General-Purpose Safety Gloves

General-purpose gloves protect hands against abrasion, minor cuts, thorns, splinters and dirt during work on site, in workshops and in warehouses. Without reducing sensitivity, they allow handling of small tools and materials. For work with chemicals or more serious cuts, a glove with specific protection is needed.

Protection against mechanical risks, such as abrasion, cutting, tearing and puncture, is read from EN 388. The pictogram shows a series of numbers and a letter indicating the level achieved in each test. The glove should be chosen by looking at these values, not only the colour or material of the coating.

Nitrile and polyurethane on the palm give good grip and oil resistance, and are suitable for mechanics and assembly. Latex is soft but can cause allergies, so it should be checked before use. Leather, such as bovine grain leather, resists abrasion and is used for heavy work or welding. Choose the material according to the main risk.

Gloves with micro-nitrile foam or a dotted palm increase grip on oily or wet parts. Gloves with a nitrile palm offer oil and abrasion resistance. Dotted gloves leave the back more open than a fully coated glove. The choice depends on the type of grip needed for the work.

The cotton liner absorbs sweat and makes the glove more comfortable during long working hours. It does not replace the protective glove and does not increase the mechanical resistance level. It is worn under the main glove, as an inner layer.

For liquids and chemicals a glove to EN 374 is needed, which indicates resistance to chemicals and micro-organisms. The disposable blue nitrile glove is suitable for short, light work with liquids. Always check the manufacturer's compatibility chart for the substance you are handling.

The size is measured across the palm, at the height of the knuckles, and the glove must neither be tight nor leave gaps at the fingers. A glove that is too large reduces grip and can get caught in machinery. A glove that is too tight tires the hand. Sizes are stated on the model data sheet.

The glove must be replaced when the coating is worn, punctured or torn, or when grip is no longer secure. When working with oil or solvents the lifespan is shorter. Disposable nitrile gloves must be thrown away after each use and must not be reused.