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FROM THE CEO’S DESKFROM THE CEO’S DESKFROM THE CEO’S DESKFROM THE CEO’S DESKFROM THE CEO’S DESK

ContentsFrom the CEO’s Desk 2

Trade Fairs/Exhibitions 3

Trade Statistics 6

Briefings 7

Malaysian Electrical 9

Insulating Gloves

New Standard for 12

Food Gloves

Safe on Their Hands 16

Travelogue - Sao Paulo 18

Editor-in-Chief:DATO’ TEO SUAT CHENG

Editor:DR. LIM CHONG LIAN

For comments, enquiries andadvertisements, please contact:The Editor,MREPC,Block 2A, Level 13A-1Plaza SentralJalan Stesen Sentral 550470 Kuala LumpurMalaysiaTel : 603-27805888Fax : 603-27805088E-mail : cllim@mrepc.comWebsite : www.mrepc.com

Printed by:KSB PRINT SDN BHDNo. 18, Lingkaran IndustriTaman Cheras Emas43200 Cheras, Selangor

here is no gainsaying that Malaysia is currently the world's largestproducer and exporter of latex examination gloves, and certainlyhas the capability to maintain its position. But that does not meanthat its competency and capability are restricted to the productionof such gloves only.

Gloves are generally used as a barrier for protection againstcontamination and infection, for cosmetic reasons and, in certain cases,for protection from injury or even death. Electrical insulating gloves fallunder this last category, with ratings for safely handling electrical voltagesup to 36 kilovolts, a massive voltage by any count. These specializedgloves are of critical importance in terms of safety to the wearer, andare rigorously inspected and tested to ensure their integrity and quality.

It is thus an achievement that a home-grown Malaysian utility glovemanufacturer ranks favourably among the ten or so manufacturers inthe world for producing such electrical insulating gloves, and whoseproduct is well accepted in the USA, Europe and elsewhere. This clearlyserves as an example that not only is diversification into value-addedproducts a desired goal of the Malaysian rubber product manufacturingindustry, but also that, in such endeavours, the local industry is able tostand tall among the best in the world, if determination is not lacking.

There are many more such examples of excellent Malaysian rubberproduct manufacturers, and STRETCH hopes to feature some of thesein subsequent issues.

CEO of MREPC Dato’ Teo Suat Cheng

T

The contents of this publication arecopyrights of MREPC, unlessotherwise indicated, and no part maybe reproduced or transmitted in anyform or by any means, without the priorwritten permission from MREPC.

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TRADE FAIRS/EXHIBITIONSTRADE FAIRS/EXHIBITIONSTRADE FAIRS/EXHIBITIONSTRADE FAIRS/EXHIBITIONSTRADE FAIRS/EXHIBITIONS

The China International MedicalEquipment Fair (CMEF) is a biannualevent held in spring and autumn ofeach year. It is considered to be thelargest healthcare exhibition for theAsia Pacific region. MREPCparticipated in the 59th CMEF heldin spring in Shenzhen together withthree rubber medical devicesmanufacturers, namely Hartalega,Uro Technology and TG Medical.

This event occupied 89,000 sq. m ofexhibition space in 9 halls, with over2000 exhibitors from 17 countries.There were 12 internationalpavilions. Participants in theinternational pavilions includedMalaysia (led by MREPC), Ireland,USA, France, Canada, UnitedKingdom and Singapore. More than50,000 trade visitors, representingthe medical and healthcareindustries from China and 64 othercountries, attended the show.

The CMEF Congress and the6th International ComponentsManufacturing Design Show (ICMD)were held in conjunction with theexhibition. Various seminars andforums on investment, certification,technology development and designinnovations relating to medicaldevices were also held.

Visitors to MREPC’s and Malaysian manufacturers’ booths

59th ChinaInternational

Medical EquipmentFair (CMEF),

Shenzhen, China(18 - 21 April 2008)

Most of the enquiries receivedduring the fair were from China.Other enquiries came from countriessuch as Hong Kong, Taiwan,Germany, Spain, United Kingdom,the USA, India, Singapore, Egypt,Syria, South Africa and Russia. Themajority of enquiries from theChinese visitors pertained to gloves.Besides Malaysia, there were 12other rubber medical devicescompanies participating in the showand these were all from China.Shijiazhuang Hong Ray Group,reputed to be the largest glovemanufacturer in China, alsoparticipated in the show.

With more than 80,000 hospitals inChina, the potential to export rubbermedical devices to China is high.

44

Some of the Malaysian participants at HOSPITALAR

15th HOSPITALAR,Sao Paulo, Brazil(10 - 13 June 2008)

HOSPITALAR, an exhibition usuallyheld in June every year, is consideredto be the largest multi-sectorhealthcare trade fair in LatinAmerica. The 2008 event held in SaoPaulo occupied 75,000 sq. m ofexhibition space in 5 halls, with 1,114companies from 33 countriesparticipating. There were 12international pavilions located in theGreen Hall. Around 78,000 tradevisitors, representing the medicaland healthcare industries from theSouth American continent and 70other countries, attended the show.

