Written by Jake Oakey on January 25, 2023

What types of safety gloves are there?


Safety gloves are an vital product of personal protective equipment for workers in various industries. They are designed to protect the hands and fingers from injuries caused by various hazards such as cuts, punctures, chemicals, heat, and electrical hazards.

There are several different types of safety gloves available on the market, each designed to protect against specific hazards. Below is a summary of the most common types of safety gloves and the industries they are typically used in.

Cut resistant gloves:

These gloves are designed to protect the hands and fingers from cuts and punctures. They are made from materials such as Kevlar or steel and are commonly used in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and food processing. The level of cut resistance is measured by the EN388 standard and is represented by a four-digit number, with the higher numbers indicating a higher level of cut resistance. These gloves are ideal for workers handling sharp objects such as knives or broken glass.

An example of a cut resistant glove is below with other typical features:


Chemical resistant gloves:

These gloves are designed to protect the hands and fingers from chemicals and other hazardous materials. They are made from materials such as neoprene, rubber or PVC and are commonly used in industries such as chemical manufacturing, laboratories, and cleaning. These gloves are rated for chemical resistance according to the EN374 standard, which classifies gloves based on their resistance to specific chemicals. It's important to choose gloves that are resistant to the chemicals you will be working with.

Heat resistant gloves:

These gloves are designed to protect the hands and fingers from heat, flames, and sparks. They are made from materials such as leather, aluminized fabric, or fire-resistant fabrics and are commonly used in industries such as welding, metalworking, and foundries. These gloves are rated for heat resistance according to the EN407 standard, which classifies gloves based on their resistance to heat, flame, and electric arc.

An example of a versatile heat resistant glove are these:



Electrical insulating gloves:

These gloves are designed to protect the hands and fingers from electrical hazards. They are made from materials such as rubber or PVC and are commonly used in industries such as electrical power generation, transmission, and distribution. These gloves are rated for electrical insulation according to the EN60903 standard, which classifies gloves based on their electrical insulation properties.

Disposable gloves:

These gloves are designed to protect the hands and fingers from dirt, grime, and various other contaminants. They are made from materials such as latex, nitrile, vinyl or polyethylene and are commonly used in industries such as healthcare, food processing, and cleaning. These gloves are disposable and are meant to be used for a single task and then discarded. They are available in a variety of thicknesses and sizes.

Mechanical protection gloves:

These gloves are designed to protect the hands and fingers from abrasion, puncture, and cuts. They are made from materials such as leather, canvas or synthetic fabrics and are commonly used in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and maintenance. These gloves are rated for mechanical protection according to the EN388 standard, which classifies gloves based on their resistance to abrasion, cut, puncture, and tear.




It's important to note that all safety gloves must comply with the European standard EN388 and must be CE marked. It's also important to ensure that the gloves you choose are appropriate for the specific hazards that you will encounter. Proper care and maintenance of gloves is also important to ensure their longevity and effectiveness. This includes properly storing gloves, inspecting them for damage before use, and properly disposing of them when they are no longer usable.

In conclusion, safety gloves are an essential piece of PPE for workers in various industries. There are many different types of safety gloves available on the market, each designed to protect against specific hazards. It's important to choose the right type of gloves for the specific hazards that you will encounter, and ensure that they comply with the European standard EN388 and are CE marked. Proper care and maintenance of gloves is also important to ensure their effectiveness and longevity.


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