HAND PROTECTION

What’s the most commonly used tool in a typical workplace? Actually, it’s the human hand.
Our hands are called on do everything from heavy handling to precision finishing. Whether it’s lifting, digging, hammering, operating power tools and equipment, or assembling products from minute to massive, our hands provide the critical connection between us and our work. Keeping our hands fully functional means keeping them warm, dry and safe from hazards like cuts, abrasion, crushing, fracture and vibration. And as well as these physical dangers, many workplaces have risks of contact with chemicals and biological hazards. Common materials like kerosene, detergent, grout and cement powder may seem relatively benign, but exposure to them can trigger occupational dermatitis, leading to long term disabilities as the skin loses its ability to heal. Injuries like cuts, fractures or burns can happen immediately, or they may happen over time, like carpal tunnel syndrome or Raynaud's syndrome (white finger).

Since hands are so frequently used, they feature heavily in accident statistics. Internationally, 25% of workplace accidents involve hand and finger injuries. Here in NZ, ACC handled 102,257 claims for hand/wrist injuries in 2021, at a staggering direct cost of $286,680,885. Don’t be the next to add to these statistics. Gloves don’t cover a lot of area on the human body, but they seriously help prevent injuries—and there is a huge choice available.


Coated Gloves

Coated gloves are the most popular general-purpose glove, created with a woven fabric liner which is then stretched over a mould and dipped in a polymer coating. Many different types of material can be used for both the base liner/shell and the polymer dip, depending on the performance expected of the finished glove. 
The shell can be made from cotton (low cost, comfortable), nylon (strong, cut resistant), spandex, also known as lycra or elastane (stretchy, comfortable), Kevlar (very strong, heat and cut resistant), polyester (good general properties) glass fibre (cut resistant) and acrylic (warm in cold environments). Some glove shells combine more than one of these fibres.
The dipping material can be nitrile rubber (strong, oil resistant), latex (low cost, grippy), PU (non-allergenic, puncture resistant, grippy without being sticky). Some coated gloves have raised microdots or texturing to provide additional grip.
During manufacturing, the shell material can be dipped into the polymer to various depths and angles, resulting in coatings that are palm dipped (coated on the palm and fingertips), ¾ dip (fully coated on the palm and fingers but not the back of the hand) and full dip (whole glove coated).

Ratings of Coated Gloves:
Because the EN (European Union) testing standards are so comprehensive, many Asia-Pacific countries have adopted them. So AS/NZS 2161, the overall standard for New Zealand occupational protective gloves, is adopted from the relevant European standards, mostly replicated word for word. 
AS/NZS 2161.1:2005 – EN421 – Protection Against Radioactive Contamination & Ionising Radiation
AS/NZS 2161.2:1998 – EN420 – General Requirements for Protective Gloves
AS/NZS 2161.3:2020 – EN388 – Protective Gloves Against Mechanical Risks
AS/NZS 2161.4:1999 – EN407 – Heat Resistant Gloves
AS/NZS 2161.5:1998 – EN511 – Standard for Protection Against Cold
AS/NZS 2161.10:2005 – EN374 – Protection Against Chemicals and Micro-Organisms

CE Mark: The CE marking certifies that a particular product has met the European Union’s rigorous consumer, safety and environmental requirements. All manufacturers of safety gloves sold in the EU must meet these requirements, including testing methods and marking rules.

EN ISO 21420: Protective Gloves—General Requirements and Test Methods
EN ISO 21420: 2020 updates the longstanding EN 420 standard. It specifies general requirements and test methods for glove design and construction, safety, comfort and performance, as well as marking and information provided by the manufacturer. The leaflet pictogram indicates that the user has to consult the ‘instructions for use’.