Having consolidated itself as the largest healthcare forum in Latin America,HOSPITALAR 2008 hosted 59 simultaneous events, including congresses,workshops and sector meetings, which focused on management andoptimization of financial and human resources in healthcare services.ODONTOBRASIL, DIAGNOSTICA, HOSPFARMA and REHABILITATION werealso held in conjunction with the exhibition.

Ms. Low of MREPC attending to visitors

MREPC led four Malaysian rubbermedical devices manufacturers,namely Kossan, Latexx Partners,Rubberex and Hevea Medical, toparticipate in the fair.

With an estimate of 13,500 hospitalsin South America, the potential toexport rubber medical devices toSouth America is good.

The next HOSPITALAR in 2009 isexpected to be held from 2 to 5 June.MREPC will liaise with Matrade ondetails and keep Malaysianmanufacturers informedaccordingly.

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Reifen 2008, the 25th InternationalTrade Fair for Retreading, New Tyres,Tyre Trade, Tyre and ChassisTechnology, is a biennial trade fair.The show is regarded as the biggestand most important trade fair for thetyre industry, especially for new tyresand tyre retreading businesses inEurope. The show attracted theparticipation of 576 exhibitors from40 countries, and more than 18,000trade visitors from over 80 countries.

Reifen 2008,Essen, Germany(20 - 23 May 2008)

Two Malaysian manufacturers,Goodway Rubber Industries Sdn.Bhd. and Sun Rubber Industry Sdn.Bhd., participated at Reifen 2008together with MREPC. Tradeenquiries received by MREPC andthe Malaysian manufacturers duringthe exhibition were mainly for tyreretreads and retreading materials(including cushion gum, orbitreads,camelbacks and repair rope), pre-cured treads and new tyres.

Reifen provided a platform for localmanufacturers from the tyreretreading industry to showcasetheir products, gauge the market forretreads and retread materials in theEuropean market and interact withcompanies in the EU as well as fromEastern Europe, the Middle East andAfrica.

Hospimedica 2008,Sydney, Australia

(13 - 15 May 2008)

S.P. Lee of Kossan attending to visitors

Held for the first time, HospimedicaAustralia 2008 showcased acomprehensive range of equipment,products, solutions and servicesspecifically for the healthcareindustry.

MREPC provided standarrangements and booth designs forthe participation of three Malaysianglove manufacturers at theexhibition, namely Top GloveInternational, Hartalega Sdn. Bhd.and Kossan Latex Industries Sdn.Bhd.

The participation at Hospimedica 2008 provided manufacturers with a platformto establish business contacts with potential buyers and increase access tothe Australian market. Most of the trade enquiries were received frommanufacturers, agents and buyers from Australia and New Zealand.

MREPC executive Raj attending to visitors

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RUBBER PRODUCT TRADERUBBER PRODUCT TRADERUBBER PRODUCT TRADERUBBER PRODUCT TRADERUBBER PRODUCT TRADESTATISTICSSTATISTICSSTATISTICSSTATISTICSSTATISTICS

Malaysia’s Exports/Imports of Rubber Products (RM’000)

Exports Imports

2008 2007 2008 2007

January 925,775 828,885 249,324 201,331

February 882,574 722,157 192,571 152,080

March 933,783 933,729 263,838 212,695

April 839,911 817,909 194,677 207,134

May 899,315 834,167 217,959 210,603

June 827,917 865,895 200,135 213,095

January-June 5,309,275 5,002,745 1,338,504 1,196,938

% Change(January-June) 08/07 6.1 11.8

Source: Department of Statistics, Malaysia

Major Destinations of Malaysia’s Rubber Product Exports (RM’000)

Country January-June 2008 January-June 2007 % Change % Share

(2008)

EU-27 1,686,016 1,596,480 5.6 31.8

USA 1,307,837 1,237,386 5.7 24.6

ASEAN 442,079 436,257 1.3 8.3

Japan 257,438 282,720 -8.9 4.8

Hong Kong, S.A.R. 193,324 180,939 6.8 3.6

Australia 172,598 147,347 17.1 3.3

Brazil 177,290 122,600 44.6 3.3

China, P.R. 133,015 118,817 11.9 2.5

Canada 91,888 84,799 8.4 1.7

South Korea 67,860 68,298 -0.6 1.3

Taiwan 51,366 50,153 2.4 1.0

Turkey 59,392 64,752 -8.3 1.1

Subtotal 4,640,103 4,390,548 5.7 87.3

World Total 5,309,275 5,002,745 6.1 100

Source: Department of Statistics, Malaysia

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BRIEFINGSBRIEFINGSBRIEFINGSBRIEFINGSBRIEFINGS

� The European Union's (EU) new chemicals legislation,REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation andRestriction of Chemicals), came into force on 1 June2007. The EU's objectives in implementing REACHare to protect human health and the environmentfrom exposure to chemicals, while also maintainingand enhancing the competitiveness and innovativecapacity of its chemicals industry.

