Glove and hand protection is essential in so many different industries, and the importance of the right protection for the job can’t be overstated. That’s why there are so many different types of hand protection options available, protecting from a range of things like abrasion, heat, cold, chemicals, cuts, and more. Whether you’re in manufacturing, construction, commercial fisheries, healthcare, fabrication, automotive, or countless other industries, choosing the right hand protection for the task is crucial.
High-quality hand protection has a number of key benefits, including secure grip, full dexterity, comfort with prolonged use, protection from extreme elements, and more. Whether you are using extreme temperature-resistant fire mittens or lightweight latex gloves, each option is meant for a specific type of protection in a specific environment. You may find yourself using multiple types of hand protection in the same day, even on the same project.
When it comes to purchasing gloves and hand protection you can rely on, BlackHawk Industrial is proud to stand out as a top choice. We offer a wide selection of high-quality products that will help you do your job safely and efficiently. Take a look below to learn a bit more about choosing the right gloves or hand protection, pro tips, and more. If you need any help while making your selection, feel free to contact our expert customer service team, where a member will happily help you make a confident choice.
Choosing the Right Glove For Your Needs
The right glove can make all the difference for a safe, comfortable, and efficient experience in a range of work environments and situations. Here’s a guide for choosing the perfect glove for the job:
Consider the Requirements
The first step to choosing the right glove is to define the project and understand what elements you need to protect yourself (or others) against. Naturally, healthcare and welding are two very different environments, and the hand protection necessary in surgery is drastically different than the hand protection required when working with metal. Think about the risks you’ll be dealing with, and make your selection accordingly.
Material Selection
Latex
Latex is a highly elastic, comfortable material that fits snugly and is great for medical and laboratory settings. You’ll find latex gloves in healthcare settings, food services, laboratory environments, janitorial and cleaning roles, beauty and personal care locations like salons and spas, as well as lots of different manufacturing jobs.
Nitrile
Nitrile is puncture- and chemical-resistant, so it’s often a good choice for handling hazardous materials. It’s also a great alternative for people with latex allergies. You’ll find these gloves in healthcare and medical work, automotive jobs, laboratories, jobs where hazardous chemicals are handled, and countless manufacturing and industrial processes.
Leather
Leather has been a preferred material for hand protection across millennia because of how durable it is against abrasions. It’s popular in construction and other heavy-duty tasks. You’ll find them on construction sites, agricultural jobs, manufacturing, forestry and logging, transportation, and many different outdoor activities like horseback riding.
Kevlar
Kevlar is valued for its cut resistance, making it the preferred choice for butchers, fishmongers, and other jobs that involve sharp objects and lots of cutting. You’ll find Kevlar gloves in manufacturing, automotive, construction, law enforcement, security, food processing, waste management, and jobs where people handle glass and other sharp objects.
Safety Standards
Depending on your industry, there may be applicable safety standards like ANSI (American National Standards Institute) or EN (European Norm) that will help guide you in your selection. There may also be requirements specific to your industry or job that dictate the type of protection you must wear while performing certain tasks.
Size and Fit
Hand protection is only good if it fits. If a glove is too tight, it can quickly fatigue your hands, while a glove that is too loose will impact dexterity and your fine motor skills, both of which can increase your risk of an accident.
Special Features
You may need to think about additional features like insulation, textured palms, or touch-screen capability, depending on the unique requirements of your job.\
Gloves & Hand Protection Maintenance Tips
Taking proper care of your hand protection will help maximize their lifespan and performance. Here are a few tips to follow:
Clean and Dry After Each Use
After each use, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean your gloves. Depending on the type of material, there could be a special detergent, and some may be machine washable, whereas others must be washed by hand. Air-dry your gloves after washing and before storing them, being sure to keep them out of high temperatures or direct sunlight that can degrade the material.
Store Gloves Properly
Once they are cleaned, be sure to store your gloves in a clean location out of direct sunlight. The area should not be subject to major shifts in temperature or moisture. Make sure the gloves are completely dried before storing them because they can be hotbeds for bacteria or mold.
Inspect Hand Protection Regularly
Keep a lookout for wear-and-tear-like holes, thinning material, or degrading grip surfaces. The palm and fingertips are high-stress areas that are commonly the first to wear out, so keep a close eye on those parts of your gloves. If the safety features or performance of your gloves are compromised at all, it’s time to replace them. Disposable gloves should be considered one-time use, while reusable gloves should be replaced once their key features are no longer functional.
Why Choose BlackHawk Industrial For Your Hand Protection and Glove Needs?
BlackHawk Industrial is proud to be your “across the production floor” partner, offering you a wide range of products and services designed to lower your cost of production without sacrificing on quality or consistency. When you work with us, you can count on technical service and production savings that we help you achieve through production and supply chain performance. It’s easy to see why we are the #1 choice for industrial manufacturers, and we’re ready to help you today.
