What Are Work Gloves?

Work gloves are part of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) used in industrial environments, workshops, and when handling tools. They cover the hand from the wrist to the fingertips and protect against hazards such as cuts, abrasion, blisters, punctures, and thermal or chemical burns.

The type of work glove varies depending on workplace conditions and risks, and they may also be referred to as safety gloves or industrial gloves. Work gloves can be made from materials such as fabric, leather, wool, latex, rubber, nitrile, vinyl, neoprene, or even metal.

Using appropriate gloves increases comfort and protects hands from extreme temperatures, friction, tearing, punctures, chemical and biological exposure, and infectious hazards.

Work gloves are used by a wide range of professionals including welders, builders, carpenters, farmers, gardeners, machine operators, military personnel, firefighters, medical staff, food and chemical industry workers, police officers, divers, and many others. The nature of the job and associated risks determine the type of glove required.

Coated Work Gloves

Coated work gloves are one of the most important protective tools in industrial and workshop environments, helping protect workers’ hands from potential injuries.

Benefits of Coated Work Gloves

• Protection against cuts, punctures, abrasion, and impacts

• Increased safety and reduced injury risk

• Improved performance and confidence during tasks

• Protection against allergens

• Ability to handle tools and touch devices

Components of Coated Work Gloves

1. Glove Liner (Base Knit)

The liner is the core structure of a coated glove. Three common fiber types are:

• Nylon: Highly abrasion-resistant, lightweight, excellent tactile sensitivity

• Polyester: Resistant to stretching and shrinking, fast-drying

• HPPE (High-Performance Polyethylene): Very high cut resistance with low weight

Some gloves use blended fibers.

Knit Gauge

Gauge refers to the number of stitches per inch (typically 7–18).
Higher gauge provides:

• Better dexterity

• Greater tactile sensitivity

• Improved grip precision

2. Glove Coating

Four common glove coatings:

• Latex

• Nitrile

• PVC

• Polyurethane

Each offers different advantages and applications.

Latex-Coated Work Gloves

• Resistant to abrasion, tearing, and cuts

• Suitable for wet and dry environments

• Water- and alcohol-resistant

• Applications: construction, agriculture, warehousing

⚠️ Not suitable for hydrocarbons or organic solvents and for users with latex allergies.

Nitrile-Coated Work Gloves

• Excellent alternative to latex in oily environments

• High grip performance

• Very strong puncture resistance

• Applications: maintenance, automotive, metal handling, oil & gas

Nitrile remains stable between approximately −40°C and 108°C, making it suitable for aerospace and laboratory applications. It has better chemical and oil resistance than natural rubber but lower tensile elasticity.

PVC-Coated Work Gloves

PVC gloves feature a polyvinyl chloride coating on the palm and/or fingers.

Features:

• Increased grip and durability

• Resistance to abrasion and puncture

• Suitable for paint, chemical, oil & gas, automotive, and agriculture industries

Coating types:

• 4/4 (fully coated) → maximum protection

• 1/2 or 1/4 → greater flexibility and dexterity

Polyurethane (PU) Work Gloves

• Fine, lightweight knit

• High tactile sensitivity and dexterity

• Good grip without stickiness

• Good abrasion resistance

Applications: small-parts assembly, electronics, glass handling, painting, cleaning

⚠️ Not recommended for temperatures above 79°C (175°F).

Guide to Buying Safety Work Gloves

Choosing the right gloves is essential for hand safety.

Key Factors When Purchasing

1. Glove type: matched to hazards (chemical, cut, heat, etc.)

2. Correct size: snug, proper fit

3. Resistance level: cut, puncture, chemical, impact

4. Inner/outer coating: sweat absorption and anti-slip

5. Application: specific work environment

6. Standards compliance: e.g., EN388, EN374

7. Quality vs. price: never compromise safety for cost