� REACH requires industry (producers, importers andusers of chemicals) in the EU to provide informationon the chemicals they produce or import and the risksassociated with their use. This will allow the users tochoose safer alternatives. It will also greatly enhancethe protection of people's health and the environmentbecause of strict authorization procedures. Industryin turn will have an interest in investing in innovationof new safe chemicals as against the current trendof using existing chemicals.

� The burden of proof is now with the industry. It willbe responsible to evaluate, register and authorize notonly all chemical substances but also their use downthe supply chain. Downstream users are those thatmake industrial or professional use of chemicals.Some of them mix chemicals to make preparations,articles or use them otherwise in their business.

� According to REACH, most chemicals (chemicalsubstances) must be pre-registered. Any article orproduct that releases significant amounts ofhazardous substances during normal use or disposalalso requires registration. The REACH system issubstance based. It is the substances in preparationsthat will need to be registered and not thepreparation itself.

� The first REACH obligation by the industry will bethe pre-registration of substances which will takeplace from 1 June 2008 till 1 December 2008.Between this period, EU manufacturers and EUimporters need to provide some limited informationon each existing (so-called phase-in) substance forpre-registration with the European Chemicals Agency(ECHA). All chemical substances, manufactured orimported into the EU in quantities of one (1) tonneor more per year, will be subjected for mandatorypre-registration and registration.

What Is REACH?

� Pre-registration of phase-in substances allowscompanies to benefit from the extended registrationdeadlines (2010, 2013 or 2018). The objective of pre-registration is to facilitate sharing of data betweenregistrants, where possible, in order to reduceunnecessary testing and to decrease costs for theindustry.

� It is to be noted that companies that manufacturesubstances, formulate preparations or producearticles outside the EU cannot (pre-) registersubstances. Malaysian companies, however, cannominate a legal representative within the EU to carryout pre-registration. This representative could be theimporter, a legal entity or an 'Only Representative'(OR). Their EU-based importers are then relieved fromthe duty to (pre-) register.

� There is no cost to pre-registration. Only the actualregistration will entail a fee and it differs dependingon the tonnage exported. Costs will also be lower ifthe company is an SME.

� Although REACH places the responsibility on EU-based entities - manufacturers, importers and usersof chemicals for registration - Malaysian exportersto the EU will be indirectly affected, as substantialinformation will be required by the EU importers forregistration and authorization purposes. Products ofMalaysian companies (be it an article, intermediate,precursor, chemical or finished product) which areexported to the EU must be registered under REACH.

� The Malaysian rubber product industry is advised tocheck whether the chemicals they manufacture/import/use are covered or exempted from theregulation and decide on the route for pre-registration, whether through a legal entity, importeror an Only Representative.

� A company that fails to pre-register a phase-insubstance by 1 December 2008 may neither importnor manufacture it after that date until it has fullyregistered the substance with the ECHA. The fullregistration is a more complicated process whichincludes submission of Material Safety Data Sheet(MSDS), Chemical Safety Report (CSR) and ChemicalSafety Assessment (CSA).

(Article credit: R. Krishnasamy - Krishnasamy is the Director of Industry Relations andPublic Affairs Division, MREPC)

Note: The above information has been extracted from presentations made at aSeminar on REACH held in MIDA on 19 June 2008. Detailed information onREACH can be found on the website of ECHA: http://echa.europa.eu

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Rubber product manufacturers may now apply for theMalaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF)Soft Loan Scheme for Automation and Modernization(SLSAM). The original scheme, launched in February 2007,did not include the rubber product sector. MREPC broughtthis to the attention of MITI and MIDA, seeking theirassistance to include the rubber product sector under thescheme.

The purpose of the scheme is to encourage industries tomodernize and automate their manufacturing processes,improve production potential and capacity, and assistcompanies in minimizing dependence on labour-intensiveactivities and foreign labour, diversifying into higher value-added activities and rationalizing and streamlining theiroperations through mergers and acquisitions.

In order to qualify for the scheme, companies must beincorporated under the Companies Act 1965 with at least60 percent equity held by Malaysians, possess valid businesslicences, and be in operation for at least 2 years.

Each eligible company is given a loan ranging fromRM100,000 to RM5 million. This is a 5 to 7 years' loan whichincludes a grace period of up to 1 year with an interest of4% per annum.

Successful applicants are able to claim the followingexpenses:

i. Industrial Adjustment Financing for

� Purchase of new or reconditioned (age not more than5 years) machinery and equipment;

� Purchase of software and computer peripherals relatedto the industrial adjustment process;

� Purchase of new machinery, plant and equipment forthe purpose of diversification into higher value-addedactivities;

� Cost related to the installation, commissioning andrelated training as well as maintenance of themachinery; and

� Expenses to undertake services related to mergers andacquisition (M&A) such as registration fees andpayment for services by investment bankers.

Rubber Product Manufacturers Now Qualify for

MIDF Soft Loanfor Automation & Modernization

ii. Automation Financing for

� Purchase of new or reconditioned (age not more than5 years) automation related machinery and equipment;

� Costs related to the installation, commissioning andrelated training as well as maintenance of themachinery; and

� Purchase of software and computer peripherals relatedto the development of the automation system.

