Ansell has unveiled gloves in an aim to protect workers from phenol choroform.

Named ChemTek 38-214T, the product is made of four millimetre-thick Viton rubber, over a butyl material the same thickness.

According to the company, the gloves provide more than 90 minutes of chemical resistance to phenol chloroform and other solvents.

Tim Paree, critical environments specialist at the manufacturer, said: "Ansell modified existing styles of its ChemTek Viton over butyl gloves in order to help meet ? technicians' needs for improved chemical protection, tactile sensitivity and dexterity."

He added the product was "comfortable enough", noting it provides "sufficient dexterity" for laboratory workers.

The development of the gloves followed a request from the University of California in San Francisco, US.

Last year, Ansell announced it had acquired military glove company Hawkeye's assets.

Speaking at the time, the company's senior vice-president Bill Reed said the purchased company brought an "excellent opportunity" to the business.