What Are PPE Gloves?

The origins of PPE work gloves can be traced back to ancient civilizations, when people realized the importance of protecting their hands for performing certain tasks. However, the development of modern PPE work gloves originated primarily from the Industrial Revolution. With the rise of industrialization, people began to come into contact with more mechanical equipment and chemical substances, which prompted the need for hand protection and promoted the development of PPE work gloves. With the development of science and technology, the manufacturing materials of PPE work gloves have experienced innovation. From the original leather gloves to modern high-tech fibers and chemical-resistant materials, the materials of gloves have become more diverse and advanced. Modern PPE work gloves benefit from advanced manufacturing technologies in design and production, including CAD design, high-performance fiber materials, polymer coatings, etc., which improve the performance level of the gloves.

What are the types of PPE gloves?

Mechanical Gloves:

These gloves are usually made of sturdy materials such as leather, fabric composites, or polyethylene. Used to provide protection against mechanical injuries such as cuts, tears, punctures, etc.

Chemical Gloves:

Usually, materials that are resistant to chemical corrosion are used, such as rubber (natural rubber, nitrile rubber), chloroprene rubber, etc. Specially designed to protect hands from chemical damage.

Insulating Gloves:

Used for electrical work, providing electrical insulation protection to prevent electric shock. Made of rubber or similar insulating materials.

Heat Resistant Gloves:

Suitable for high-temperature environments, providing protection against heat sources. These gloves are usually made of heat-resistant materials such as Kevlar, Nomex, etc.

Anti static Gloves:

Made of conductive fibers or specially treated materials. Suitable for working environments that handle equipment or materials sensitive to static electricity.

Vibration resistant Gloves:

Used to reduce hand exposure to vibration, suitable for work environments that require the use of vibration tools. These gloves are usually made of shock absorbing materials, such as gel filling or special materials.

Fire resistant Gloves:

Used for fire prevention and high-temperature environments, providing protection against flames and thermal radiation. These gloves are usually made of flame-retardant materials, such as leather or special flame-retardant fabrics.

Which industries are suitable for using PPE gloves?

Construction and construction industry: Workers on construction sites need protective gloves to protect their hands from sharp objects, building materials, electrical equipment, etc.

Chemical and pharmaceutical industries: Workers working with chemicals need to use chemical gloves to prevent skin contact with chemicals.

Electrical industry: Electricians need to use insulated gloves during electrical maintenance, repair, or installation work to prevent electric shock.

Mechanical Manufacturing and Metal Processing: Mechanical engineers and metal workers protect their hands from mechanical equipment, sharp tools, and metal cutting.

The healthcare industry: Medical staff need to wear medical gloves when handling patients to prevent cross infection and protect the safety of both parties.

Food service industry: Chefs and food handlers need to wear food grade gloves to ensure food hygiene and prevent cross contamination.

Oilfield and chemical industry: Personnel working in oil wells and chemical plants need to use special gloves to cope with harmful chemicals, oils, and high temperature environments.

Environmental cleaning and waste disposal: When handling waste and hazardous substances, workers need to use protective gloves to prevent contact with harmful substances.

Forestry and agriculture: to prevent damage from plants, insects, and other natural elements.

Welding and metal processing: Workers need to wear fire-resistant and heat-resistant gloves to protect their hands from high temperatures and sparks.

Aviation and automotive maintenance: Workers need to use mechanical and chemical gloves to cope with complex mechanical and chemical environments.

Things to pay attention to when choosing work gloves?

Understanding the work environment and tasks:

It is crucial to understand the specific work environment and tasks before choosing gloves. Different tasks and environments require different types of gloves, such as mechanical gloves, chemical gloves, insulated gloves, etc.

Understanding potential hazards:

Identify potential hazards, including mechanical injuries, chemical exposure, and electric shock risks. Select appropriate types of gloves based on the nature of the danger, ensuring that they provide appropriate protection.

Compliant with safety standards:

Choose gloves that meet relevant safety standards. These standards may have been established by international standard organizations such as ASTM and EN ISO to ensure that gloves meet specific industry and task quality and performance standards.

Durability:

Consider the durability of gloves. When choosing gloves, it is important to ensure that they are sturdy enough to withstand wear, tear, or puncture during specific tasks.

Comfort:

Choosing comfortable gloves is crucial. Comfortable gloves can reduce worker fatigue and improve work efficiency. Consider factors such as the internal lining, design, and breathability of gloves to ensure comfort.

Suitable size:

Use a tape measure or measuring tape to measure the widest part of the hand, usually the bone above the palm. Convert the measurement results to inches or centimeters. Tight gloves may cause discomfort and hand fatigue, while loose gloves may reduce protective effectiveness. Ensure to purchase gloves of the appropriate size so that workers can work freely and flexibly.

Refer to size chart:

Each glove brand and model may have different size standards, so it is important to refer to the size chart provided by the brand or manufacturer. A size chart usually tells you the glove size corresponding to a specific measurement value.

Pay attention to the type of gloves:

Different types of work gloves may have different size designs, especially for special purpose gloves such as welding gloves or chemical gloves. Ensure to choose the appropriate type of gloves according to the desired use.