Applicants have to undergo an evaluation process involvingthe submissions of the latest audited financial statement,updated management account and pro-forma invoice ofmachinery to MIDF.

Upon successful evaluation, applicants are required tocomplete a form to be submitted to the officer-in-charge atMIDF at the following address:

Development Finance DivisionMalaysia Industrial Development Finance Berhad,Level 15, Menara MIDF, 82, Jalan Raja Chulan,50200 Kuala Lumpur.

Manager in-charge: Syed Azmi b. Syed AriffinTel : (603) 2173 8888 (GL)Tel : (603) 2173 8888 ext. 8605 (DL)Fax : (603) 2173 8877

You can visit the website of MIDF athttp://www.midf.com.my/main for more information.

(Article credit: Dr. C.S. Chew - Dr. Chew is the Director of the Corporate Planningand Research Division, MREPC)

Why Leave a Potential Market Untapped?

Come join MREPC-led marketing missions

MREPC's incentive available (SBIM3)

You may claim 50% of the hotel cost up to a

maximum of RM500.00 per day

Terms & Conditions apply

For more details on SBIM3, kindly refer to

www.mrepc.com/trade/incentives mrepc.php

9

Pedas, a quaint little town several kilometres south ofSeremban, the capital of the Malaysian state of NegeriSembilan, is perhaps better known for its natural hotsprings, and delectable durians (regarded as the king offruits in Malaysia) from its surrounding orchards. Butnestled among one of several industrial zones atChembong Phase II Industrial Estate may be found thenondescript façade of G.B. Industries Sdn. Bhd., amanufacturer of gloves for general-purpose and industrialuse. From this innocuous-looking plant comes a value-added rubber product, namely electrical insulating gloves,which, according to its youthful chief executive officer,Ong Boon Kee, should stand Malaysia proud as a sourcefor such gloves. These gloves are an indispensible safetyproduct for those in the electrical industry. This foray intoa highly-specialized rubber product was the brainchildof Ong, and reinforces the belief that opportunities arethere if one knows where to look.

G.B. Industries began operation in 1987 in Subang Jayain the state of Selangor and rapidly became one of thecountry's leading exporters of rubber household andindustrial gloves. With its production enjoying anencouraging uptrend, the company acquired a six-acresite at its present location to consolidate its provenproduct lines. Several years back, with a pocketful ofexperience in the manufacture of gloves, Ong set out inhis quest to move up the value chain by engaging in theproduction of electrical insulating gloves.

Electrical insulating gloves are personal protectiveequipment to prevent accidental contact with energizedparts, and are mainly used by linesmen involved in themaintenance of power supply lines. They form the firstline of protection against electrocution, and are currentlyclassified into six classes, based on the maximum voltagethe glove can withstand, viz.:

• Class 00 Low Voltage Glove (up to 500 volts maximum)

• Class 0 Low Voltage Glove (up to 1000 volts maximum)

• Class 1 High Voltage Glove (up to 7,500 volts maximum)

• Class 2 High Voltage Glove (up to 17,000 volts maximum)

• Class 3 High Voltage Glove (up to 26,500 volts maximum)

• Class 4 High Voltage Glove (up to 36,000 volts maximum)

WORKING SAFELYWITH ELECTRICITY

FEATUREFEATUREFEATUREFEATUREFEATURE

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With assistance from the Malaysian TechnologyDevelopment Corporation (MTDC), Ong signed anagreement with the Australian technology owner for themanufacture of these gloves. Fine tuning was carried outwith the help of a local consultant, which culminated insuccessful and excellent insulating gloves. These glovesmust incorporate high dielectric and physical strength,along with flexibility and durability. For effectiveperformance, they should meet and/or exceed therequirements of the current American Society for Testingand Materials (ASTM) D120 and EN 60903 specifications.GB Industries' electrical insulating gloves are marketedunder the company's own brand "NOVAX". Ong'sconviction that he had stumbled upon and developed avery good product influenced him in making a businessdecision not to sell these gloves as an OEM manufacturer.Initially, Ong targeted his gloves at meeting the Australianstandard. In fact, he has pushed his own limits by ensuringhis gloves meet more than the Australian standard, andtoday they meet both the United States and Europeanstandards as well. "Our electrical insulating gloves areas good, if not better, than any from Europe or the UnitedStates, as demonstrated by test results," proclaims Ong."In fact, test results consistently show that our glovessurpass the requirements spelt out in internationalstandards, and we wish to improve upon this to convinceour existing and potential customers that we are offeringa consistently high-quality product," adds Ong. Allelectrical insulating gloves are tested in-house, as wellas by the customers upon receipt.

Ong believes that GB is the only home-grown Malaysiansupplier of electrical insulating gloves, among the ten orso global players. It currently supplies worldwide, withstrong growth in the United States. It is an accolade toGB that its gloves are readily accepted in the USA, whensome from Europe are unable to penetrate this market.The fact that its gloves are air-flown monthly into theUSA speaks volume of the acceptance of its products inthat country. Currently, it manufactures gloves from Class00 to Class 2. By the end of the year, gloves of the highestclass, i.e. Class 4, will be available from GB. This shouldpropel GB as one of the top players in the world marketin terms of such insulating gloves. In terms of percentage,electrical insulating gloves currently constitute a mere5% of GB's total glove production, but Ong intends topush this to 10-20% in the near future, and the companyis enjoying a healthy growth in this respect. It is alsoanother feather in GB's cap that the national electricitysupplier, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, recently became acustomer of the company for electrical insulating gloves,while earlier they had sourced these from overseas.

