Hand protection is of paramount importance to ensure the safety and well-being of workers. Hands are highly vulnerable to injuries from cuts, abrasions, chemicals, heat, and other hazards. Hand cuts alone contributed to the 17,000 lacerations in 2022, making the use of gloves an essential part of personal protective equipment (PPE). This article aims to provide an overview of hand protection and explore the different types of gloves used across various industries.
General-purpose gloves are designed to provide basic hand protection and are commonly used in industries where the risks are relatively low. They are often made of materials like cotton, leather, or synthetic blends. These gloves offer moderate protection against minor cuts, abrasions, and dirt. They are suitable for tasks such as light assembly work, packaging, and general maintenance.
Cut-resistant gloves are designed to protect against sharp objects, such as blades, glass, or metal. They are widely used in industries like construction, automotive, metalworking, and food processing. These gloves are made from high-performance fibres like Kevlar, Dyneema, or Spectra, which provide excellent cut and puncture resistance. The level of protection varies depending on the glove's resistance rating. Are you up to date with the current glove standards EN388:2016?
Chemical-resistant gloves are crucial in industries dealing with hazardous substances, such as laboratories, pharmaceuticals, chemical manufacturing, and janitorial services. These gloves are made from materials like nitrile, neoprene, PVC, or butyl rubber, which offer resistance to various chemicals, acids, solvents, and oils. It is essential to choose gloves with the appropriate material and thickness based on the specific chemicals being handled, as different materials have varying levels of resistance.
Industries like welding, metal casting, glass manufacturing, and foundries require gloves that provide protection against high temperatures. Heat-resistant gloves are typically made from materials like leather, Kevlar, carbon fibre, or aluminized fabrics. They offer insulation against heat, sparks, and molten metal splashes. The gloves' heat resistance level is determined by the temperature they can withstand without causing burns or discomfort to the wearer.
Electricians and workers in the electrical industry require gloves that protect against electric shock and arc flash incidents. Electrically insulated gloves, commonly known as rubber gloves, are made from materials like latex, rubber, or synthetic rubber compounds. These gloves undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet industry standards for electrical insulation. Workers must use gloves with the appropriate voltage rating to match the electrical hazards they encounter.
Disposable gloves find extensive use in industries such as healthcare, food processing, and laboratories, where hand hygiene and contamination control are crucial. These gloves are typically made of latex, nitrile, or vinyl. Latex gloves offer excellent dexterity and sensitivity but may cause allergies for some individuals. Nitrile gloves provide resistance to chemicals and are suitable for individuals with latex allergies. Vinyl gloves are cost-effective but offer less durability and chemical resistance.
Workers in construction, oil and gas, mining, and heavy machinery operation face the risk of hand injuries due to impacts or vibration. Impact-resistant gloves feature additional padding or thermoplastic rubber (TPR) on the back of the hand and fingers to absorb and dissipate impact forces. These gloves provide protection against crush injuries, abrasions, and pinching hazards while maintaining dexterity and flexibility.
Selecting the appropriate gloves for specific industries is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of workers. The range of glove options available includes general-purpose gloves, cut-resistant gloves, chemical-resistant gloves, heat-resistant gloves, electrically insulated gloves, disposable gloves, and impact-resistant gloves. Understanding the potential hazards and requirements of each industry allows employers and workers to make informed decisions when it comes to hand protection. By prioritising hand safety and providing the right gloves, industries can significantly reduce the risk of hand injuries and create safer working environments.
If you would like a FREE glove audit, please reach out to The Caley Group and our team will be delighted to assist.
