5 things to consider when choosing protective gloves

The phrase, ‘one size fits all’ doesn’t apply to protective gloves. Different types of gloves are suitable for a variety of industries, and rubber allergies should also be taken into consideration. Here is a shortlist of the important points you should consider when choosing protective gloves.

1. Fit for purpose

A hospital worker is going to need a different level of protection to a builder on a construction site. A caterer and a surgeon will need delicate, well fitting gloves compared to a labourer or a gardener, whose needs are different. Wholesalers and professional glove suppliers, including Brosch Direct will be able to advise on industry specific hand protection.

2. Remember allergies

It’s always important to remember that some people are allergic to latex or rubber. This doesn’t mean that they can’t wear gloves; they should probably opt for synthetic gloves, or those made from nitrile. Those preparing food or working in hairdressing or cleaning industries also have to wear gloves; if anyone in this group has an allergy, then vinyl gloves will be ideal. Gloves don’t just protect the wearer, they also cut down on the spread of bacteria and stop you harming your hands from potentially toxic chemicals and other dangerous materials.

3. Are your gloves comfortable?

With an increasing number of companies in the service and hospitality industries demanding that their workers wear gloves, it’s vital that your gloves are comfortable and don’t affect your work. An article in The Daily Mail illustrates this point by recording that even bar workers in California have to wear gloves under a state law that was introduced in 2014. It’s difficult to prepare olives and cut a lemon for that dream cocktail if your gloves don’t fit, and some mixologists are unhappy about this piece of legislation.

4. Do your gloves protect you?

The recent Ebola outbreak highlighted the importance of protective equipment. The dramatic spread of this lethal disease across West Africa meant that some health workers had to wear two sets of gloves rather than rely on a single set. The BBC website posted an interview with a leading specialist from the World Health Organisation, (WHO) and he emphasised that the whole body needed to be protected against contamination, not just the hands. When selecting gloves for medical purposes always check with specific protocols to ensure that you are wearing the correct gloves.

5. Gloves should always be worn in a laboratory setting

Those who work in a laboratory should always wear protective gloves. If you have any doubts about whether you need to wear gloves or not, then the Imperial College website has some excellent advice. The website suggests that gloves should always be worn if you’re going to handle toxic chemicals, corrosive materials, hazardous materials and materials affected by extremes of temperature. It’s simply not worth taking the risk of harming yourself by not wearing gloves – also you could destroy a vital experiment by cross contamination if you don’t cover up your hands.