Ong (left) showing Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities,Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui (right), his electrical insulating gloves

“”

Test results consistently showour electrical insulating glovessurpass international standards.- CEO Ong Boon Kee, GB Industries Sdn. Bhd.

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As to his philosophy in successfully competing in theworld market, Ong says we have to compete on priceand delivery, coupled with better performance in theproducts. To him, it is most important to find a good andreliable partner(s) to work with. The market for householdgloves is concentrated in the United States and theEuropean Union, whilst growth may be expected inemerging markets in Eastern Europe and Latin America.He is looking forward to the day he is able to market hishousehold gloves in China, and his insulating glovesin Japan.

"All the company's success would not have been possiblewithout the dedication of each and every member of thestaff," says Ong. "Every effort is made to ensure everyemployee has a sense of belonging, and personnel andhuman resource development is very much part and

parcel of the firm's culture. The success of the companyhas been the direct result of its corporate values thatrecognise team spirit, commitment and innovation," headds. Like all progressive and forward-lookingcompanies, GB strives to achieve maximum customersatisfaction by providing quality products and services.As the company grows in strength, it has embarked onextensive R&D to establish continuous upgrading ofproduct quality, cost efficiency and new productdevelopment.

For more details on G.B. Industries Sdn. Bhd. and itsproducts, visit its website at http://www.gb-intl.com.

GB’sHousehold and

IndustrialGloves

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NEW STANDARD FORNEW STANDARD FORNEW STANDARD FORNEW STANDARD FORNEW STANDARD FORFOOD GLOVESFOOD GLOVESFOOD GLOVESFOOD GLOVESFOOD GLOVES

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The American Society for Testingand Materials (ASTM) has publishedthe long-awaited new standardspecification for food service gloves,the ASTM D 7329-07, after effortswere made over a period of severalyears.

Unlike medical gloves, food servicegloves are not regulated by the U.S.Food and Drug Administration(FDA). However, the FDA prohibitsbare hand contact with ready-to-eatfood, because a wide range ofcommunicable diseases andinfections may be transmitted byinfected food service employees toconsumers through food or foodutensils. The most commonlytransmitted pathogens includedNorovirus among others, accordingto the Centers for Disease Control(CDC). These pathogens areextremely infectious through thefaecal oral route, and they aredifficult to control in an infectedperson. Hand washing alone hasbeen shown to be insufficient toreduce the transmission effectively.Therefore, food service workers mustuse a physical barrier between theirhands and any food product that willnot get cooked or heated afterhandling, which include the use ofgloves or suitable utensils. The FDAFood Code also requires the glovesused to be safe for contact with food,and does not allow migration ofdeleterious substances, colours,odours or tastes to food.

While standards for medical gloveshave been well established by theASTM for many years, the standardspecification with regards to foodservice gloves has only been justdeveloped. The specification in thisstandard is intended to serve as areferee and a guide to permitobtaining gloves of a consistentperformance, but it does not purportto address all of the safety concernsassociated with the glove's use,according to the ASTM.

New Standard

Specification

for Food

Preparation

and Food

Handling

(Food Service)

Gloves by

ASTM

| By Dr. Esah Yip |

Five different categories of glovesare covered in the new standard,namely, (i) natural rubber latex, (ii)nitrile, (iii) polychloroprene, (iv) vinyland (v) polyethylene which includedthe subcategories of (a) low density,(b) high density and (c) castpolyethylene.

The parameters concerned involvefreedom from holes, dimensions,physical properties, powder level,powder-free residues, and total/antigenic protein contents for latexgloves. While tests and valuesresemble those of the medical glovestandards for each of the respectiveglove types, the hole detection testused for the polyethylene gloves isa modified procedure based on thestandard test D5151 for all othergloves. The reason for this isbecause polyethylene gloves are notelastic and hence would not be ableto undergo the same test conditionstipulated in the D5151 test. The testprocedure as stated in D7246-06 hastherefore to be used. In fact, thisparticular standard test method hasspecially been developed for thispurpose. AQL for all gloves is 2.5 atinspection level of G-1.

