Handling gloves

The work gloves, counted among personal protective equipment, are manufactured to meet different needs. Indeed, as the levels of protection vary according to the professional activities, it is important that each professional has an appropriate model of glove, as well as safety shoes. There are therefore several types of gloves, including those of the handler, those of the beekeeper, those of the firefighter, those of the welder...

Risks are also diversified. We then look for the pair of gloves that protect against chemicals, for example, or thermal, if not biological or electrical products. Other situations may arise. The professional will choose his gloves according to various criteria: anti-cut , puncture resistant, anti -cold…

Why use handling gloves?

At work, hands are subject to several risks: cuts, burns, shocks, crushing, allergies, etc. This is why wearing gloves is essential to protect the hands of workers . Handling gloves are specially designed to offer protection against mechanical aggression, while guaranteeing optimal comfort and easy grip. They are resistant abrasion, cutting by the blade, tearing and perforation; and offer good dexterity for handling small components. Handling gloves are used in various activities such as the automotive sector, agriculture, etc...

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): categories of handling gloves

On the gloves, markings indicate the standards to which the pair is subject, the size varying from 5 to 12, the reference. Protective gloves are classified into three categories. Each classification corresponds to the type of protection that this equipment provides as well as to its effectiveness. However, it should be remembered that from Category 2, several levels of protection are concerned.

Category 1

Category 1 includes pairs of gloves that protect against minimal risks. These gloves are designed in compliance with the norm EN 420: 2003 which relates to obligations of ergonomics, harmlessness and dexterity. This category includes gloves for domestic use, which are often disposable. The specificity of this category: it is the manufacturer who guarantees the conformity CE of its products; this is why most of the gloves have its logo.

Category 2

Gloves classified in Category 2 are the grouping of different protection potentials. However, they all meet the EN 420: 2003 standard. The State guarantees the conformity of this group. Here are the different features that are part of this class:

• PPE gloves against mechanical risks, subject to EN 388: 2003;
• PPE gloves against the cold, complying with EN 511: 2006;
• PPE gloves against thermal risks according to EN 407: 2004.

Category 3

When we talk about Category 3, we immediately think of high protection. They are respectively:

• Gloves against mechanical risks;
• Gloves against micro-organisms: EN 374-2: 2003;< /li>
• Gloves against chemicals: EN 374-3: 2003.

Without the tests and approvals, gloves belonging to this category should not be offered on the market. A leaflet with instructions for use must be included in the packaging. The use of these gloves is of course accompanied by other PPE such as goggles and protective masks. protection.

Precision on safety: the different materials of work gloves

The materials used in the manufacture of handling gloves are very numerous. Depending on his job and the risks to which he is regularly exposed, the professional can find the type of gloves suitable. But, the most frequent and certainly the most appreciated materials are:

Polyurethane: very effective in protecting against abrasion; it is a material that resists tearing;

Latex: has remarkable performance against chemicals, just like nitrile rubber (for people allergic to latex);

Leather: remarkable for its solidity and its resistance to mechanical risks and to a certain level of high temperature;

Butyl rubber: protective in case of exposure to hydrocarbons;

Neoprene: performs well against temperature variations and chemicals;

Kevlar: effective in preventing cuts; it resists heat and protects against particle projections;

Nomex: it is a material that withstands high temperatures and chemicals;

Zetex: effectively resists flames and sparks;

Viton rubber: is the ideal material for protection against organic compounds and hydrocarbons.

Where to find professional gloves (handling, anti-cut, non-slip, etc.)

Work gloves are essential for your profession? The general levels and requirements of protection vary according to the professional activities, which is why Oxwork offers a wide choice of professional gloves. You will therefore find what you are looking for among our selection of handling gloves with the best value for money.