Safety Gloves: Everything You Need To Know

Safety Gloves: Everything You Need to Know

 

Safety gloves are essential personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to protect your hands from various hazards in the workplace or during specific tasks. Here's what you need to know to choose the right safety gloves for your needs:

1. Types of Hazards

Understand the risks in your environment to select gloves with the appropriate protection:

Cut Hazards: Use cut-resistant gloves made from materials like HPPE, aramid, or steel mesh.

Chemical Hazards: Choose gloves with chemical resistance, like nitrile or neoprene-coated gloves.

Heat or Cold: Use thermal-resistant gloves (e.g., Kevlar for heat, insulated gloves for cold).

Impact and Vibration: Look for gloves with reinforced padding for impact resistance or vibration dampening.

Electrical Risks: Use insulated rubber gloves rated for electrical protection.

Biological Risks: Opt for disposable gloves that offer barrier protection, such as latex or nitrile.

 

2. Glove Materials

Different materials offer specific benefits:

HPPE (High-Performance Polyethylene): Cut-resistant, lightweight, and durable.

Aramid (e.g., Kevlar): Heat-resistant, strong, and cut-resistant.

Nitrile: Chemical-resistant, puncture-resistant, and flexible.

Latex: Excellent grip and dexterity but may cause allergic reactions.

Leather: Durable and good for abrasion resistance, often used in welding or general handling.

3. Levels of Protection

Cut Resistance: Measured using ANSI or EN388 standards, with levels ranging from A1 to A9 (ANSI).

Abrasion Resistance: Indicates durability against wear and tear.

Impact Protection: Look for gloves with specific impact-resistant ratings.

Chemical Resistance: Ensure the gloves are tested for the chemicals in your workplace.

 

4. Fit and Comfort

Gloves that are too tight can cause discomfort and limit movement.

Loose gloves may compromise safety and dexterity.

Choose gloves with breathable designs for prolonged use.

 

5. Standards and Certifications

Check for compliance with safety standards:

ANSI/ISEA (U.S.) for cut, abrasion, and puncture resistance.EN388 (Europe) for mechanical risks (abrasion, cut, tear, puncture, and impact).

 

6. Specialized Features

Coatings: Latex, nitrile, or polyurethane coatings enhance grip and add resistance to specific hazards.

Hi-Vis Colors: Improve visibility in low-light conditions.

Touchscreen Compatibility: Allows use with electronic devices.

7. Maintenance and Replacement

Regularly inspect gloves for wear, tear, or contamination.

Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning reusable gloves.

Replace disposable gloves after single use or reusable gloves when damaged.