What type of safety gloves do I need to be safe at work?
Safety gloves are a mandatory part of many businesses and industries across the UK, with thousands of different variations it is no surprise users find it difficult to choose the right pair to maximise their safety. If you are operating around safety hazards, then there are hazards to consider before making the all-important choice.
When considering the correct safety gloves for your environment and industry you must keep your potential hazards at the forefront of your mind even if you believe the chances of coming in contact with that hazard unlikely.
The most suitable safety glove doesn’t always mean the most expensive on the market – in fact this could be the worst assumption to make. Often the expensive gloves have features and benefits which could counter act the exact feature you in fact require.
What do I need to consider when buying safety gloves?
Safety gloves when working with hazardous liquid materials:
Safety gloves with chemical and water protection are essential when working in such dangerous environments such as this, chemical splashes can cause severe injury, burning the user’s skin if not protected. If the chemical doesn’t burn your skin instantly this doesn’t mean there aren’t damaging effects after this point.
Further information on hazardous substances and glove protection see the link here.
An example of a safety glove with maximum liquid protection is here: (Not chemical)
Safety gloves when there is a hazard of cuts:
This is an easy and obvious one, cut resistant gloves are among the most popular style of gloves being used widely within the construction industry in the UK. Cut resistant gloves offer different levels of cut resistance the higher the cut level the better protection you will have. With a total of 6 levels of protection, choose the correct level based on the severity of your hazard.
Level A cut resistance – low hazards protection against papercuts and light scratches.
Level F cut resistance – suitable for mechanical and construction, further protection when cutting and slicing.
Further information on the new cut level standards here.
An example of the highest cut resistant level F glove is here:
Safety gloves when working with high levels of heat:
Leather gloves are a great option when working with hot objects, ensure that the leather gloves offer burn resistance for protection when handling hot metal objects. This type of glove is typically used in occupations such as welding or metal works. Look out for the safety standard EN12477 type A for welding protection.
Safety gloves then using heavy power tools and machinery:
Industries that require the use of heavy machinery and power tool such as construction require suitable gloves for these tasks, the main issue with using this equipment is the vibration they permit. Having gloves with high levels of padding and shock absorption features is essential, without these features you will be limited to the amount of time using this equipment due to blisters and sore hands. The repetitive motion will wear away at your hands if not protected.
To conclude, safety gloves are essential for user safety and in many ways that you may not consider. Keeping your risks at the forefront of your mind when purchasing safety gloves is a great start even considering the risk which may be seen as unlikely to be dangerous. It is always better to be safe than ….. (you know the rest).
We hope that this blog has provided you with a further indication on the correct safety glove to wear, if you still have questions or concerns when please get in touch with the team for additional advice.
