[Buying Guide] How to Choose the Right Protection Gloves?

Identify the hazards your hands will face — mechanical (cuts, abrasion, puncture), chemical, thermal (heat or cold), electric or contact with liquids. Select gloves certified for the relevant risks, and choose materials appropriate to the task. Prioritize the correct size and fit to ensure safety and dexterity; ensure comfort and suitability for duration and environment of use.

Common types include: • Mechanical‑protection gloves (resistant to abrasion, cuts, tearing, perforation) — for general handling, metalwork, etc. • Chemical‑protection gloves — for handling solvents, oils, acids, chemicals. • Thermal‑protection gloves (heat or cold) — for work with high or low temperatures. • Electrical‑insulating gloves — for work on or near live electrical systems. • Light‑duty gloves (e.g. cotton or textile) — for low‑risk tasks or as liner under heavier gloves.

The choice of material depends on the risk: • For chemical resistance: nitrile, PVC, neoprene, butyl rubber, depending on chemicals. • For mechanical risks (cuts, abrasion): leather, reinforced textile (Kevlar/HPPE), metal‑mesh for cut‑resistant tasks. • For heat or flame: leather, aluminized or heat‑resistant fabrics. • For cold or waterproof needs: insulated, waterproof gloves (e.g. neoprene, insulated rubber, specialized cold‑resistant materials). For precision tasks, use thinner materials (nitrile, PVC) to preserve dexterity; for heavy‑duty or hazardous tasks, prefer thicker, more protective materials.

Powdered gloves — often latex, vinyl or nitrile — are suitable for short‑duration, low‑risk tasks needing hygiene, ease of donning/doffing or frequent glove changes (e.g. laboratory work, medical, handling non‑hazardous items). They are less suitable for heavy‑duty, chemical or high‑risk work, because powder may pose contamination or allergy issues, and their thin material offers limited mechanical or chemical protection.

Disposable gloves provide convenience, hygiene and dexterity for light tasks, short contact, or where frequent change is needed (e.g. medical, food, light maintenance). For tasks with higher mechanical, chemical or thermal risk — or repeated use — reusable gloves are preferable, as they offer stronger protection and durability. Always assess risks, contact type/duration and required protection when deciding.

In the European PPE classification, gloves are divided into three categories according to risk level: Category I for minimal risks (simple tasks, low exposure), Category II for intermediate risks (common industrial tasks — mechanical, thermal, etc.), and Category III for major risks (chemical hazards, serious health threats). Gloves must meet relevant standards (e.g. EN 388, EN 374, EN 407, EN 511) depending on hazard type and required protection level.