If one wants a pair of hand protection gloves, there are plenty of options on the market. However, not all gloves are created equal. One should understand what features should be included in an ideal pair of hand protection gloves to get the most out of the purchase. These gloves provide several benefits for each purpose, but one cannot have all features in one. One must decide their needs and select a glove after.
High-Performance Material:
- Polyurethane, or PU, is a type of plastic often used in industrial gloves. It is durable and flexible, making it ideal for use in these gloves.
- Nitrile is another common choice for production environments. This synthetic rubber provides excellent grip without sacrificing comfort or breathability.
- Latex is another fabulous material for workers who need to handle chemicals as part of their job duties. If one works with harsh chemicals regularly, latex gloves will keep the hands safe from any airborne contaminants that might cause irritation or rashes from developing on the skin.
Abrasion Resistance:
Abrasion resistance is the ability of a material to withstand repeated wear and tear. It is essential for hand protection gloves because it helps ensure that hand protection remains intact when working in rough environments. For example, if one works at an auto repair shop or farm, one may need to use tools like hammers or shovels that can damage gloves over time. Regarding abrasion resistance, look for durable materials (like leather) rather than weak (like cloth).
Water Resistance:
Water resistance is a top feature to look for in these gloves. If one works with liquids regularly, water resistance will protect the hands from the harmful effects of exposure to those liquids. The level of water resistance is tested by immersing the gloves in water for some time. A higher water resistance level means more time passes before the gloves absorb liquid and become ineffective. Waterproof gloves are not necessarily better than non-waterproof ones—the best glove will depend on specific needs and tasks.
Cut Resistance:
Cut resistance is necessary for protection against sharp objects. Cut resistance differs from puncture resistance, which means it doesn’t measure how well a glove will withstand being punctured by sharp objects. It measures how long the glove can withstand cutting forces.
The most common way to test cut resistance is by using a machine called a ‘tensile tester.’ This device uses pressure to cut through materials and rates them based on how many force cycles they can withstand before breaking. The maximum number of cycles varies depending on the industry and where one gets tested; however, most gloves rate around 100-200 cycles or more.
Dexterity and Grip Ability:
Grip ability is vital for many jobs. Whether one uses tools or climbing, the grip can mean the difference between success and failure. For example, while lifting heavy objects, having a good grip on the tools can help with the task.
Another benefit of glove design is that some gloves have grip pads on the palm, which help improve the ability to hold onto things like tools or climbing lines. This feature is useful, especially in wet conditions, such as when working outdoors where rain makes things slippery.
Flexibility and Snug Fit:
The fit of the gloves is a pretty important factor, as it can affect the safety and comfort of hand protection. If the gloves are too big or small, they may not protect from hazards as well as they could. Likewise, if they are too tight, it becomes hard to move freely with them on. This quality is why these gloves need to provide enough flexibility so that you feel free to grasp objects and manipulate them with ease while wearing them.