Work Gloves

Work gloves are essential equipment that provides a crucial barrier between your hands and potential hazards in the workplace. From handling sharp objects and chemicals to protecting against extreme temperatures and electrical shocks, the right pair of safety gloves can significantly reduce the risk of workplace injuries. Wearing appropriate workwear gloves is not just about safety; it's also about compliance, as many workplaces have mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.

Key Features & Purposes of Work Gloves

Work gloves are designed with various features to protect your hands from specific hazards. Safety workwear gloves can offer protection against cuts, abrasions, punctures, chemicals, vibration, moisture, and extreme temperatures. The key is to choose protective work gloves that match the specific hazards of your work environment. For instance, heavy-duty work gloves made from thick leather might be necessary for handling rough materials, while safety gloves for construction might need reinforced knuckles and fingertips for impact protection when dealing with tools like clamps or nails.

Types of Protective Gloves

Work gloves are available in a variety of materials, such as leather, latex, HPPE, neoprene, nylon, and more. Safety gloves can also have protective coatings, with rubber and latex-coated gloves being popular examples. These gloves provide excellent palm grip and hand protection from sharp materials like glass, metal, barbed wire, etc. You will also find specialist gloves such as:

• Cut Resistant Gloves: Made with materials like Kevlar or HPPE to protect against cuts and lacerations.
• Heat Resistant Gloves: Designed to withstand high temperatures, ideal for welding, handling hot objects, and working near open flames.
• Leather Work Gloves: Durable and versatile, offering good protection against abrasion, punctures, and general wear and tear.
• Mechanic Gloves: Often feature reinforced palms and fingers for enhanced grip and protection, ideal for working with tools and machinery.
• Thermal Work Gloves: Provide insulation against cold temperatures, ideal for working outdoors in winter or in refrigerated environments.
• Abrasion Resistant Gloves: Made with tough materials to withstand abrasion and friction, suitable for tasks involving rough surfaces or repetitive handling.
• General Purpose Work Gloves: Offer basic protection against minor cuts, abrasions, and dirt, suitable for a wide range of tasks.
• Electrical Protection Gloves: Insulated to protect against electrical shocks, essential for electricians and anyone working with electrical equipment.
• Construction Gloves: Designed for the demanding conditions of construction sites, often featuring impact protection, reinforced palms, and high visibility colours.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Workwear Gloves

Selecting the right working gloves requires careful consideration of several factors:

• Material: Choose work gloves based on the specific hazards of your work environment. Consider whether you need protection against cuts, chemicals, heat, cold, or other hazards.
• Fit and Comfort: Ensure proper sizing to prevent discomfort and maintain dexterity. Work gloves that are too tight can restrict movement and blood flow, while gloves that are too loose can compromise grip and safety.
• Grip and Traction: Choose gloves with appropriate coatings or textures for the tasks at hand. For example, if you need to handle slippery objects, look for working gloves with a textured grip.
• Durability and Longevity: Invest in heavy-duty work gloves that can withstand the demands of your work to reduce replacement frequency and minimise costs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting Work Gloves

It's easy to make mistakes when choosing work gloves, especially with the wide variety available. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Choosing the Wrong Type: Using gloves not suited for the task can lead to injuries. Carefully assess the risks in your workplace and choose safety gloves that offer the appropriate level of protection.
• Overprotection: While protection is paramount, excessive protection can be counterproductive. Overly thick or bulky gloves can hinder dexterity and efficiency, potentially leading to fumbles and mistakes. Choose the right level of protection for the task at hand.
• Ignoring Fit: Comfort and fit are essential for safety and productivity. Ill-fitting gloves can cause discomfort, blisters and reduce safety. Always try on work gloves before purchasing to ensure a proper fit.
• Bulk Buying Blindly: Purchasing in bulk without testing can be a costly mistake. Different brands and styles fit differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Test out a few pairs before committing to a large order to ensure they are suitable for your specific tasks.

Standards for Workwear Gloves

To ensure safety gloves provide adequate protection, they are subject to various standards. Some common standards include:

• EN 388: Protection against mechanical risks like cuts, abrasions, punctures, and tears.
• EN 374: Protection against chemicals and microorganisms.
• ISO 13997: Cut resistance.

Always check that the protective gloves you choose comply with relevant safety standards for your industry and application.

Industry Applications

Work gloves are essential for protecting workers across diverse industries. Some examples include:

• Discrete Manufacturing: In industries dealing with automotive work, gloves protect against cuts, abrasions, and impacts from sharp edges, moving parts, and hazardous materials.
• Process Manufacturing: Gloves are used in these industries to prevent contamination, protect workers from harsh chemicals, and maintain hygiene standards.
• Energy & Utilities: Heavy-duty work gloves are essential in this sector for tasks like handling heavy equipment, working at heights, and dealing with potentially hazardous materials.
• Facilities & Intralogistics: Even in settings like warehouses, universities, and healthcare facilities, gloves protect workers during general tasks, cleaning, maintenance, and handling of materials.

Your Trusted Work Gloves Supplier & Manufacturer

RS Group is the leading supplier of high-quality work gloves in Australia. We offer a wide range of work gloves for men and women, from heavy-duty construction gloves to general-purpose work safety gloves from trusted brands like Ansell, Skytec, and RS PRO. To find the perfect pair of working gloves for your needs, check out our selection online. For more information on delivery across Australia, please refer to our Delivery page for more details.

For more tips on how to stay safe in the workplace, read our complete guide to PPE & regulations.