Protect Your Most Important Tool: Essential Hand Protection for Different Applications

How to select the most appropriate protective gloves for your specific needs.

By: Rick Pedley, Contributor

A latex coated grip can protect hands from abrasive materials during demolition, assembly and other operations. Photo courtesy of PK Safety.

The human hand is an anatomical marvel, with 27 bones, 29 joints, and over 100 ligaments working together to provide incredible dexterity and range of motion. This intricate structure makes the human hand one of the most versatile tools in the workplace, capable of performing various tasks from operating complex machinery and assembling intricate components to lifting heavy objects. 

However, this versatility also makes the hand among the most vulnerable to injury. According to the National Safety Council’s analysis¹ of Bureau of Labor and Statistics data, hand injuries resulted in the most days away from work in 2021-2022. While eliminating workplace hand injuries isn’t possible, wearing the appropriate hand protection could mitigate many of these incidents. 

Below, we go over the different types of protective gloves that provide optimal protection for specific tasks and work environments. 

UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF HAND PROTECTION 

Across industries, the hands are regularly exposed to physical hazards such as sharp objects, extreme temperatures, hazardous chemicals, and heavy machinery. While crushing injuries, lacerations, and burns remain inevitable, personal protective equipment (PPE) manufacturers have made great strides to enhance worker safety. 

From advanced cut-resistant materials like high-strength polyethylene fibers to breathable yet robust fabrics, modern gloves incorporate features that not only mitigate hand injuries but also enhance grip, flexibility, and overall comfort. These innovations enable workers to perform their tasks more efficiently and confidently, making protective gloves an integral part of workplace safety strategies.

TYPES OF PROTECTIVE GLOVES AND THEIR APPLICATIONS

The appropriate hand protection is not one-size-fits-all. For workers in manufacturing, healthcare, warehousing, food processing, and utilities, each environment demands specific protective features tailored to its unique challenges and hazards. 

Chemical-Resistant Gloves

For workers in environments like pharmaceuticals, laboratories, and industrial manufacturing, chemical-resistant gloves provide a barrier against toxic or corrosive substances, solvents, and oils. These gloves use materials like nitrile, neoprene, or butyl rubber, each offering varying levels of protection against specific chemicals. 

For example, nitrile gloves provide excellent protection when handling oils, greases, and solvents. Butyl rubber gloves, for their part, are particularly effective at resisting highly corrosive solvents. It’s important to note that gloves’ specific chemical resistance can vary depending on the manufacturer and the particular formulation of the glove material. As such, always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines or a safety data sheet (SDS) to ensure proper protection.

Hand protection is not one-size-fits-all. Different industries and applications call for specific protective features tailored to their unique challenges and hazards. Photo courtesy of PK Safety.

Cut-Resistant Gloves

Cut-resistant gloves are typically crafted from materials such as high-performance polyethylene (HPPE), Kevlar, or metal mesh to provide robust protection from sharp tools and materials. The best cut-resistant gloves balance durability and flexibility, making them ideal for applications that require precise hand movements.  

These gloves are often rated according to American National Standards Institute (ANSI), International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) or European Norm (EN) standards, which provide users with standardized frameworks to assess and compare glove performance. For reference, the American standard ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 uses a 9-level scale (A1-A9) to rate cut resistance, while the European standard, EN 388, uses a 4-digit code to rate various protective properties.

Thermal Protection Gloves

In industries like cold storage, food processing, and metalworking, extreme temperatures can expose workers’ hands to risks such as burns, frostbite, or severe discomfort, making thermal protection gloves critical to ensuring hand safety. Made from high-performance materials, such as Kevlar, Nomex, and aluminized fabric, these PPE provide excellent insulation and heat resistance, enabling workers to perform their tasks confidently and effectively even in the harshest conditions.  

Impact-Resistant Gloves

Impact-resistant gloves offer vital protection across many industries where handling heavy machinery, tools, and materials is part of the daily grind. These gloves are designed with reinforced knuckles, padding, and durable materials like thermoplastic rubber to absorb and disperse the force of impacts. In addition to protecting workers from fractures and crushing injuries, impact-resistant gloves can reduce the risk of long-term conditions like hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). 

Disposable Gloves

Commonly made from hypoallergenic, durable, and flexible materials, such as latex, nitrile, and vinyl, disposable gloves provide essential protection for workers in healthcare, food processing, and laboratory settings. In addition to protecting against chemicals, pathogens, and other hazardous substances, disposable gloves help maintain hygiene, prevent cross-contamination, and safeguard workers from potential health risks. Their single-use design also means they can be easily discarded after exposure, enhancing safety and convenience in fast-paced environments.  

General Purpose Gloves

General-purpose gloves offer baseline protection against dirt, abrasions, and minor cuts, making them ideal for light-duty tasks in warehousing, logistics, maintenance, and similar sectors. They’re usually made from light materials like cotton, polyester, and synthetic blends, which help ensure comfort for extended wear.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE APPROPRIATE PROTECTIVE GLOVES

Choosing the right protective gloves requires a clear understanding of the hazards involved with your daily tasks. Here are the primary considerations when selecting the optimal protection for your applications:

• Hazard Assessment: Determine the types of hazards you’ll be facing. In most industrial applications, workers require a combination of impact, cut, and thermal protection, so keep that in mind when choosing gloves.  
• Material Compatibility: For example, nitrile gloves are widely valued for their superior chemical resistance and durability, making them ideal for handling hazardous substances. On the other hand, HPPE gloves offer exceptional cut protection for high-risk tasks while maintaining flexibility. Meanwhile, neoprene gloves balance flexibility and resistance to oils and mild chemicals, making them a versatile PPE choice for various applications. 
• Fit and Comfort: Ensure the gloves fit snugly without restricting movement, as poorly fitted gloves can compromise comfort, safety, and productivity.
• Industry Standards: Look for certifications like ANSI, American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or Conformité Européene (CE). Gloves with these certifications are rigorously tested for their intended purpose, ensuring they provide the necessary protection. For workplaces and industries that require specific safety gear, using certified gloves also ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

By carefully considering these factors, you can select the most appropriate protective gloves for your specific needs and enhance safety and efficiency in your everyday tasks. If you’re still unsure about optimal hand protection for your applications, consult a safety professional. WMHS

Rick Pedley, PK Safety’s President and CEO, joined the family business in 1979. PK Safety, a supplier of occupational safety and personal protective equipment, has been operating since 1947 and takes OSHA, ANSI, PPE and CSA work safety equipment seriously. Visit pksafety.com