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For performance requirements, dimensions and tolerances as well as the physical requirements, values are verysimilar to those specified in D3578 for rubber examination gloves, D5250 for vinyl, D6319 for nitrile and D6977for polychloroprene. A similar standard for polyethylene gloves is currently not yet available for reference purposes.A summary of the physical requirements is as shown in Table 1 below:

For polyethylene gloves, they are in three different categories: (a) Low density - LDPE, (b) High density - HDPE,and (c) Cast polyethylene - CPE. These gloves are generally thinner than those specified for the elastic gloves,and are also relatively longer. While the length ranges from 220 to 230 mm for other gloves, they range from 210to as long as 300 mm depending on the type of polyethylene. Their physical requirements are summarizedas below:

Table 1a: Physical Property Requirements for NRL, Nitrile, Vinyl (PVC) and Polychloroprene Gloves

Property NRL Nitrile Polyvinyl Polychloroprene

Tensile Strength (MPa, min.) 18 14 9 14

Tensile Strength, Aged (MPa, min.) 14 14 9 14

Ultimate Elongation (%) 650 650 300 500

Ultimate Elongation (%) 500 500 300 400Aged

Table 1b: Physical Property Requirements for Polyethylene Gloves

Property LDPE HDPE CPE

Max. Force at Yield (N/m - min.) 280 320 360

Max. Force at Yield, Aged (N/m - min.) 280 320 360

Ultimate Elongation (%) 500 500 300

Ultimate Elongation (%) 500 500 300Aged

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As clearly indicated in the Scope of this Standard, it does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any,associated with its use. As such, it is important that users and the food industry should take note of thefollowing points:

Barrier Protection

Since the main function of wearing gloves is to preventtransmission of infectious pathogens, it is of utmostimportance that the gloves used are able to provideeffective barrier protection. A single glove hole canrelease tens of thousands of bacteria from overly moistinternal glove surfaces. In addition, using gloves withhazardous materials can also be potential health risksto food patrons. Thus, the proper choice of food workergloves can significantly impact product safety andintegrity.

Since gloves made of different materials have differentproperties affecting their ability to provide barrierprotection and other safety features, care and cautionmust be exercised to choose the appropriate gloves foruse. With improved testing procedures for barrierperformance of gloves, significant differences have oftenbeen revealed between glove types during use, eventhough the hole detection test done on some intactunused gloves did not show any difference (Table 2).

Key:a - No alcohol use; b - Pretreatment with 70% alcohol; c - NRL powder-free gloves;d - Standard vinyl; e - Stretch vinyl; f - Combination of polychloroprene and nitrile.

It may be noted that both polyvinyl and polyethylene consistently demonstrated inferior barrier capability thanother glove types.

Table 2: Studies on Comparative Barrier Performance of Gloves

Researchers Glove Failure Rate (%)NRL Vinyl Polyethylene Nitrile Polychloroprene

Korniewicz. 1990 7 63 - - -

Korniewicz 2002 2.2 8.2 - 1.3 -

Korniewicz 2003 6.9 - - - 8.4f

Korniewicz 2004 5.6 - 9.3 - 7.4

Klein 1990 < 1a 22a 40a - -< 1b 56b 94b - -

Olsen 1997 4.2 - 7.9c 43 - - -

Douglas 1997 1.1c 25 - 32d - - -22 - 27e - - -

Rego 1999 0 - 4 26 - 61d - 1 - 3 -12 - 20e - - -

1515

Chemical Toxicity

Synthetic gloves such as those of polyvinyl are oftenknown to contain a highly toxic plasticizer, the di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), which makes up between 22and 41 percent of the glove by weight. DEHP is used toimpart flexibility to the vinyl products.

Of particular concern in food-contact applications is thefact that DEHP can leach out of the vinyl products, suchas disposable gloves, food containers or wrappers. It isparticularly soluble in fluids and oil-based products. Itcan easily contaminate liquids such as drinking waterand milk or foods like cooking oils, cheese, meatand fish.

The effect of DEHP on health is well documented inanimal studies which show it can cause testiculardamage, suppress or delay ovulation, reduce kidney andliver functions, and cause respiratory distress as well asadverse effects on the heart. Infants, children andpregnant women are much more sensitive than othersto such adverse effects. In July 2002, the U.S. FDA warnedthat "precautions should be taken to limit the exposureof the developing male to DEHP."

Spurred by concerns about the health hazards posed byfood handlers wearing vinyl gloves, the Ministry of Health,Labour and Welfare in Japan issued a directive in 2000against the use of vinyl gloves with DEHP in food servicekitchens. The Ministry cited research study demonstratingthat "the use of PVC (polyvinyl gloves) with DEHP causeda sharp increase in the level of this chemical in foods."

The danger of phthalates has also led to several initiativesto curb their use in children's toys by the U.S. ConsumerProduct Safety Commission and the EuropeanCommission.

Latex Protein Allergy Concern

The presence of excessive residual soluble proteinsfound in inadequately processed latex gloves in the1980's was the cause of latex protein sensitizationand allergic reactions in some sensitive individuals inthe healthcare setting. Such high protein glovesshould therefore be avoided. Advancement intechnologies today has led to the production of lowprotein gloves with vastly reduced allergy risks, asdemonstrated by many hospital studies today.

Although there have been some concerns about theuse of latex gloves in food handling in giving rise tothe problem, latex protein sensitization via foodingestion is believed to be exceptionally rare. TheAdditive and Ingredients Subcommittee of the FoodAdvisory Committee has examined this issuethoroughly with a panel of experts, in August 2003.They concluded that "The evidence is suggestive of aweak positive relationship between the use of naturalrubber latex gloves and food-mediated latex allergicreactions. The data linking the presence of these(latex) proteins in foods to allergic reactions is basedprimarily on anecdotal evidence, and is very weak."

