Buying Work Gloves - What to Know For Safety and Protection

Many industrial jobs require a pair of work gloves.work gloves go through several tests to receive
Whether you're in some type of chemical handlinga rating. Such tests include cut, puncture, and
position or construction, such gloves are neededabrasion resistance, chemical permeation and
for hand protection while on the job. Of course, adegradation, hole detection, flame resistance, heat
pair of nitrile gloves for chemical handling isdegradation resistance, and conductive cold
different from a leather pair for a constructionresistance.
worker. While other pieces of safety gear likePrior to 2000, those who bought safety gloves
hard hats and boots have ANSI or ASTM ratings,had to rely on descriptions - and no rating system.
work gloves were assigned such a systemWorkers who bought a pair of gloves wouldn't
recently. This system by ANSI/ISEA groups allknow the difference until they were tried on the
gloves together and gives you a rating to find thejob, which, inevitably, can lead to more hand
appropriate pair to protect your hands.injuries if a proper pair isn't being worn. Work
All gloves, regardless of materials, are graded ongloves now need to comply with OSHA's 29 CFR
a system of one to five according to ANSI/ISEA1910.138, regardless of whether they're made
105-2000. The lowest rating, a one, means thefrom Kevlar, leather, or latex.
gloves are for light work, while a rating of a fiveHand protection is important for many industrial
means a pair should withstand eight pounds ofjobs, and having the right pair of gloves on the
impact and still protect the worker's hands. Forfirst day decreases the amount of injuries on the
typical industrial and construction applications, mostjob. If your job requires a pair of work gloves,
fall under a two or three rating. While knowingthe type of rating and material should be specified
which materials are ideal for your job - leather,by the employer.
for example, isn't best for handling chemicals - all