Working with your hands requires proper safety and efficiency. The last thing you want is to accidentally crush your fingers from improper gloves or encounter harmful chemicals. So, here’s how to choose the most appropriate work gloves for your job. You’ll have an easier time getting your work done without worrying about hand injuries, all while understanding the necessary materials, size, and maintenance of your work gloves.
Understand Your Work Environment
Before even choosing the most appropriate work gloves, it’s necessary to understand the job you’re working in. Every job is different; staying aware of extreme temperatures, sharp objects, and exposure to hazardous chemicals will help you stay safe.
Employers must perform a thorough safety evaluation for their worksite before even picking out the gloves to use. Having the necessary safety measures and awareness will lessen the chance of injury.
Choose the Right Material
Safety gloves must have the appropriate material for the best quality of work possible. Some essential glove materials include cotton and fabrics, coated fabric gloves, rubber, plastic and synthetic gloves, Kevlar gloves, and chemical or liquid-resistant gloves.
That being said, one of the most reliable glove materials is leather gloves. They have an extensive history and provide numerous uses, such as welding. Additionally, they offer cut and abrasion resistance and protect against sparks and heat.
Pick the Appropriate Size
When working with your hands, form-fitting gloves that match the size and shape of a your hand provide the best protection and efficiency. Managers should offer an extensive range of sizes and fits for staff. Gloves should also work alongside personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent friction and restrictions.
Inspect Before Every Shift
Before starting your shift, you should check your gloves and PPE for wear. Identify cuts, tears, abrasions, and other openings in the gloves that can risk exposure. Additionally, look out for stiffness and discoloration, as this can signify the material losing its ability to shield the wearer.
Understand Proper Storage and Maintenance
Misplacing or ruining your gloves can increase the risk of bodily injury on the job. So, it’s necessary to have proper care and storage options for your work gloves. The ideal storage environment should be a dry, room-temperature space with no light. It will help protect the life of the gloves from everyday wear. Be sure to check your manufacturer’s guidelines for any other information you need regarding glove care.
The main priority for every employer and staff is maintaining safety. While accidents may occur that aren’t your fault, it’s necessary to have the proper equipment to lessen the extremity of injury.
