by Importance of Wearing Industrial Gloves in Various Industries
There are various types of protective gloves available in the market depending on the type of work and level of protection required. Some of the main types are:
Disposable Gloves: Made from materials like latex, nitrile or vinyl, disposable gloves are used for general protection in applications with minimal risks. They provide basic protection from substances that cause minor irritations but are not meant for repeated use.
Chemical Resistant Gloves: As the name suggests, these gloves are made with special polymers and materials that provide protection against various chemicals that can be harmful on prolonged skin exposure. Different materials are used for diverse chemical types like acids, alkalis, solvents etc.
Cut Resistant Gloves: Used in industries involving risk of cuts, these industrial gloves have reinforced palms and fingers made of materials like steel or Kevlar fibers that make them puncture proof. They are worn in industries like glass manufacturing, metalworking, woodworking etc.
Insulated Gloves: For protection against extreme hot or cold temperatures, insulated gloves come lined with insulating materials like rubber, fabric or foam. They allow comfortable handling of objects at very high or very low temperatures.
Cleaning Gloves: Specially designed for wet work, cleaning gloves are made from durable waterproof materials and have textured surfaces for strong grips. They protect hands during cleaning, washing and sanitization work.
Specialty Gloves: Some other types include anti-vibration industrial gloves, electrode holders, arc flash resistant gloves, sterile gloves etc designed for very specific industrial needs.
Proper Glove Selection for Diverse Industries
Given below is an overview of important Industrial Glove use across different industry sectors:
Manufacturing: Welding gloves, cut level 5 gloves, chemical handling gloves, cold weather gloves are essential here.
Oil and Gas: Fire resistant gloves, chemical gloves, cut level 4-5 gloves, insulating gloves for high/low temperature work.
Healthcare: Surgical gloves, examination gloves, sterile gloves for medical procedures and treatments.
Automotive: Welding gloves, chemical gloves, insulated gloves, cut level 4-5 gloves for repairs and manufacturing.
Construction: Work gloves, puncture resistant gloves, insulated gloves, welding gloves for equipment operation, material handling, welding etc.
Warehousing: General purpose work gloves, chemical gloves, cut level 1-3 gloves depending on different packing, loading and inventory tasks.
Laboratories: Latex, nitrile or vinyl examination gloves, specialist gloves for chemical handling, sample collection and analysis.
Benefits of Proper Glove Use
When industrial gloves matching the job requirements are appropriately selected and worn, they provide multiple health and safety benefits:
Protection from Injuries: Gloves with cut and puncture resistance significantly reduce risks of lacerations, cuts and puncture wounds on hands during high risk operations.
Prevention of Chemical Exposure: Chemical and liquid resistant gloves create an effective barrier between skin and hazardous substances, preventing their absorption into the body.
Thermal Insulation: Insulated gloves allow safe handling of very hot or very cold surfaces and materials without the risks of burns, frostbite orother temperature related injuries.
Grip Enhancement: Textured and coated glove surfaces provide better grips on tools and equipment for improved safety and productivity.
Hygiene Maintenance: In healthcare and food industries, industrial gloves help prevent cross-contamination and maintain sterility during procedures and productions.
Compliance with Regulations: Many job roles in high risk industries mandate wearing of specific types and levels of protective gloves as per safety standards and regulations.
Overall, proper glove use as per requirements leads to a safer and healthier work environment while helping businesses avoid expensive costs of worker injuries, lost wages and compliances issues. Industrial Gloves are thus an essential personal protective equipment.
Challenges in Proper Glove Use
While gloves effectively protect hands when used appropriately, there are some challenges that can decrease their effectiveness if not addressed:
Sizing and Fit Issues: Ill-fitting gloves that are too loose, tight or short create gaps for hazards to penetrate. Right sizing is critical for desired protection.
Durability and Grips: Low quality or non-durable gloves may tear, puncture or lose texture easily, reducing protection over time or with single exposures to hazards.
Care and Maintenance: Used gloves should be cleaned, sanitized or disposed as recommended by manufacturers. Improper care shortens glove life.
Training and Awareness: Workers need proper training on type, fit testing, donning/doffing procedures and care instructions for maximum glove effectiveness.
Accessibility and Budgets: Sufficient glove supplies in required sizes/types need to be easily and always accessible. Limited budget may compromise necessary PPE.
Compliance and Policies: Clear policies, standard operating procedures, audits and worker involvement help ensure consistent and proper glove use as part of safety programs.
Addressing the above challenges through regular employee training, correct product selection, adequate supplies and strict safety compliance ensures that protective gloves perform their intended protective functions. It ultimately results in a safe, healthy and productive work environment for all.
*Note:
1.Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2.We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