EN388:2016 – Mechanical protection
The EN388:2016 standard is the most applicable series of tests for general coated and leather gloves. 
The standard measures performance when exposed to ‘mechanical risk’—ie risk caused by abrasion, cut, tear, puncture or impact to the wearer of the glove. Gloves are tested for resistance to each of these risks and given a rating. The higher the number or letter, the better the performance of the glove; these are shown as characters under the shield.


Cut Resistant Gloves

Cut resistant gloves are designed to protect hands from scratches, cuts, and abrasions. They are woven from fibres selected for toughness and cut resistance, including HPPE, Kevlar, glass fibre and stainless steel. EN388 is the performance standard used for safety gloves in New Zealand—it includes two ratings specifically for cut resistance.
Cut resistant gloves are the safety solution for workers using knives, sharp objects, scrap metal and glass. 

Ratings of Cut Resistant Gloves:
EN388:2016 – Mechanical protection
The EN388:2016 standard is the most applicable series of tests for general coated and leather gloves. 
The standard measures performance when exposed to ‘mechanical risk’—ie risk caused by abrasion, cut, tear, puncture or impact to the wearer of the glove. Gloves are tested for resistance to each of these risks and given a rating. The higher the number or letter, the better the performance of the glove; these are shown as characters under the shield.

Chemical Resistant Gloves

Chemical resistant gloves are a last line of defence between skin and potentially toxic chemical exposure—essential when working with industrial or laboratory chemicals, hazardous waste, pesticides, fuels and solvents, corrosive cleaners, etc. They are made from various kinds of impervious material including nitrile, latex, butyl or neoprene rubbers, PVC and Viton. Chemical resistant gloves may have a cotton lining or an insulating breathable inner lining for comfort and warmth in wet applications. A variety of different glove types are available, with resistance to different chemicals. There is no one type of glove that protects against every chemical exposure, so it is important to select the best glove for purpose. The specific chemical’s Safety Data Sheet should indicate what PPE is required (Section 8 of the SDS—Exposure Controls and Personal Protection). Click to download Esko’s chemical resistance glove selection guide. 

Ratings of Chemical Resistant Gloves:
EN ISO 374-1:2024—Protective Gloves Against Dangerous Chemicals and Micro-Organisms
Updated in 2024, the EN ISO 374 standard tests a glove's ability to protect from (a) a list of 18 representative chemicals, (b) microorganisms, ie viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
The standard has five parts:
1.EN 374-1: Protective Gloves Against Chemicals and Micro-Organisms
2.EN 374-2: Determination to Resistance to Penetration
3.EN 374-3: Substituted by EN 16523-1:2015: Determination of Material Resistance to Permeation by Chemicals 
4.EN 374-4: Determination of Resistance to Degradation by Chemicals
5.EN 374-5: Terminology and Performance Requirements for Micro-Organism Risks

The glove’s protective ability is assessed by three test methods, which test penetration, permeation and degradation:

• Penetration (EN 374-2:2014) Penetration is the movement of a chemical and/or microorganism through seams, pinholes, or other physical imperfections. A test for leaks of air and water is performed to ensure there are no direct paths for chemicals to travel through the glove. This is checked again during the QA process to confirm each batch of gloves is up to spec.
• Permeation (EN 16523-1:2015) It is also possible for a chemical to traverse through the glove material on a molecular level—permeation. As an example, a helium ballon will eventually lose its lift as the helium atoms diffuse through the foil and escape into surrounding air, even if there are no leaks. Permeation can occur without any visible change to the glove, therefore test results are important. The EN16523 test measures breakthrough time (the time taken for a hazardous substance to travel through the glove material and contact the wearer’s skin). Each chemical is classified for breakthrough performance on a scale of 0 to 6.
• Degradation (EN 374-4:2013) Degradation is a change in the physical properties of a glove material due to contact with a chemical (flaking, swelling, softening, etc). However, a reaction such as change of colour doesn’t necessarily mean the glove is losing protection. Therefore, the permeation results are the most important indicator of performance.

