Different Types Of Safety Gloves
Aug 26, 2022
Safety gloves are an essential part of the personal protective equipment (PPE) for a wide range of industries. Safety gloves are required for a number of different purposes including to protect the hands from heat and cold, hazardous chemicals, punctures and cuts, and rough and sharp materials.
However, not all gloves are created equal. It’s no good picking any old gloves and assuming they will protect you against the risks and hazards that come with your specific work. You need to use the right type of glove for your job based on a hazard assessment carried out by a qualified professional.
To help you choose the right gloves for your worksite, let’s have a look at some of the different types of safety gloves.
Heat Resistant Gloves
Heat resistant gloves are commonly used in industries such as foundries, glass manufacturing and metal fabricating, where workers are exposed to high temperatures. They are designed to provide heat, flame and arc flash protection and to protect from burns and other injuries caused by exposure to high temperatures.
Heat resistant gloves are made from a variety of materials, including leather, kevlar, and Nomex. They may also be designed to provide additional grip or reinforced to provide added crush protection when working with heavy materials. Heat resistant gloves vary in size, type, and level of protection, so it is important to choose the right glove for the job.
Metal Mesh Gloves
Metal mesh gloves are often used in industries where there is a risk of hand injuries. This includes jobs such as construction, mining, and manufacturing. They are also used in industries where knife work is common like butchering and meat processing.
These gloves provide a high level of protection against cuts and scrapes, and they can also be helpful in preventing puncture wounds. However, they are not appropriate for all situations. For example, they may not be appropriate when working with electricity or with wet surfaces. Workers should always consult with their supervisor before using metal gloves.
Leather Gloves
Leather gloves are used across a variety of industries. They provide excellent grip and protection from heat, sparks, and sharp and abrasive surfaces and materials. They can also be used as hand protection against strong friction like rope burns.
Leather gloves are highly durable. However, they can be expensive and if not properly taken care of they can harden or dry out.
Non-conductive Gloves
Non-conductive gloves are an important tool for many industries. They are used in electrical work to protect workers from shocks and burns. They are also used in laboratories to protect against chemical and electrical hazards. In addition, non-conductive gloves are often used in welding to prevent sparks from igniting flammable materials. These gloves are also used in food processing and handling to prevent the spread of bacteria. As a result, non-conductive gloves play an important role in many industries.
Nitrile & Latex Gloves
Nitrile gloves are made of a synthetic rubber that is resistant to chemicals, oils, biohazards, grease, and solvents. They are commonly used in the healthcare industry, as they provide a barrier between the skin and potential contaminants. However, nitrile gloves are also used in a variety of other industries, including food service, hair dressing, and janitorial work. In each of these cases, the gloves help to protect workers from contact with hazardous materials.
Nitrile gloves are also popular among hobbyists and DIYers, as they can be used when working with adhesives, paints, and other potentially harmful chemicals. Whether you’re a nurse or a mechanic, if you work with dangerous materials, nitrile gloves are an essential piece of safety equipment.
Nitrile and latex gloves are form-fitting and so correct sizing is important to ensure dexterity, especially for work that requires precision.
Fabric or Cotton Gloves
Fabric or cotton gloves are often used as liners for larger or heavier duty safety gloves. They help with comfort and provide additional warmth. They are usually thin, breathable gloves that, when used on their own, provide only minimal protection for the hands.
Besides being used as glove liners, they are useful for keeping hands clean and protecting against minor scrapes and abrasions.
Fabric gloves may also be used when handling delicate or valuable materials or items that require protection from the hands’ natural oils and other contaminants.
When selecting the right protective gloves for your workplace, it’s important to fully understand the risks and hazards you may be exposed to and select the right gloves to protect your hands.