Finally, selecting gloves to be used in the foodenvironment should be based on their ability to providebarrier protection against viral and bacterialtransmission which could lead to harmful infections,as well as on their minimum impact in relation to anypotential health hazards. Using gloves based solelyon cost could impose a false sense of security if thegloves chosen do not enhance the expected foodsafety for patrons - in which case the donning ofgloves would purely be cosmetic in nature. To thisend, it may be noted that NR latex gloves are the onlycost-effective gloves that are well acknowledged toprovide the best barrier capability against transmissionof infectious substances. They also offer great comfortand fit and high durability. There may be syntheticalternatives that have certain amount of assimilatedNRL properties, but they are more costly.

(Dr. Esah Yip is the Director of the MREPC USA office)

16

SAFE ON THEIR HANDSSAFE ON THEIR HANDSSAFE ON THEIR HANDSSAFE ON THEIR HANDSSAFE ON THEIR HANDS

Chris Packham* looks at whether natural latex glovesreally represent a health hazard

Much has been written about latex allergy, oftenreferring to the "epidemic" that occurred fromwearing natural rubber latex gloves. Unfortunately,some of what has been published doesn'tcorrespond with the scientific evidence.

Natural rubber latex (which we will refer to simplyas latex) was the original material used in gloves toprotect against chemical and biological hazards. Itwas used for many years both in industry and thehealthcare sector with virtually no allergy problems.The latex allergy problem first became significantshortly after healthcare providers brought inuniversal barrier precautions as a reaction to thethreat from HIV and AIDS.

Of course, this resulted in a massive increase indemand for single-use, latex gloves, such that theexisting manufacturers could not cope. The numberof companies manufacturing these gloves increasedrapidly and not all of the newcomers paid the sameattention to quality as had previously been the case.Pressure on healthcare budgets also meant thatpurchasers were seeking cheaper alternatives.

Dusty answerSome manufacturers attempted to reduce the costof their gloves by cutting manufacturing stages. Theresult was gloves with high free-protein and highfree-chemical levels. These gloves were also moredifficult to put on, so the makers added a powder"lubricant".

The powder granules, normally from epichlorhydrincross-linked corn starch, have a surface to whichlatex proteins can easily attach themselves. Donningthe gloves often sends these granules into the airwhere they can be inhaled. The inhalation can leadthe user to become sensitised and they may suffer

Type I contact urticarial reactions (skin swelling andredness and asthma) when they come into contactwith the latex afterwards. In rare cases, this reactioncan develop into anaphylactic reactions that, veryoccasionally, can even be life threatening.

Many healthcare workers became sensitised andallergic to the latex proteins because of the massiveuse of these powdered latex gloves and, as a result,latex came to be considered as a potent allergen tobe avoided at all costs.

Healthcare establishments in many countriesadopted an almost panic-like reaction with a driveto replace latex completely. In many cases, theresults were firstly to reduce the level of protectionagainst biological hazards and secondly to introducenew skin problems from the new glove materials.

The real riskSo perhaps what we need now is an objective reviewof the true facts about latex and the risks from usinglatex gloves and products.

In the first place, most skin problems from the useof the relatively tight-fitting single-use gloves is dueto irritation as a result of the constriction. This canbe resolved in many cases by the use of separatecotton gloves worn underneath the protectivegloves.

Secondly, for the latex protein molecules to beinhaled they must first become airborne. On theirown this is extremely unlikely, since these moleculesare intensely "sticky" and will readily attachthemselves to the nearest surface. The only way inwhich inhalation is probable is where they canattach themselves to a light particle that can itselfbecome airborne, such as the glove powder. Byeliminating the glove powder you can eliminate thisroute of exposure and the potential for sensitisation.

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Thirdly, with a well manufactured latex glove theseproteins will either have been removed or will be sotightly bound into the rubber of the glove that theyare no longer bio-available (that is, they cannot bereleased to penetrate the skin or be inhaled). Thusthere is then little or no potential for eithersensitisation or allergic reaction.

So where does all this leave the employer trying todecide whether to use latex gloves or switch to analternative material?

In the first place there never has been a significantproblem with the reusable type of rubber glove orgauntlet. The latex allergy problem was restricted tothe high free-protein, powdered, single-use naturalrubber latex glove.

Tests have shown that single-use latex glovesmanufactured to an appropriate standard containso little of the proteins that can elicit an allergicreaction that they can safely be used, even in manycases by people who are already sensitised.

In Germany, studies show that the incidence ofoccupational latex allergy and asthma declined in linewith the elimination of powdered latex gloves inhealthcare. The gloves were not replaced with othermaterials but by un-powdered, low free-protein latexgloves.

Hard to beatLatex has properties that no other glove material canmatch. It provides superb protection against biologicalhazards, offers optimum dexterity and, because itstretches so well, ensures minimum wearer fatigue.The surface also provides excellent grip, particularlyfor holding wet objects.

Unlike many synthetic materials, it does not releasetoxic chemicals when incinerated. Natural rubberlatex is produced from a renewable natural resource,the Brazilian rubber tree.

