Helping to protect workers in a range of industries from a whole host of hazards and injuries, safety gloves are an essential part of any organizations PPE. When bought well, work gloves should be like a second skin, allowing even intricate or hazardous work to be carried out safely and with ease.
However, just as with every other type of safety equipment, the gloves your workers are wearing, must be appropriate to the risks they will typically be exposed to. Once you’ve found the right type, you can of course buy bulk work gloves to give your entire workforce the protection they deserve.
To help you select the most appropriate hand protection for your employees, here’s a brief rundown of the different types:
Fabric or cotton
These lightweight, breathable gloves are ideal for anyone working in a non-hazardous environment, providing basic protection against minor abrasions and scrapes.
Coated fabric
As an all-purpose style of glove, these offer a higher level of protection against chemical exposure (although not enough to be considered a replacement for full chemical gloves) and punctures and cuts, than regular fabric gloves. They can be coated in such materials as PVC, latex, polyurethane and nitrile.
Leather
With spark resistance, good grip and excellent protection against abrasive or sharp surfaces, leather gloves also provide protection against moderate heat levels. Exceptionally durable when maintained properly, it’s worth noting that when not worn with a liner, they can make hands very dry, and can also harden or shrivel up should they be exposed to high heat levels.
Aluminized
Designed to withstand heat, these gloves are best suited for those working in environments like foundries and laboratories, and are ideal for anyone welding or using high-heat ovens. Aluminized gloves are designed to provide protection against temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Kevlar
Allowing for the creation of gloves that are both durable and lightweight and which afford outstanding resistance to abrasions and cuts, Kevlar as a material has had a significant impact on the world of hand protection in the industrial sector.
Puncture resistant
Designed specifically to stop puncture wounds to the hands, these gloves are either made out of a material that resembles fish skin to deflect needle and shard penetration, or woven Kevlar.
Impact and vibration-resistant
Prolonged exposure to vibrations can be harmful, and hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is something more safety professional are becoming aware of.
Gloves that are vibration-resistant are commonly used in fabrication, during which workers may use grinders frequently for long periods, or in the automotive and construction industries, where pneumatic tools may be used for prolonged periods.
Chemical and liquid-resistant
There may be serious health effects from absorbing chemicals through skin, and knowing which level of protection your workers require for handling chemical products, is essential.
Latex and nitrile
Widely used in healthcare settings and laboratories, latex and chemical resistant nitrile gloves provide protection against the following:
· Oils
· Grease
· Chemicals
· Biohazards
· Solvents
When correctly sized, they are form-fitting, affording the wearer much more dexterity when working with small items, or when higher levels of precision are required. It’s important to note, however, that these gloves don’t provide enough protection against abrasive and sharp surfaces, or punctures.
Before you even begin trying to choose gloves for your employees, you must carry out a detailed risk assessment of their working environment, and the types of hazards and risks they’re likely to encounter while performing their work. Fortunately, there’s a glove for pretty much every type of work imaginable, so giving your employees the hand protection they need, shouldn’t be difficult.