The Marvellous World of PPE Gloves: Your Guide to Safety and Style!

Each year in the UK, hand injuries lead to significant downtime for many employers. Furthermore, a considerable number of employees find themselves in the emergency room due to these injuries. Among those who experienced hand injuries, a large portion were not using safety gloves, while those who did wear protective gloves often had either damaged or unsuitable work gloves for the job at hand.

When it comes to personal protective equipment (PPE), protective gloves may not always be the first thing that comes to mind, but they are a vital part of keeping you safe on the job! Whether you’re working in construction, manufacturing, or any hands-on industry, selecting the right gloves can make all the difference. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of PPE gloves, exploring the EN standards, abrasion ratings, cut resistance, and some must-have features that make your work life safer and more comfortable!

Understanding EN Standards for Safety Work Gloves

In Europe, safety work gloves are governed by a series of standards known as the EN standards. These standards ensure that gloves provide adequate protection against various hazards. The most common standard you’ll hear about is EN 388, which specifically focuses on mechanical risks. It outlines the performance levels for gloves against hazards like abrasion, cuts, tearing, and punctures.

What is EN 388? 

The EN 388 standard is your go-to for understanding how well a glove can handle mechanical risks. It includes four key performance tests, each of which is assigned a rating from 1 to 4 (or 1 to 5 for cutting). Here’s how to identify it:

• Abrasion Resistance: Rated from 1 (poor) to 4 (excellent). This tests how well the glove withstands wear from friction.
• Cut Resistance: Rated from A (low) to F (high). This measures the glove's ability to resist cuts from sharp objects.
• Tearing Resistance: Rated from 1 (weak) to 4 (strong). This tests how well the glove can withstand tearing.
• Puncture Resistance: Rated from 1 (low) to 4 (high). This measures how well the glove can resist pointed objects.

You’ll often find the EN 388 code printed on the glove's label, followed by the ratings (e.g. EN 388 4X43F). This code is your assurance that the glove meets the necessary safety criteria!

Abrasion Ratings for Site Gloves

When working on-site, abrasion resistance is crucial. Gloves are rated from 1 to 4 based on how many cycles they withstand in an abrasion test:

• Level 1: Less than 100 cycles (not very durable)
• Level 2: 100-500 cycles (suitable for light tasks)
• Level 3: 500-1,000 cycles (ideal for moderate tasks)
• Level 4: 1,000+ cycles (heavy-duty work)

For construction sites, Level 3 and 4 gloves are often preferred as they offer the durability needed for tough conditions.

Cut Resistant Ratings for Protective Gloves

Cut resistance is another essential feature, especially in environments with sharp tools or materials. The cut resistance is rated from A (least resistant) to F (most resistant):

• A: 1.2 to 1.5 N
• B: 1.5 to 2.2 N
• C: 2.2 to 3.0 N
• D: 3.0 to 4.0 N
• E: 4.0 to 5.0 N
• F: 5.0 N and above

Choosing gloves with a higher cut resistance rating is key for tasks that involve sharp blades or edges.

Tear Resistance Ratings for Construction Gloves

Tear resistance is just as important as abrasion and cut resistance. Similar to abrasion, gloves are rated from 1 to 4 based on their performance in a tearing test:

• Level 1: Low resistance
• Level 2: Moderate resistance
• Level 3: Good resistance
• Level 4: High resistance

For construction workers, opting for Level 2 or higher is advisable to ensure durability during demanding tasks.

Other Features to Consider in the Construction Industry

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk about some additional features that can enhance your glove game!

Heavy Duty Gloves: Designed for tough tasks, these gloves provide maximum protection and are often thicker and more robust. The types of construction jobs that might require a worker to wear heavy duty gloves include: demolition work, masonry roles, roofing work, metal fabrication etc.

Waterproof Work Gloves: Perfect for wet conditions, waterproof gloves keep your hands dry and comfortable, ensuring you can work effectively no matter the weather! They are frequently worn by utility workers on site, such as plumbers. Landscapers and ground workers also benefit from waterproof work gloves, while they are a necessity for marine and waterfront construction workers. 

Thermal Gloves: If you're working in cold environments, thermal gloves are essential for keeping your hands warm without sacrificing dexterity. When working on site, operatives may work outdoors for extended period of time, during the nightshift or even have to handle extremely cold material. Thermal work gloves would therefore benefit the operatives in these situations.

Grippy Gloves: Work gloves with textured palms help improve and enhance grip on tools and materials, reducing the chance of accidents due to slipping. General labourers on site may benefit from wearing this type of work glove with enhanced grip.

Women’s Work Gloves: It’s essential to recognise that safety gear should fit well! Women often have different hand shapes to men which is why it’s important for women in construction to wear work gloves designed specifically for women. A correctly fitted work glove enhances performance and reduces the risk of injury.

Protective gloves are crucial for safeguarding your hands from cuts, abrasions, and chemical hazards while on the job. They also improve your grip and dexterity when working with tools and equipment. It’s important to remember that different jobs require different safety glove features. By choosing the appropriate gloves for your specific job, you can ensure your hands stay safe. To discuss appropriate features within our range of protective gloves, contact one of our experts today.