Permeation ability is assessed by resistance to 18 chemicals, broken into three type classes (different breakthrough times). The type is identified on the shield and the specific chemical is denoted by a letter under the shield.


Protective gloves against micro-organisms 

In addition to the chemical resistance tests of EN374, there is an optional test to assess if a glove will shield the wearer against microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, etc). 

Disposable gloves are close-fitting, low-cost gloves intended to shield hands against liquids from dishwater to sewage—including detergent, oil, chemicals, alcohol, biohazards, body fluids, etc. They are frequently used in medical practice, where their purpose is often to prevent contamination going the other way, from the wearer to the patient.
Disposable gloves are available in natural rubber latex and synthetic nitrile rubber. Latex gloves give a close-fitting second skin feel, while nitrile gloves are strong, more resistant to solvents and oils, and much less likely to trigger allergies. 

Latex Rubber: Good elasticity, sensitivity and comfort. Can cause latex allergies.
Nitrile Rubber: Strong, durable and puncture resistant. Good chemical resistance. Suitable for wearers with latex allergies. Biodegradable options are available.
Vinyl (PVC): Cost effective, but inferior fit compared to latex or nitrile, poor grip. Not particularly safe with food or environmentally friendly.
Polythene (PE): Cost effective, loose fitting, poor grip. Easy to take off and on. Often used in the food industry. Biodegradable options are available.

Esko’s High Risk nitrile gloves have a substantial 6mil wall thickness and are recommended for use where there is high risk from infectious agents.

Ratings of Disposable Gloves:
Disposable gloves frequently have a range of different ratings/certifications, both European and US. Those most often seen are:

• EN 455 parts 1–4. Medical Gloves for Single Use: Defines requirements for disposable gloves to check they are safe for medical use. Part 1 = free from holes, part 2 = dimensions and strength, part 3 = biological safety, part 4 = acceptable shelf life.
• EN ISO 374 parts 1–5. Protective Gloves Against Dangerous Chemicals and Micro-Organisms: Requirements for chemical resistant gloves. Part 1 = general requirements, part 2 = resistance to penetration, part 3 = resistance to permeation, part 4 = resistance to degradation, part 5 = resistance to microorganisms.
• FDA 21 Code of Federal Regulations Title 21: Overarching regulations for production, testing, labelling and advertising of food and drugs within the United States.
• CFR 177.2600 Rubber articles intended for repeated use: Lists permitted elastomers, vulcanization materials, accelerators, retarders, activators, antioxidants, plasticizers, fillers, emulsifiers, and other additives, and sets extraction limits for food contact.
• ASTM D6978-05(2019) Standard Practice for Assessment of Resistance of Medical Gloves to Permeation by Chemotherapy Drugs: Indicates that the product meets ASTM standards for resistance of medical gloves to permeation by at least 9 chemotherapy drugs. A more stringent and specialised test than the EN374 test.
• ASTM F1671/F1671M-22 Standard Test Method for Resistance to Penetration by Blood-Borne Pathogens: Indicates that the product meets ASTM standards for resistance of materials to penetration by blood-borne pathogens.
• ASTM D6124-06(2022) Standard Test Method for Residual Powder on Medical Gloves: Indicates that the product meets ASTM standards for residual powder on medical gloves, ≦10mg/dm2.
• EN 1186 Materials and articles in contact with foodstuffs. Plastics: Foodsafe—glass/fork symbol gives traceability and identification of materials intended to come into contact with food. Confirms that these products will not contaminate food with hazardous substances.
• ISO 10993-10:2021 Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices, Tests for Skin Sensitization: Specifies test procedures for assessing medical devices and materials for potential to cause irritation and skin sensitisation.