In conclusion, provided un-powdered, low free-proteinlatex gloves are being worn there is no reason tosubstitute them with other gloves. To do so may actuallyreduce the level of protection provided and increasethe probability of skin reactions to the glove material.This could place an employer in a difficult position inthe case of a compensation claim.

Where latex gloves are being used for chemicalprotection, it is important to identify the chemicalsin question and whether this is the correct glovematerial. Manufacturers' literature can provide somebasic guidance on this.

The packaging should stipulate the gloves are"powder-free" or "un-powdered". In general it isreasonably safe to assume that if the gloves areun-powdered, then they will also be low in freeprotein, but some manufacturers will statesomething such as "less that 50 ug/g free protein"or similar. Where this is not stated, you could askthe manufacturer. Most reputable manufacturerswill provide the information, but where any doubtsexist specialist advice should be sought.

It is important to realise that any glove failure canactually increase the potential for damage to healthbeyond that which would have occurred had glovesnot been worn.

*Chris Packham is a senior partner ofskin protection specialists EnviroDermServices, www.enviroderm.co.uk

(Reprinted with permission from Health and Safety at Work,February 2008, www.healthand safetyprofessional.co.uk)

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TRAVELOGUETRAVELOGUETRAVELOGUETRAVELOGUETRAVELOGUE

Sao Paulo, Brazil

to our hotel, Holiday Inn ParqueAnhembi. Fronting the hotel is a verybusy highway. From my window, Icould see the highway and traffic washeavy with trucks and cars zoomingup and down the highway at all timesof the day. (I was able to observe allday because I was suffering from jet-lag and could not sleep).

As with most foreign visitors whocome to the city for business, we hada tight schedule which made itdifficult for us to get to know the city.Hence the opportunity to sightseeSao Paulo was very limited indeed,as most days were spend at thefairground. The fair started from 12.00noon to 9.00 p.m. daily. However, wewere fortunate to have industrymembers from Top Glove, Kossan andHartalega to show us around SaoPaulo. My first taste of Brazilianbreakfast was in this small eatery runby an Asian-looking couple who

spoke perfect Portugese. It was funpointing and gesturing to order ourbreakfast for lack of linguistic skill inPortugese. We managed to have ahearty breakfast of sumptuous burgerwith chicken and a lot of cheese. Myimpression was that everything weate seemed to be stuffed with cheese.They also served very divine lime juicethere. The price was reasonable inthat eatery.

Generally food in Sao Paulo was veryexpensive. It cost us RM50 to havelunch in the fairground canteen(chicken and fries set). My firstexperience in a taxi in Sao Paulo washeart-stopping. It made merationalize why many famous F1drivers are from Brazil. Do not take acab if you have a weak heart. Thenear misses that I experienced in SaoPaulo made me appreciate our verylame Malaysian taxi drivers!

TTo travel to Sao Paulo, there are a fewthings you need to arrange beforeembarking on your trip. The first isthe yellow fever vaccination. It costsRM300 a shot and is valid for a year.The second thing to remember is thatyou need a visa, if you are travellingon business. The third item to note isthat if you are participating in a tradeshow, your exhibits might not reachthe fairground. This is because thereare strict rules regarding goodsbrought into Brazil (your luck plays apart). A particular manufacturer whosent its exhibits to the same fair,HOSPITALAR, two years in a row hashad different experiences. Last yearits exhibits reached the fairground;this year it was retained at theBrazilian custom.

Our flight from Kuala Lumpur to SaoPaulo took 23 hours, including a 4-hour transit in Amsterdam. On arrivalat Sao Paulo airport, we took a cab

View of the busy highway from our hotel

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On the final day before our departureto Kuala Lumpur, I had a morning freeto visit the famous Liberdade. It ishome to the largest Japanesecommunity outside Japan. Significantnumbers of Chinese and Korean alsolive in the district of Liberdade. It isserved by the Sao Paulo Metro. Anestimated 300,000-600,000 Braziliansof Japanese descent live in thecommunity. The entrance toLiberdade is marked by a nine-metertall red torii (a Japanese arch thatmarks the entrance to Shintotemples) since 1974. This toweringstructure, situated on Rua GalvãoBueno, is a distinctive representationof the neighbourhood. I was amongthe paulistanos (citizens of Sao Paulo)that flock to the public square inLiberdade to purchase crafts andbric-a-brac at the weekly fair.

It was my first trip to the South American continent and I wished I had more time to explore, but this was not to be aswork commitments dictated me to be back in Kuala Lumpur.

The famousL i b e r d a d esquare with theMetro station.

Public square in Liberdade. Opposite the square is a big crystal shop runby a Taiwanese couple, who spoke perfect Portugese. We managed tograb some cheap crystal key chains and T-shirts.

Downtown Sao Paulo

We had our hot doghere for only 1 Rialwhich is equivalentto RM2.00.

(Article credit: Ms. Low Yoke Kiew - Ms. Low is a SeniorDeputy Director with the Industry Relations and PublicAffairs Division of MRPEC).

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