Hand Protection and Safety Gloves

Choosing the Right Safety Gloves and Hand Protection

Workplace hand hazards vary considerably, so no single glove is appropriate for every job. Selecting the right hand protection starts with identifying the hazards workers may encounter and then choosing a glove that provides the required protection without unnecessarily sacrificing grip, dexterity or comfort.

Consider exposure to sharp edges, chemicals, abrasion, punctures, impact, heat, cold, liquids and biological hazards. Glove material, palm coating, thickness, cuff style, fit and working conditions can also affect which glove is appropriate for the application.

Types of Safety Gloves and Hand Protection

Understanding Safety Glove Ratings

Safety glove ratings allow buyers to compare specific performance characteristics, but each rating addresses a particular hazard. Cut resistance, abrasion resistance, puncture resistance and impact protection should not be treated as interchangeable.

ANSI Cut Resistance

Cut-resistant gloves are available in different ANSI/ISEA cut levels to help buyers match glove performance to the severity of the cut hazard. Higher cut ratings indicate greater resistance under the applicable standardized test, but the correct glove should balance the necessary protection with dexterity, grip and the requirements of the task.

Detailed cut-level guidance belongs within the Cut Resistant Gloves category, where gloves can be compared by ANSI cut rating and other relevant features.

Puncture and Impact Protection

Puncture resistance measures a different type of hazard than cut resistance. Applications involving sharp points, wires or other puncture hazards may require specific puncture performance. Impact-resistant gloves add protection to areas such as the fingers, knuckles and back of the hand for jobs where workers may encounter blows, bumps or pinch hazards.

How to Choose Safety Gloves

1. Identify the Primary Hand Hazard

Start with the hazard assessment. Determine whether the principal concern is cuts, chemicals, abrasion, puncture, impact, heat, cold, electrical exposure, contamination or a combination of hazards. The primary hazard should drive the initial glove selection.

2. Determine the Required Protection Level

Where standardized performance ratings apply, select a protection level appropriate for the identified hazard and task. Avoid automatically choosing the highest available rating when it may unnecessarily reduce dexterity or make the glove less practical for the work being performed.

3. Select the Appropriate Glove Material

Glove construction affects protection, durability, flexibility and comfort. Common materials include nitrile, latex, PVC, leather, aramid fibers and high-performance cut-resistant fibers. Chemical applications require particular attention because resistance varies significantly by glove material and the chemical involved.

4. Consider Palm Coating and Grip

Coated work gloves may use nitrile, foam nitrile, polyurethane, latex or PVC to provide different combinations of grip and abrasion resistance. Consider whether workers handle dry parts, oily components, wet materials or rough surfaces when selecting a coating.

5. Consider Dexterity and Glove Gauge

Workers must be able to safely perform their jobs while wearing protective gloves. Lightweight, higher-gauge knit constructions can provide excellent dexterity, while heavier gloves may be appropriate where durability or other hazards are more important. The ideal glove provides the required protection while allowing the worker to maintain adequate control and grip.

6. Select the Correct Size and Fit

Proper fit contributes to comfort, dexterity and safe handling. Gloves that are too loose can interfere with grip and fine work, while gloves that are too tight may reduce comfort and discourage consistent use. Review the manufacturer's sizing information when selecting gloves for a workforce.

Choosing Between Common Glove Materials and Coatings

Chemical Resistant Glove Selection

Chemical glove selection requires more than identifying the glove material. A nitrile, neoprene, PVC or other chemical-resistant glove may perform well against certain substances and poorly against others. Concentration, temperature, exposure time and glove thickness can also affect performance.

Medical Exam Gloves vs. Industrial Disposable Gloves

Disposable gloves may look similar while being intended for very different applications. Industrial disposable gloves are commonly used for maintenance, cleaning, food handling and other general tasks, while medical examination gloves are manufactured and marketed for medical examination use and are subject to applicable regulatory requirements.

Healthcare and first-response applications may also require specialized characteristics such as extended cuffs or testing against particular substances. Buyers should verify the manufacturer's stated intended use and supporting product documentation rather than selecting a glove based only on material, thickness or color.

OSHA Hand Protection Requirements

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.138 requires employers to select and require employees to use appropriate hand protection when employees' hands are exposed to hazards such as skin absorption of harmful substances, severe cuts or lacerations, severe abrasions, punctures, chemical burns, thermal burns and harmful temperature extremes.

Selection of appropriate hand protection should be based on the tasks performed, conditions present, duration of use and hazards or potential hazards identified. Employers should conduct the appropriate workplace hazard assessment and select hand protection suited to the actual exposure.

Safety Gloves for Commercial and Industrial Buyers

Select Safety Sales supplies hand protection for businesses, government agencies, schools and universities, healthcare facilities, construction companies, manufacturing operations, utilities, maintenance departments and other organizations.

Organizations purchasing gloves for multiple employees should consider more than individual glove price. Standardizing appropriate glove styles across similar jobs, confirming available size ranges and evaluating case quantities can simplify purchasing and help maintain consistent PPE availability.

Frequently Asked Questions About Safety Gloves

What type of safety glove do I need?

Begin with the workplace hazard. Determine whether workers need protection from cuts, chemicals, abrasion, impact, heat, cold, electrical hazards, contamination or another exposure. Then evaluate the required protection level, glove material, grip, dexterity, fit and working conditions.

What do ANSI cut ratings mean?

ANSI/ISEA cut ratings indicate a glove's resistance to cutting under standardized testing. Higher ratings represent greater measured cut resistance. The appropriate level depends on the severity of the cut hazard and the work being performed.

Are nitrile gloves chemical resistant?

Nitrile provides resistance to many substances, but nitrile gloves vary substantially in thickness, construction and intended use. A thin disposable nitrile glove should not automatically be treated as equivalent to a heavier chemical-resistant nitrile glove. Consult manufacturer chemical-resistance data for the specific substance and exposure.

Are cut resistant gloves also puncture resistant?

Not necessarily. Cut and puncture resistance measure different performance characteristics. Review the glove's applicable ratings and specifications when both hazards are present.

What is the difference between industrial disposable gloves and medical exam gloves?

Industrial disposable gloves are designed for various general-purpose applications, while medical examination gloves are specifically manufactured and marketed for medical examination use. Select a glove whose intended use and product documentation match the application.

Should I always choose the highest glove protection rating?

No. Glove selection should provide sufficient protection for the identified hazard while maintaining the grip, dexterity and comfort necessary to perform the job safely.

What is the best coating for a work glove?

It depends on the application. Foam nitrile, nitrile, polyurethane, latex and PVC coatings provide different combinations of grip, abrasion resistance, flexibility and performance around dry, wet or oily surfaces. Consider the materials being handled and workplace conditions when selecting a coating.

How should safety gloves fit?

Work gloves should fit securely without being excessively tight or loose. Proper fit can improve dexterity, grip and comfort. Manufacturer sizing charts should be used when determining the appropriate size range for individual workers or workforce purchases.

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