by The High Importance of Using the Right Industrial Gloves for Your Work
There are many different types of Industrial Gloves available to protect workers in various job functions and environments. Some of the main types include:
Disposable Gloves
Disposable gloves are cheap and thin, meant for single use applications. They are most commonly made of latex or nitrile and protect against minor risks. While convenient, they offer minimal durability and protection. Disposable gloves are best for light-duty jobs with low risk levels.
Chemical Resistant Gloves
Chemical resistant gloves are made of synthetic rubber materials like neoprene or butyl that can stand up to exposure from solvents, acids, alkalis, and other chemicals. The specific material chosen depends on the exact chemicals the glove will encounter. These industrial gloves protect hands during cleaning, manufacturing, painting, and other chemical-handling tasks.
Cut Resistant Gloves
Cut resistant gloves use high-strength fibers like Kevlar, steel, or ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene to resist slashes and punctures from sharp edges or tools. Welders, metal workers, glass handlers, and others involved in risky cutting or grinding activities require this type of protection. Cut level ranges from lowest A1 to highest A9.
Insulated Gloves
For work conducted in extreme hot or cold environments, insulated gloves provide crucial temperature regulation. Options include electrically insulated industrial gloves for live-wire tasks as well as general insulation for work around refrigeration systems, ovens, outdoor winter conditions, and more. Different insulation thicknesses are available.
General Utility Gloves
More heavy-duty than disposables but less specialized than other options, general utility gloves balance cost, dexterity and durability for medium-risk jobs. Common materials are leather, synthetic leather, or combinations of synthetic/cotton blends. Uses include assembly, shipping, material handling, auto work, construction and maintenance roles.
Fit is Paramount for Safety and Productivity
A poorly fitting glove can be worse than no glove at all. An ill-fitting glove is less effective at protecting the hand and can also hinder job performance due to lack of dexterity or increased fatigue. When selecting industrial gloves, consider these fit factors:
– Size – Choose the best matching size rather than going too small or large. Measure your hands to get the right dimensions.
– Fingertip fit – Fingertips should not slip or bunch when the glove is flexed. Sensation should remain.
– Wrist/cuff closure – The wrist area should fit snugly while the cuff closure allows pulling on and off easily without tugging at the hand.
– Hand shape – Consider whether your hands are small, large, wide or thin to get the optimal glove design.
– Material flexibility – Some tasks require highly flexible industrial gloves while others need more rigid options for protection.
Taking time to try on samples and ensure proper fit helps you find gloves that combine protection with comfort and functionality on the job. Don’t assume “one size fits all” without verifying for your hands.
Five Industries that Rely Heavily on Glove Use
Here are five major industries where proper glove selection and adherence to glove protocols are especially critical:
Manufacturing
From heavy machinery operation to product assembly, correct industrial gloves help manufacturing workers handle materials safely without risking cuts or burns on equipment. Chemical exposure is also common, demanding specific glove chemistries. Proper PPE is a big emphasis in this sector.
Construction
On building sites, gloves are essential PPE for tasks from drywall installation to road paving. Cut and puncture risks abound, as do incidents of lifting strains. Tough cut-resistant gloves with good grips are priorities in construction.
Healthcare
Sterility, infection control and dealing with sharps require healthcare professionals to depend on industrial gloves. LateX, nitrile or vinyl options form a critical barrier against pathogens. Good fits with minimal risks of rips or tears optimize hygiene.
Automotive Repair
Working under vehicles or around heavy tools for auto repairs risks like toxic fluids, burns, cuts and impact hazards persist. Mechanics need gloves suited to the specific fluids and repair tasks. Dexterity is also paramount.
Waste Management
From industrial landfills to recycling sorting facilities, waste workers frequently encounter hazardous materials, biohazards and sharp trash. Puncture-resistant gloves of suitable durabilities and thicknesses greatly lower infection and injury risks.
Choosing Gloves based on Hazard Assessment
Before selecting industrial gloves, employers and employees should conduct a thorough job hazard assessment to understand all risks present. Only then can the perfect match of glove and task be determined. Key factors to evaluate include:
– Chemicals handled and their properties like pH levels
– Temperatures – Are there heat/flame/cold risks to mitigate?
– Machinery or tools involved – What cut, impact or vibration dangers exist?
– Lifting or exertion requirements – Does durability or grip matter more?
– Environmental conditions like dampness or clean room needs
– Work duration – Are short task or long shift gloves more suitable?
With a clear picture of potential exposures, OSHA safety data sheets and expert guidance, the assessment identifies the ideal industrial gloves to protect workers while preserving productivity. Periodic re-evaluation keeps choices optimized as processes change over time.
*Note:
1.Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2.We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
