Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Glove Inspector

🎯 Role Definition

As a Glove Inspector, you are the final gatekeeper of quality, playing a crucial role in our commitment to customer safety and satisfaction. You will be responsible for performing a variety of detailed inspections on medical, industrial, or cleanroom gloves to identify and isolate any defects, imperfections, or contaminations. This position requires a high level of focus and the ability to meticulously follow standardized procedures and document findings accurately. Your work directly impacts product integrity and upholds our reputation for excellence in a competitive market. This is an ideal role for a highly observant and reliable individual who takes pride in their work and understands the importance of quality control in a manufacturing environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Production Line Associate
Warehouse Packer or Handler
Entry-level candidate with strong attention to detail; comprehensive on-the-job training provided.

Advancement To:

Quality Control Lead / Team Leader
Senior Quality Assurance Technician
Quality Assurance Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Production Lead
Inventory Control Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct comprehensive visual inspections of finished gloves (e.g., nitrile, latex, vinyl) to detect defects such as pinholes, tears, embedded foreign matter, discoloration, and textural inconsistencies.
Perform dimensional and physical property testing on glove samples using specialized equipment, including calipers, tensile testers, and thickness gauges, to ensure they meet product specifications.
Accurately sort, count, and categorize gloves based on inspection outcomes, separating conforming products from non-conforming ones.
Meticulously document all inspection results, test data, and batch information in quality control logs, production records, and the company's ERP/MRP system.
Follow detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure consistency and compliance in all inspection activities.
Identify and clearly report any recurring defects or negative quality trends to the Quality Supervisor or Production Manager for immediate corrective action.
Verify that all product packaging and labeling, including lot numbers, expiration dates, and product codes, are accurate and legible before final release.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workstation in accordance with 5S principles and company safety protocols.
Prepare and label samples for further laboratory testing, retention, or customer submission as required.
Operate and maintain inspection equipment, performing basic calibration checks and reporting any malfunctions to the maintenance department.
Participate in the containment and segregation of non-conforming products to prevent their unintended use or distribution.
Ensure proper handling and disposition of rejected materials according to established quality procedures.
Perform AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) sampling inspections on incoming raw materials and finished goods to determine batch acceptance.
Adhere strictly to all cleanroom or controlled environment protocols, including proper gowning and hygiene procedures, to prevent product contamination.
Assist in investigating the root cause of quality issues by providing detailed information and analysis of observed defects.
Train new inspectors on quality standards, inspection techniques, and documentation requirements as needed.
Review production batch records for completeness and accuracy to ensure full traceability and compliance.
Execute water leak testing or other integrity tests on glove samples to verify barrier protection integrity.
Monitor production processes on the line to provide real-time feedback on quality to the production team.
Manage retention samples, ensuring they are properly stored, cataloged, and accessible for future reference.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc quality audits and special inspection projects as requested by the Quality Manager.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by providing feedback on defect trends and suggesting process enhancements.
Collaborate with the production and warehouse teams to ensure a smooth flow of materials through the inspection and release process.
Participate in team meetings and safety briefings to stay informed on organizational goals and policy updates.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Visual Acuity: Excellent eyesight (with or without correction) and color vision for detecting subtle defects and color variations.
Measurement Tools: Proficiency in using basic inspection and measurement tools like calipers, rulers, and gauges.
Data Entry: Strong computer literacy for accurate data entry into quality software, databases, or Microsoft Excel.
Documentation: Ability to read and meticulously follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and technical specifications.
GMP/ISO Knowledge: Understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and/or ISO 9001 quality standards is a significant plus.
Sampling Methods: Familiarity with quality sampling plans, such as AQL, is highly desirable.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: An exceptional ability to notice minute details and maintain high levels of concentration over long periods.
Manual Dexterity: Good hand-eye coordination and the ability to handle delicate products efficiently and carefully.
Dependability & Reliability: A strong work ethic with a proven record of good attendance and punctuality.
Communication Skills: Ability to clearly and concisely report findings both verbally and in writing to supervisors and peers.
Problem-Solving: The capacity to identify issues, analyze trends, and contribute to finding effective solutions.
Integrity: A commitment to upholding quality standards and making honest, objective decisions.
Time Management: Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment and manage tasks to meet production deadlines.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED Equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's Degree or a technical certificate in a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Quality Management
Manufacturing Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-2 years in a quality control, inspection, or manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

1+ years of direct experience in a quality inspection role, preferably within a regulated industry (e.g., medical device, pharmaceutical, food safety, or cleanroom manufacturing).
Prior experience working in a role that required a high level of attention to detail.