Leather Gloves

Long before modern synthetic materials were available, leather was the benchmark for safety gloves. Its many advantages are still recognised today—extremely durable, heat resistant, naturally insulating, yet breathable. Leather gloves are highly resistant to punctures, rips or tears during normal everyday work. Today most heavy-duty riggers-type gloves remain leather, and here Esko’s THE RIGGER glove has become an industry standard.
The best riggers gloves are made from cowhide leather, although other hides such as buffalo are also used. The strong, smooth outer layer of the hide (or grain side) is used for premium leather gloves. The lower layers (or suede side) is used for lower cost gloves. Suede leather performs reasonably but is not quite so strong, durable, cleanable, or dextrous as full grain leather.

Ratings of Leather Gloves:
EN388:2016 – Mechanical protection
The EN388:2016 standard is the most applicable series of tests for general coated and leather gloves. 
The standard measures performance when exposed to ‘mechanical risk’—ie risk caused by abrasion, cut, tear, puncture or impact to the wearer of the glove. Gloves are tested for resistance to each of these risks and given a rating. The higher the number or letter, the better the performance of the glove; these are shown as characters under the shield.


Impact Resistant Gloves

Impact-resistant gloves use smash pads of shielding material such as thermoplastic rubber (TPR) on the back of the hand to disperse an impact and protect a worker from a crush or bruising injury. They are particularly used in the oil and gas, mining, or rigging industries, where hands might be at risk from steel pipes or girders. They are often also cut resistant. 

Ratings of Impact Resistant Gloves:
EN388:2016 – Mechanical protection
The EN388:2016 standard is the most applicable series of tests for general coated and leather gloves. 
The standard measures performance when exposed to ‘mechanical risk’—ie risk caused by abrasion, cut, tear, puncture or impact to the wearer of the glove. Gloves are tested for resistance to each of these risks and given a rating. The higher the number or letter, the better the performance of the glove; these are shown as characters under the shield.


Welding Gloves

Most welders' gloves are made from leather—its natural properties of durability, heat resistance and insulation make it a proven ideal material to protect hands from heat, UV arc rays, molten metal spatter, flying sparks and flame-ups.
Most welding gloves incorporate Kevlar stitching. The exceptional heat resistance of Kevlar means the stitching stays strong even at high temperatures. They may also have reinforcement in high-wear areas, such as the thumb and palm.
Most welding gloves are one-size-fits-all, so need to be good fitting, yet sufficiently roomy to accommodate a variety of hand sizes. The TIG welding process which utilises a non-consumable electrode produces lower heat and fewer sparks compared to other types of welding. TIG welding gloves can therefore be thinner than other welding gloves since dexterity is more important than heat resistance. The fingers of TIG gloves are usually made from calf or goat skin.

Ratings of Welding Gloves:
EN 407:2020—Protective Gloves Against Thermal Risks
From 2020 the EN 407 standard has been revised to create two categories, one for gloves intended to be resistant to flame and the other for gloves intended to resist heat but not flame. Products cannot be marked with both shields for both categories.
EN 407 limited flame spread (left), hot contact
The standard measures performance for several types of heat exposure—contact, convective, radiant—and for splashing by molten metal. Gloves are tested for resistance to each of these risks and given a rating. The higher the number, the better the performance of the glove; these are shown as numerals under the shield.


Mechanics-Style Gloves

Mechanics-style gloves are commonly used by drivers and machinery operators but are useful for many other duties. Typically, they are a fashionable-looking glove with excellent comfort, warmth and flexibility, made of soft leather or synthetic leather, often with a padded anti-vibration palm. They provide protection and warmth while using tools, machinery, vehicles or power equipment, without compromising dexterity.

Ratings of Mechanics-Style Gloves:
EN388:2016 – Mechanical protection
The EN388:2016 standard is the most applicable series of tests for general coated and leather gloves. 
The standard measures performance when exposed to ‘mechanical risk’—ie risk caused by abrasion, cut, tear, puncture or impact to the wearer of the glove. Gloves are tested for resistance to each of these risks and given a rating. The higher the number or letter, the better the performance of the glove; these are shown as characters under the shield.


