The Importance of Hand Protection
Hand injuries are among the most common workplace injuries across all industries. Cuts, abrasions, punctures, chemical burns, thermal burns, and crush injuries can cause immediate disability and long-term impairment. The human hand is a remarkably complex and valuable tool — protecting it is both a safety imperative and an investment in workforce capability.
Despite the clear rationale, hand protection is often poorly specified. Workers may wear gloves that are inadequate for the hazard, or conversely, gloves that are unnecessarily bulky for the task, reducing dexterity and encouraging non-use. Correct glove selection requires understanding the hazard, the task, and the available protection options.
Mechanical Protection: Cut, Abrasion, and Puncture
EN 388 (and its SANS equivalent) is the key standard for mechanical-risk gloves. The standard uses a pictogram with four performance numbers representing abrasion resistance, circular blade cut resistance, tear resistance, and puncture resistance. A fifth letter indicates straight-blade cut resistance (TDM test) rated A through F.
For cut resistance specifically, the TDM test (rated A-F) is more reliable than the older circular blade test, which can be affected by blade dulling during testing. For high cut-risk applications such as metal handling, glass work, and sharp-edge assembly, specify gloves rated D or above.
Nitrile-coated gloves provide excellent abrasion resistance and good grip in oily conditions. PU-coated gloves offer superior dexterity for precision tasks. Leather gloves remain a strong choice for heavy-duty applications requiring durability and heat resistance. Kevlar and HPPE (high-performance polyethylene) liners provide cut resistance without excessive bulk.
Chemical Protection
Chemical-resistant gloves are specified under EN 374 (and SANS equivalent). The standard rates breakthrough time against specific chemicals. Breakthrough time measures how long it takes a chemical to permeate the glove material — longer times indicate better protection.
Different glove materials resist different chemicals. Nitrile provides good resistance to oils, greases, and many solvents but poor resistance to ketones and strong oxidisers. Neoprene offers broad chemical resistance with good flexibility. PVC is economical for acids and bases. Butyl rubber provides exceptional resistance to gases and ketones. Viton offers the broadest chemical resistance but at a premium price point.
Always consult chemical resistance charts specific to the glove manufacturer, as formulations vary. For unknown chemical mixtures or highly toxic substances, specify gloves with the highest available breakthrough times and implement regular glove change protocols.
Thermal and Electrical Protection
For hot work applications, leather gloves with Kevlar stitching provide heat resistance and durability. Aluminised gloves reflect radiant heat for extreme temperature applications. For cold environments, insulated gloves maintain dexterity and prevent cold injury.
Electrical insulating gloves are classified by voltage rating under EN 60903. Class 00 gloves are rated for 500V AC, while Class 4 gloves protect up to 36,000V AC. These gloves must be inspected before each use, stored correctly, and electrically tested at prescribed intervals by accredited test facilities.
Sizing, Comfort, and Compliance
Gloves must fit correctly to provide protection without impairing function. Too large and they catch on equipment; too small and they cause fatigue and reduce circulation. Provide size options and train workers on correct sizing. Consider touchscreen-compatible gloves where workers use mobile devices or tablets.
Compliance documentation should include test certificates for the specified standard, traceability information, and clear marking on the glove itself. Suppliers should be able to provide this documentation on request — inability to do so is a red flag.
Conclusion
Hand protection is not one-size-fits-all. Effective hand safety programmes match glove specifications to identified hazards, consider task requirements for dexterity, ensure correct sizing and comfort, and verify compliance through documentation. The investment in proper hand protection pays dividends in reduced injury rates, lower compensation costs, and maintained workforce capability.
