Work gloves

Understanding the standards and regulations for protective gloves

Before embarking on the choice of a pair of work gloves, it is essential to understand the different standards and regulations that govern this type of personal protective equipment (PPE). In Europe, the EN ISO 21420 standard defines the general requirements applicable to all protective gloves, such as ergonomics, resistance to water penetration, safety and comfort. This standard is supplemented by other specific standards depending on the risks to be prevented.

Standard EN 388: Protective gloves against mechanical risks
The EN 388 standard is probably the best known and most widespread. It assesses the glove's resistance to the main mechanical risks such as abrasion, cutting, tearing and perforation. The glove is rated from 0 to 4 for each of these criteria, with 4 being the highest level of performance.
Standard EN 374: Protective gloves against chemicals and micro-organisms
This standard measures the glove's resistance to the penetration of chemical substances and micro-organisms. It assigns a performance class from 1 to 6 depending on the time it takes for these agents to pass through the material.
Standard EN 407: Protective gloves against thermal risks
Heat and fire protective gloves are assessed according to EN 407, which tests their resistance to flammability, contact heat, convection heat, radiant heat and molten metal splashes.
Standard EN 511: Gloves for protection against cold
This standard applies to gloves intended to protect the hands against convection cold, contact cold and water impermeability.

Identify work tasks and risks before choosing a glove

Before embarking on the selection of a pair of work gloves, it is essential to accurately identify the tasks to be performed and the potential risks to which the hands may be exposed. This detailed analysis will help guide the choice towards the most suitable gloves.

Define the type of handling for which the glove will be used in the workplace .
The nature of the manipulations to be carried out will greatly influence the choice of protective glove:
• Heavy handling: structural work requiring high mechanical resistance. Use very robust gloves.
• Light handling: light work requiring dexterity and precision. Look for a good compromise between resistance and mobility.
• Precision work: fine operations requiring high tactile sensitivity. Opt for precision gloves.
Identify the specific risks to which the glove will be subjected
In addition to the type of handling, specific risks related to the working environment must also be taken into account:
• Mechanical risks (abrasion, cuts, perforation)
• Thermal risks (cold, heat, flames)
• Chemical risks
• Biological risks
• Electrostatic risks

The different types of work gloves

Materials used to make a work glove

Once the tasks and risks have been clearly identified, it is time to look at the technical characteristics of the work gloves themselves. The choice of material and type of assembly will play a key role in the suitability of the glove for your needs.
Nature of materials per glove
• Leather: natural, offers good mechanical resistance and great flexibility. Ideal for light handling work.
• Cotton: breathable and absorbent plant material, ideal for comfort.
• Latex: natural elastic material, resistant to wear and diluted chemicals.
• Nitrile: high-performance synthetic rubber, oil-repellent and resistant to chemicals.
• Neoprene: very flexible, waterproof and heat-resistant synthetic rubber.
• PVC/Vinyl: plastic offering good protection against chemicals.
• Polyurethane (PU): thin, flexible and breathable material, suitable for precision work.
The different types of assembly
• American assembly: in leather, very resistant but not very easy to handle.
• One-piece construction: seamless knitted glove, offering dexterity and comfort.
• City/fork assembly: with gussets between the fingers, for greater mobility.
• Unsupported dipped glove: direct coating on the shape, waterproof.
• Flat cut/sewn assembly: mainly for cotton gloves.

What is work glove coating?

The coating, i.e. the covering applied to the glove, plays a key role in optimizing the product's performance. It can improve resistance to liquids, grip in wet environments or even mechanical resistance.
The different coating techniques
• Classic coating: resists liquids well but offers little breathability.
• Foam coating: good grip in humid environments and high breathability.
Coating forms
• Palm coating: only on the palm and inside of the fingers, for more breathability.
• Three-quarter coating: palm, fingers and part of the back.
• Full coating: fully coated glove, offering better protection.
• Double coating: two layers of coating to combine performance.
• Special coatings: textured or adhered to improve grip.
The choice of coating will depend on the risks to be prevented (mechanical, chemical, etc.) and the working conditions (dry, humid, oily environment, etc.).

Work gloves and your professional activity

Depending on your professional activity, the type of standard and glove material will be radically different. In the same establishment, a forklift driver, an order preparer, a nurse, a cook will not have the same needs at all.

The professions and the associated work glove

Gloves for construction and heavy industry: In these environments, priority will be given to mechanical resistance, with EN 388 certified gloves offering the best levels of performance in abrasion, cutting, tearing and perforation.
Gloves for catering and food industry: In addition to mechanical resistance, these sectors also require protection against chemical risks (EN 374) and compliance with food contact standards.
Gloves for medical and paramedical use : The priority here will be protection against biological risks (EN 374-5) and ease of donning/removal, with gloves often made of nitrile or latex.
Gloves for work outdoors and in cold conditions: In these cases, the gloves must meet the EN 511 standard for effective protection against convection and contact cold.

Maintenance of a work glove

As work gloves are personal protective equipment (PPE), it is essential to maintain them correctly and renew them regularly to maintain an optimal level of protection.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations: Each manufacturer provides specific instructions for the care and duration of use of its gloves. It is essential to comply with them to ensure the effectiveness of both chemical and mechanical protection.
Regularly inspect the condition of gloves: Before each use, employees must check the condition of their gloves (tears, wear, etc.) and replace them as soon as necessary. A damaged glove can no longer provide adequate protection. Some gloves, such as single-use disposable gloves, will only be used once for an intervention.
Plan for regular renewal: Depending on the intensity of use and working conditions, protective gloves must be renewed on a recurring basis. This is an item of expenditure that should not be overlooked in your PPE budget but which is necessary both in terms of protection and hygiene, which is also a major function in health activities.