Work gloves are a part of protective gear or personal protective equipment (PPE) worn by workers in various fields, especially those whose work requires physical effort.
This is to protect them from various hazards such as cuts, abrasions, chemical exposure, and extreme temperatures. Depending on the domain they work in, workers may need safety gloves to prevent any mishap or wrong type of contact.
So, to be safe enough to protect the workers, there are work glove safety standards ensuring perfection in every aspect.
Crucial Work Glove Safety Standards
The OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has deemed construction, chemical and other types of safety gloves as necessary attire as well as equipment for workers in physically demanding and risky domains, be it factories, construction sites, lab operations, or anything else.
These gloves, as part of a whole PPE or alone, are put into use under some strict standards that regulate their purpose and efficiency. Here are the standards upheld by these gloves.
ANSI/ISEA 105 – Precision and Protection
This is a collaborative effort between the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA). It is a comprehensive standard to check a glove’s performance.
It covers aspects like cut, puncture, abrasion, and flame resistance to ensure the safety of the one wearing it. Gloves that score higher numbers in these aspects are more likely to be used for their safe finishing and protective abilities.
EN 388 – Mastering Mechanical Risks
The EN 388 stands as a cornerstone for evaluating gloves against mechanical risks. This standard evaluates important insights into the glove’s protective value and durability when put into environments that involve heavy machinery and sharp objects.
This standard is important to consider to ensure the hands of the wearer are not bruised in their daily workings.
EN 420 – Comfort and Safety in Harmony
While protection is important, comfort also is important if the gloves are to be worn for a significant amount of time. The EN 420 emphasizes fit, dexterity, and overall comfort of the wearer.
Gloves that pass through this standard are highly durable and comfortable wear that one can easily work with for hours. For tasks that require precision, these are great, for no task can be achieved properly if the person cannot take their mind off their discomfort.
EN 374 – Shielding Against Chemical Hazards
Gloves that do not falter in the face of hazardous chemicals and substances are the ones that meet the EN 374 standard. These gloves undergo rigorous testing for permeation, degradation, and penetration resistance against a defined list of chemicals.
Upon passing, they become important safety equipment. Gloves that are EN 374-compliant are important in preventing chemical-related skin issues and prevent exposure to chemicals that shall never be in contact with human skin.
NFPA 2112 – Defending Against Flames and Thermal Hazards
The NFPA 2112 is an important standard for highly risky environments like the oil and gas industry.
Gloves with this standard certification are flame-resistant and can prevent all types of thermal hazards. This helps the workers of this industry to perform their tasks with confidence without the fear of hazards.
ASTM D120 – Electrical Hazard Protection
Last but not least, the ASTM D120 standards steer the gloves clear of any electrical hazard. Those working near electrical circuits and machines need gloves with this standard to easily perform their tasks.
Wearing gloves that meet ASTM D120 standards protects electrical workers from the hazards of electric shock, offering them the confidence they need to handle live electrical equipment safely.
Conclusion
Work gloves are an indispensable part of a worker’s attire, forming the first security layer in all manual work.
These promises of protection need certain standard certifications that help them become functional equipment for the person wearing it, who can further perform their tasks with peace.
