Gloves are an essential part of any worker's safety gear. According to Injury Facts by the National Safety Council (NSC), hand and finger injuries accounted for roughly 14% of injuries and 6 days away from work in 2020. Safety gloves help provide protection against various hazards, including cuts, burns, dirt, grime and chemicals. Some gloves provide additional safeguards against heat, cuts and needlesticks. However, with so many options, it can be difficult to know which ones are right for you. This guide can help you sort out what to look for when choosing your gloves.
1. Hazards
Every worksite is different, and understanding the hazards is the first step to determining which type of safety gloves to choose. Conducting a workplace safety evaluation to evaluate risks before investing in safety gloves for workers can ensure you choose the right level of protection. Remember that safety gloves should be worn as a precaution, not the wearer's first line of defense against specific workplace hazards. According to OSHA, glove selection should be based on the type and nature of hazards present, including chemicals, temperature extremes and physical or biological hazards. From cut, impact, puncture and abrasion resistance to vibration, electrical and chemical protection, knowing the risks specific to your work helps ensure you select the proper safety gloves.
2. Fit
Safety gloves should fit snugly but not too tightly. If they are too loose, they will not offer the proper protection. They will be uncomfortable if they are too tight and could even cause hand fatigue and limit dexterity. Proper glove fit is determined by measuring the circumference of the dominant hand around the palm or at the base of the metacarpals:
- Smaller than 7 inches is extra small
- 7.5 inches is small
- 8 inches is medium
- 9 inches is large
- 10 inches is extra large
- Larger than 10.5 inches is extra-extra large
Workers should also consider how much dexterity they need to perform their job. Thinner gloves provide more flexibility but may offer less protection. Thicker gloves may provide greater protection but may make it harder to work. Some gloves may lose their shape over time and workers may need additional PPE and gloves to help limit the exposed skin. If using protective sleeves, they should fit together tightly to help reduce their chance of exposure.
3. Material
Safety gloves should be made from a durable material that can withstand specific job-related hazards. For example, when working with sharp tools, you may need gloves made from cut-resistant material. Always select chemical-resistant gloves that are rated according to the type of substance you’re working with. While generally the thicker the material, the greater the glove's resistance, not all materials are chemically-resistant. Additionally, thicker gloves may impair grip and dexterity, negatively impacting safety.
Use the chart below to explore some common types of safety glove materials.
