Hand injuries are one of the most common types of industrial accidents. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 200,000 hand injuries are reported in workplaces every year in the United States alone. Industries like manufacturing, construction, automotive, shipping etc involve activities that put workers' hands at high risk of cuts, abrasions, burns, chemical exposure and more. To prevent such injuries, it is crucial for workers to wear appropriate hand protection gloves.
Types of Industrial Hand Protection Gloves
There are various types of gloves available in the market designed for specific hazards:
Cut-Resistant Gloves
Cut hazards from sharp edges, blades or glass are common in industries like manufacturing, warehousing, automotive repair etc. Cut-resistant gloves made of materials like Kevlar, leather etc can resist cutting and slicing motions to different levels depending on the material and construction. Industrial Hand Protection Gloves help protect hands from lacerations.
Chemical-Resistant Gloves
Many industrial processes involve exposure to chemicals, solvents, oils, acids or alkalis which can damage skin on contact. Chemical gloves made of materials like nitrile, neoprene or PVC protect hands by acting as a barrier between the skin and hazardous chemicals. The material used determines what types of chemicals the glove can protect from.
Heat-Resistant Gloves
Welding, food processing, industrial ovens pose risk of thermal burns on hands. Asbestos or leather gloves lined with materials like Nomex, Kevlar or fiberglass can withstand higher heat levels for short durations to shield hands from hot surfaces, sparks or molten metals.
Anti-Vibration Gloves
Prolonged use of vibratory tools like chainsaws, rotary hammers or grinding machines can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome. Neoprene, polyurethane or vinyl gloves with vibration-damping properties reduce transmission of vibrations to hands and help prevent musculoskeletal disorders.
Insulating Gloves
Live electric work requires rubber insulating gloves of appropriate ratings to prevent electric shock by providing an insulating barrier. Different voltage class gloves have varying dielectric properties.
Hygienic/Disposable Gloves
Food handling, medical, sanitation and other clean work require latex, nitrile or vinyl disposable gloves to maintain hygiene and prevent cross-contamination.
The Importance Of Right Sizing
For gloves to be effective, it is important they fit the user's hands well without being too loose or tight. Ill-fitting gloves can cause discomfort, hindered dexterity and reduced protection. Industries must ensure workers have access to properly fitted gloves in their size. Baggy gloves allow hazards to enter while tight gloves cause pain and blisters reducing focus.
Proper Inspection and Maintenance
Gloves also need regular inspection for cuts, punctures, cracks or chemical damage which compromise the intended protection. Worn or damaged gloves should be immediately replaced. Some glove materials like rubber also break down with aging and UV light exposure over time so they may need replacement even without visible damage. Proper care, cleaning and storage as per manufacturer's guidelines prolong a glove's usable life.
Training and Compliance
Along with providing suitable gloves, employers must educate workers about why hand protection is important, what hazardous their jobs involve and which glove types and sizes they need for different tasks. Workers too have the responsibility to follow safety protocols, use designated gloves for specific hazards and immediately report issues to get replacements. Regular audits and compliance with industry hand safety standards helps reduce risks and liability for the organization.
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