Low Temperature Thermal Gloves

In cold environments everything feels cold to the touch—heat is being pulled from the body to the outside. The effect is more severe if the environment is also wet. Low temperature gloves provide a barrier to keep hands warm and dry. This standard measure how well the glove can withstand both convective cold and contact cold. In addition, water permeation is tested after 30 minutes.

Ratings of Low Temperature Thermal Gloves:
EN511:2006—Protective Gloves Against Cold
The EN511 test is the European standard for gloves designed to protect against cold conditions down to –50 °C.
Under the snowflake pictogram shield are three numerals. These represent resistance to convective cold (heat loss to surrounding cold air), conductive cold (heat loss when touching cold objects), and water penetration.
These figures give a technical measurement of the glove’s insulating properties but, in practice, suitability of any particular gloves for cold conditions will depend on several factors, including ambient temperatures, the activity level of the wearer, moisture levels and wind speed.
 

Anti-vibration Gloves

Anti-vibration gloves have padding or absorbent material in the palm to reduce the effect of shocks and vibration. These gloves help to prevent Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) or carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and are useful where operators are using equipment such as compactors, jackhammers, impact tools, pneumatic equipment, etc.

Ratings of Anti-vibration Gloves:
EN ISO 10819: Mechanical Vibration and Shock—Hand-Arm Vibration
The EN ISO 10819 standard measures the transmissibility of vibration from a vibrating handgrip, via a glove, to the palm of the hand. The test is carried out in frequency bands of one-third octave with center frequencies from 25 Hz to 1250 Hz.


Chainsaw Protection Gloves

These are filled with highly cut resistant fibres. In accidental contact with a running chainsaw blade, the fibres create a lock and halt the running chain, limiting injury to the wearer’s hand.

Ratings of Chainsaw Protection Gloves:
EN ISO 11393-4:2019: Protective Clothing for Users of Hand-Held Chainsaws
The standard has four classes corresponding to the test chain speed, 16m/s is the basic industry standard. There are two types: Type A has protection on left and right hand, Type B has protection on left hand only. There are also two designs: Design A has protection to the back of the hand, Design B has protection to the back of the fingers as well.


Touchscreen Gloves

Touchscreen gloves have fingers that are sufficiently conductive to allow the wearer to use touchscreen devices at any time without removing the gloves.

Ratings of Touchscreen Gloves:
EN388:2016 – Mechanical protection
The EN388:2016 standard is the most applicable series of tests for general coated and leather gloves. 
The standard measures performance when exposed to ‘mechanical risk’—ie risk caused by abrasion, cut, tear, puncture or impact to the wearer of the glove. Gloves are tested for resistance to each of these risks and given a rating. The higher the number or letter, the better the performance of the glove; these are shown as characters under the shield.


Cotton Gloves

Cotton or poly/cotton knit gloves are low cost, comfortable, breathable and non-allergenic. They can be supplied with PVC microdots for additional grip and are ideal for light manufacturing and engineering, component handling, assembly work, fruit picking and packhouses. Poly/cotton gloves can be used as an under glove to provide comfort, absorbency and warmth under other gloves, such as rubber chemical resistant gloves. They are also used as an over-glove for extra grip in some applications.

Ratings of Cotton Gloves
EN388:2016 – Mechanical protection
The EN388:2016 standard is the most applicable series of tests for general coated and leather gloves. 
The standard measures performance when exposed to ‘mechanical risk’—ie risk caused by abrasion, cut, tear, puncture or impact to the wearer of the glove. Gloves are tested for resistance to each of these risks and given a rating. The higher the number or letter, the better the performance of the glove; these are shown as characters under the shield.


Glove Sizing and Evaluation Samples

Although glove sizes are standardised, differing materials and design mean they unavoidably have some variances from range to range. If you are uncertain about what type or size would be best for your needs, give us a call at 0800 500 470. A practical trial is always recommended.