How to Choose the Right Safety Gloves

Why is choosing the right gloves important?

Hands are vulnerable, and gloves only provide protection if they are designed for the specific hazard. When choosing gloves, consider mechanical, chemical, thermal and electrical risks, as well as how much dexterity and grip precision are required.

Main types of safety gloves

• Leather gloves: may be suitable for general handling and assembly work; the exact level of protection is determined by the product marking.
• Coated assembly gloves: can provide good grip and dexterity for lighter assembly and material handling tasks.
• Cut-resistant gloves: for sharp sheet metal, knives or other cutting hazards, choose a model with an appropriate and documented level of cut resistance.
• Chemical-resistant gloves: must be selected according to the specific chemical and its concentration; the glove material alone does not guarantee protection against every chemical.
• Heat-resistant or welding gloves: for hot objects and welding work, only use a model suitable for the specific heat and spatter risk.

Markings and standards

EN 388 provides information on testing against mechanical risks, EN 374 may be relevant to requirements relating to chemicals and microorganisms, while EN 12477 contains requirements for welding gloves. When interpreting markings, always read the manufacturer’s documentation as well.

How to choose the right size

The gloves should not feel tight, but they should not be too loose either. There should not be a large amount of empty space at the fingertips, and the palm area should not bunch up during movement. Choose the size according to the size chart for the specific model.

Use and replacement

Inspect the gloves before use. Replace them if there are holes, tears, thinning, chemical contamination or significant wear. Do not use gloves for tasks for which the manufacturer does not recommend them.