The sort of glove you choose is determined by the use, as well as factors such as allergies and cost. Remember to choose a glove that is the correct size for your hand, which will not only provide the type of most comfortable fit but will keep the gloves from falling from your hands, reducing the chance of accidentally damaging the glove itself.
Gloves are a type of second skin for these professionals, allowing them to handle hazardous materials, chemicals, and instruments without sacrificing the dexterity required to execute their jobs well.
Gloves, like all other safety equipment, are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Workers equipped appropriate gloves for the job. They will be conducting any specific risks they may encounter in order to be safe.
There are several aspects to consider when choosing the correct safety glove. But maybe the most significant factor is the glove’s material and the protection it provides.
Types of hand protection gloves
Fabric or cotton gloves
All the protective gloves manufacturers are greatly focusing on making the best fabric of gloves that provide a comfortable feel. However, between the worker’s skin and the tools and materials they’re handling, these gloves operate as a thin, breathable layer.
Fabric gloves offer only a thin layer of protection against punctures, sharp objects, open flames, and hot surfaces. They are, nevertheless, effective at keeping hands clean and preventing minor scratches and abrasions.
Fabric gloves with coating
However, these are general-purpose gloves that outperform regular fabric gloves in terms of puncture and cut resistance, protection from alkalinity in concrete products, and chemical resistance. Latex, nitrile, polyurethane, and PVC are some of the materials that can be used to create coatings. Conducting research to discover the best coating for a particular project is possible.
Despite the widespread use of this glove type, some coatings have been reported to become less flexible in cooler working temperatures. They’re also less warm than gloves that aren’t covered.
Latex and nitrile gloves
The Latex and nitrile gloves are commonly used in labs and healthcare settings to protect against the following:
- Biohazards
- Oils
- Solvents
- Grease
- Chemicals
When the correct size is worn, these gloves form-fitting, allowing for increased dexterity when manipulating small items and performing precision work. Latex and nitrile gloves, on the other hand, are ineffective against punctures and sharp, abrasive surfaces.
Gloves made of leather
However, leather gloves provide excellent grip, resistance to sparks, and protection from sharp or abrasive surfaces. They also protect the wearer from moderate heat, such as that produced by welding or friction caused by a rope sliding across the palms.
When properly cared for, leather gloves are extremely durable, but when exposed to excessive heat, they can stiffen or shrivel.
Gloves that have been aluminized
The gloves are heat resistant and ideal for welding, furnace and foundry work, and laboratories with high-
temperature ovens. They can give heat protection up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit due to their insulating and
reflecting qualities.
Gloves made of Kevlar
Kevlar is a heat-resistant para-aramid synthetic fiber with a chemical structure that is made up of numerous inter-
chain linkages. This material has had a significant impact on industrial hand protection since it enables the
construction of lightweight, robust gloves with exceptional cut and abrasion resistance.
Gloves that can withstand punctures
These braided Kevlar gloves look like fish skin. To protect against needles, shards, and other puncture dangers,
the latter employs a scale- or flake-like structure.
Gloves that are resistant to impact and vibration
While vibrations may appear to be harmless, continuous exposure to them can be harmful. Hand-arm vibration
syndrome (HAVS) is becoming more widely recognized, as is the necessity to safeguard employees from it.
Typically, personal protective equipment (PPE) provides some such protection. Gloves that absorb impact and
limit vibration exposure to the hand, in particular.
Fabrication workers may utilize grinders frequently throughout a shift, necessitating the use of vibration-resistant
gloves. They’re particularly common in the construction and automotive industries, where pneumatic tools like
jackhammers are utilized for long periods of time.
Gloves that are chemical and liquid resistant
Typically, chemical absorption through the skin has the potential to cause catastrophic short- and long-term health consequences. The safety data sheet (SDS) for a product can help you determine the appropriate amount of protection needed to keep personnel safe while handling chemical items.
A few examples of chemical- or liquid-resistant:
Butyl Rubber
Butyl Rubber is used when workers will extend contact with a chemical substance. They also offer great resistance to steam permeation and water. This glove makes to protect against some materials such as:
- Ketones, esters, alcohols
- Alkali
- Nitric acid
- Sulfuric acid
- Hydrochloric acid
- Peroxides
Natural Latex and Rubber
Rubber gloves and Latex are intended for incidental contact situations. They are suitable for water-based liquids and biological hazards.
Neoprene
Typically used in contact extended situations with materials such as:
- Acids
- Bases
- Alcohols
- Fuels
- Peroxides
- Hydrocarbons
- Hydraulic fluids
- Gasoline
- Organic acids
Nitrile Rubber
However, this is used to manufacture versatile, general-use gloves. And is suitable for incidental contact (like disposable exam gloves). Thicker nitrile gloves contact extended situations.
Nitrile gloves can protect the wearer from:
- Solvents
- Petroleum oils
- Gasoline
- Greases
- Some acids and bases
Conclusion
However, selecting the right type of glove for the job begins with an assessment of hazards and specific risks the user is likely to encounter. This includes those that minor appear – even a scrape or a cut could lead to an infection requiring medical intervention and days away from work.
Moreover, some further considerations include:
- Size and fit: small types of gloves tear while large gloves affect dexterity
- Dexterity vs. protection: occasionally you’ll have to choose between the two, and you’ll have to figure out how to prioritize them.
- Protection levels: gloves offer varying levels of protection against a given hazard and you must ensure that glove meets the required task level.
- Wear and tear: always check gloves for signs of physical type of damage, such as discoloration, tears, or swelling
- Expiration: never use a safety glove past its date of expiration.
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