A Guide To General Handling Gloves

General handling gloves are known for their versatility and can be used for a range of tasks across a number of industries. These gloves are commonplace in a range of professions due to their low cost and good protective properties which make them great value for money.

What are general handling gloves made from?

General handling gloves can be made from a variety of materials, with each one best suited to a different use. Below, we’ve listed some of the most common materials which are used to make general handling PPE gloves, along with some of the industries and tasks in which they are most effective.

Latex general handling gloves

These offer a great combination of strength and dexterity, making them useful in a wide range of industries, from janitorial work to gardening. However, some workers may be allergic to latex gloves, and in these cases, vinyl gloves are an effective alternative as they offer many of the same properties without affecting those with latex allergies.

Nitrile coated general handling gloves

Nitrile coated gloves offer superior strength, as well as being cut, puncture and abrasion resistant. They are also more resistant than natural rubber to the likes of chemicals, oils, grease and acids and this makes them very popular in the appliance manufacturing, automotive and metal fabrication industries where abrasive or sharp-edged materials are often handled.

Polyester and cotton general handling gloves

Polyester and cotton gloves, such as the Ansell Tiger Paw, are one of the most popular general handling gloves. The robust construction of these gloves makes them ideal for heavy and frequent tasks like building, construction, logistics, warehousing and transportation.

General handling glove regulations and employers’ responsibilities

As with all of the PPE hand protection available online at Protec Direct, our general handling gloves adhere to the standards required to ensure they are as effective as possible. These regulations include:

• - EN 420 – This European Standard defines the general requirements which make PPE gloves fit for purpose, such as accurate sizing, as well as stating requirements for the design of gloves to help minimise the risk of injury.

• - BS EN 388:2003 – This European Standard specifies which test methods (for the likes of abrasion resistance, blade cut resistance and puncture resistance) are used in the production of protective gloves against mechanical risk, as well as the suitable markings and information which must be supplied with each product.

Employers should also adhere to the following legislation, to ensure they are doing all they can to keep employees safe at work:

• Personal Protective Equipment Regulations (2002) – These regulations outline employers’ duties with regards to supplying the correct PPE for employees to use, and ensuring it is used properly. All PPE, including protective gloves, must be fit for purpose, stored correctly and replaced when necessary, and all employees must be trained on how to use the PPE.

• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (2002) – These regulations give employers a framework which must be adhered to in order to protect workers against health risks from hazardous substances. For example, wearing the correct gloves when handling chemicals.