PPE SAFE HANDS


Suitable hand protection is essential for safety, comfort and efficiency in the workplace, but finding gloves that meet all these needs can be challenging, says Clair Weston, Marketing Manager at uvex. Here, she addresses some common issues with work gloves and highlights solutions that can help balance these requirements.


MANAGING SWEATY HANDS


Sweaty hands inside gloves can create a slippery feeling that reduces grip and control which can be unsafe and uncomfortable, especially during prolonged use. Excess moisture can also lead to skin irritation and rashes.


To tackle these issues, look for gloves designed for superior breathability, reducing moisture buildup and keeping hands dry. For example, the uvex phynomic range of gloves are designed with a breathable porous foam coating and open back ventilation, helping hands to stay dry during intense tasks or to dry quickly, so that skin irritation does not occur. These lightweight gloves prioritise moisture management, enabling workers to maintain control without a build-up of discomfort inside the glove.


Meanwhile, the uvex Bamboo TwinFlex D XG gloves combine bamboo and synthetic fibres, which offer moisture-wicking properties to absorb sweat and keep hands cool. Bamboo fibers also have a smooth, silky soft feel when worn against the skin.


IMPORTANCE OF PROPER FIT Properly fitting gloves are key to maintaining dexterity, comfort and safety. Gloves that are too tight can restrict movement, while loose gloves can lead to bunching, slipping and get caught in moving parts increasing the risk of accidents. uvex prioritises ergonomics, designing gloves that fit a wide range of hand sizes and shapes. uvex phynomic glove range provides a second skin, ergonomic fit, closely mirroring the hand’s natural contours to maximise flexibility and dexterity. Their tailored fit enhances dexterity, enabling workers to handle tools with precision. Meanwhile, the uvex bamboo Twinflex D XG glove features an adaptive fit design that moulds to the wearer’s contours after three to five minutes creating a custom fit. These gloves strike a balance between comfort and functionality, reducing hand fatigue over long hours of wear.


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ENSURING ADEQUATE CUT PROTECTION When working with sharp tools or materials, gloves with inadequate cut resistance can increase the risk of injury. However, over-specifying cut protection can sometimes result in a loss of dexterity, making tasks cumbersome and could incur avoidable costs.


Advancements in yarn technology have introduced high-performance gloves that can deliver thinner gauge gloves with adequate cut protection without compromising dexterity while allowing employees to maintain a secure grip and precision tactility. Whereas historically, high cut protection could only be achieved with thicker gloves and older technologies such as Kevlar.


Therefore, it’s important to understand the risk and select the appropriate gloves based on the required level of cut protection, required dexterity and grip. This approach ensures workers remain both safe and efficient, reducing the risk of injury without sacrificing comfort or productivity.


DECODING SAFETY MARKINGS ON GLOVES


Safety markings on gloves indicate compliance with standards for specific types of protection, such as abrasion, cut, tear or puncture resistance. These markings, typically found on the glove’s cuff, label or stamped on the back of the glove, help users identify if the gloves meet the safety, durability and longevity requirements for their tasks.


Safety markings on hand protection have become more precise and standardised, making it easier for workers to identify and select appropriate gloves for specific hazards. Changes like the updated EN 388 standard in Europe now include more detailed markings for abrasion, cut, tear, puncture and impact resistance. For instance, cut resistance, previously measured on a basic scale of one to five for high cut gloves, now uses an


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