Work gloves are an essential piece of protective equipment, but not all gloves are created equal. To ensure maximum protection and safety, it’s important to understand the various safety standards that govern the design, testing, and use of work gloves. This guide will help you understand why these standards are so important and how they impact your choice of gloves.
Why Safety Standards Matter for Work Gloves
Safety standards for work gloves are put in place to protect workers from specific hazards in various industries. These standards ensure that gloves meet the necessary protection levels against cuts, abrasions, chemicals, heat, and more. Without these standards, there’s no way to guarantee the gloves are safe or effective for the tasks they are intended for.
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The Risk of Non-Compliance: Choosing gloves that don’t meet safety standards can lead to increased risk of injury, which can result in downtime, medical expenses, and even legal consequences for employers.
Global Safety Standards for Work Gloves
Work gloves are subject to a variety of international safety standards that regulate their performance. These standards are developed by organizations such as:
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ANSI/ISEA 105 (U.S.) – This standard covers the performance requirements for protective gloves in the workplace, including abrasion resistance, cut resistance, and puncture resistance.
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EN 388 (Europe) – EN 388 sets the standard for gloves designed to protect against mechanical risks such as cuts, tears, and punctures. It also provides a rating system based on the gloves’ performance.
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EN 374 (Europe) – This standard applies to gloves used for protection against chemicals and microorganisms. It tests gloves for resistance to chemicals like acids and solvents.
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ISO 21420 (International) – ISO 21420 outlines general requirements for gloves, including ergonomics, comfort, and protection against mechanical and chemical hazards.
What Safety Standards Cover in Work Gloves
Safety standards for work gloves cover several important aspects, including:
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Cut and Puncture Resistance: Standards like ANSI/ISEA 105 and EN 388 measure how resistant gloves are to cuts and punctures, ensuring they can withstand sharp objects in the workplace.
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Abrasion Resistance: Gloves used in construction, manufacturing, and other high-activity industries need to be tested for abrasion resistance to ensure they can withstand repeated friction without wearing out.
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Chemical Resistance: Gloves made for chemical handling or cleaning jobs must meet specific standards for chemical resistance, ensuring that harmful substances do not penetrate the glove.
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Heat and Flame Resistance: High-temperature environments, such as welding or firefighting, require gloves that meet heat resistance standards, offering protection from burns or fire-related injuries.
Choosing Gloves That Meet Safety Standards
When selecting custom work gloves, it’s essential to choose gloves that meet the appropriate safety standards for your industry. A work gloves manufacturer or supplier will provide gloves tested to the relevant standards to ensure they deliver the protection your workers need.
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For Construction: Look for gloves that meet ANSI/ISEA 105 for cut and puncture resistance, as well as EN 388 for abrasion and tear resistance.
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For Chemical Handling: Choose gloves that meet EN 374 or ASTM standards for chemical resistance to protect workers from harmful substances.
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For High-Heat Environments: Ensure gloves are tested for heat resistance under ANSI or EN standards to protect workers from burns in high-temperature settings.
The Role of Certification in Work Gloves
Certification is a crucial step in the process of ensuring that work gloves meet safety standards. When you purchase custom work gloves, be sure to request proof of certification from your supplier or manufacturer. A certified glove indicates that it has been tested under stringent conditions and meets the required safety criteria.
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Certifications to Look For: Look for gloves certified by ANSI, CE (European Conformity), or ISO standards. These certifications are marks of quality and safety, indicating that the gloves are fit for their intended purpose.
Conclusion
Safety standards for work gloves are essential in ensuring the protection of your workforce. By understanding these standards, you can choose the right gloves to suit your industry’s needs, whether it’s construction, chemical handling, or high-heat environments. Always choose gloves from a trusted work gloves supplier or manufacturer who follows these standards, and ensure your workforce stays safe, productive, and protected.
