 Violet Nitrile
- Kimtech Purple Nitrile USP 800 Chemo Gloves
- Kimtech Polaris EN 374 Nitrile Exam Gloves
- Microflex Supreno SE Accelerator-Free Nitrile
- GLOVEWORKS HD Black Nitrile (8 mil mechanical)
- Venom Steel 8 Mil Orange Nitrile (heavy industrial)
- SHOWA 6110PF EBT Biodegradable Nitrile Gloves
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Frequently Asked Questions
What chemicals does the TouchNTuff 93-800 resist?
The 93-800 is tested against a panel of chemical agents per EN 374. It demonstrates resistance to many organic solvents, acids, bases, and industrial chemicals. Consult Ansell's chemical resistance guide for specific chemicals and breakthrough times before use.
What is EN 374 certification?
EN 374 is a European standard for protective gloves against chemicals and microorganisms. It tests for penetration resistance, permeation breakthrough time, and degradation. A glove rated to EN 374 has been validated against specific chemical challenge agents.
What is chemical permeation time?
Permeation is the process by which a chemical passes through the glove material at the molecular level without visible damage. Breakthrough time measures how long it takes for a chemical to permeate through the glove at a detectable level—longer is safer.
How long is the cuff on the 93-800?
12 inches from fingertip to cuff. Standard disposable nitrile gloves typically measure 9 to 9.5 inches—the extended cuff adds approximately 2.5 inches of additional wrist and forearm coverage.
Can the 93-800 be used for hazardous drug handling (USP 800)?
The 93-800 is EN 374 chemical-resistant nitrile. For USP 800 compliance with NIOSH-listed hazardous drugs specifically, the Kimtech Purple (5.9 mil, USP 800 rated) is the product with that specific regulatory citation.
Is the 93-800 sterile?
No—non-sterile industrial/laboratory gloves. Sterile chemical-resistant gloves require separate certification and packaging.
What is the difference between chemical permeation and penetration?
Penetration is bulk flow of a chemical through pinholes or tears—prevented by any intact glove. Permeation is molecular diffusion through intact glove material—only chemically-rated gloves provide permeation resistance beyond that of standard nitrile.
Can I use these for acid handling?
Yes, with limitations. Check Ansell's chemical resistance data for the specific acid and concentration. Strong concentrated acids at high temperature may permeate more quickly. The EN 374 test data provides the breakthrough times you need.
How often should I change chemical-resistant gloves?
Replace upon any visible damage, chemical contamination breakthrough, or after the tested breakthrough time for the specific chemical in use. For high-hazard chemicals, establish a maximum wear time based on the EN 374 breakthrough data.
Are these gloves reusable?
These are classified as disposable single-use gloves. Some users extend use across a single task session, but they are not designed for washing, disinfecting, and reuse like industrial chemical gauntlets.
What is the aqua color code for?
Ansell uses aqua consistently across its TouchNTuff chemical-resistant line for visual identification. In lab and chemical plant environments, aqua immediately signals chemical-rated protection class.
What sizes are available?
S through XL (some product configurations). The extended cuff helps with fit—verify sizing before bulk ordering.
How does the 93-800 compare to neoprene or butyl gauntlets?
Reusable neoprene and butyl gauntlets provide heavier gauge and longer-duration chemical resistance for sustained immersion tasks. The 93-800 is appropriate for shorter-duration tasks, multi-task chemical work, or when disposable format is required for contamination control.
Is the glove tested for bloodborne pathogen protection?
EN 374-2 tests for virus penetration resistance. Consult the specific product documentation—many chemical-resistant gloves also provide bloodborne pathogen barrier protection.
Does the extended cuff affect donning?
Slightly—the longer cuff requires careful donning to ensure a secure fit and no gaps at the wrist. Some users gown over the cuff; others fold the cuff back. The extra length is operationally valuable for splash protection.
The Bottom Line
The TouchNTuff 93-800 is the correct choice when you need documented EN 374 chemical resistance in a disposable format with extended wrist coverage. The combination of 8.3 mil gauge, permeation testing, and 12-inch cuff addresses chemical exposure scenarios that standard disposable nitrile cannot safely cover.
About the Author
Steven Eaton is the founder of WC Safety and a hands-on industrial PPE specialist with over a decade of experience sourcing and evaluating disposable gloves, respirators, and hearing protection for industrial, medical, and food-service environments.
Testing Methodology
Reviews are based on manufacturer specification sheets, ASTM/EN certification documentation, published comparative testing, and direct product handling. Ratings reflect build quality, specification value, and suitability for the intended application.
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