Glove Guide

Gloves are an essential tool for businesses all over New Zealand. Ensuring that you have the correct glove for your task and working environment is imperative for worker health and safety.

Understanding what types of gloves are available and their features will help you make a more informed decision for your business. 

Glove categories

Protective gloves can be divided into three categories depending on type and which risk or danger the gloves should protect against.

Category 1 - Gloves of simple design, for minimal risks only
Gloves in this category are household gloves used for cleaning and for protection against warm objects or temperatures not exceeding +50.

Additional gloves in this category can include light-duty gardening gloves or other work where the risk for injury is minimal.

Category 2 - Gloves of intermediate design, for intermediate risk
Gloves are placed in this category when the risk is not classified as minimal or irreversible. The gloves must be subjected to independent testing and certification by a Notified Body, who then issues a CE marking showing the glove's protective capacities.

In this category you will find general handling gloves requiring good puncture and abrasion performance according to NE 388.

Category 3 - Gloves of complex design, for irreversible or mortal risks
Gloves in this category are designed to protect against the highest levels of risk e.g. highly corrosive acids. Gloves in this category must also be independently tested and certified by a Notified body (approved by the EU commission).

In addition, the quality assurance system used by the manufacturer to guarantee homogeneity of production or the quality consistency testing of the final product must be independently checked.

Keep the following guidelines in mind when handling chemicals

• Do not work alone with chemicals. If you must work alone, you must notify someone as to where you will be and when.
• Use required personal protective equipment (PPE). Eye protection is always appropriate.
• Always use chemicals with adequate ventilation or in chemical fume hood. Refer to the MSDS and the Standard Operating Procedure to determine what type of ventilation is needed.
• Keep your hands and face clean. Wash  thoroughly with soap and water after handling any chemical and whenever you leave the work area.
• Keep eyewash stations and safety showers, fire extinguishers, fire alarm stations and exits clear at all times.
• Never eat, drink, apply cosmetics or wear open shoes in a chemical handling environment.
• Remove PPE, including gloves, before entering common areas.
• Chemical and blood spill kits must be readily available.
• Do not store food in refrigerators used in chemicals.
• Ensure chemicals are properly labelled.
• Do not use equipment unless you have been properly instructed.

Features to consider in gloves styles

• Powdered - Designed to assist with easier donning and is ideal for those who frequently change gloves.
• Powder-free - Ideal for environments where product contamination is a concern. An alternative for those
  whose skin is irritated by powder.
• Ambidextrous - Gloves that can be worn on the right or left hand for increased convenience and value.
• Hand-specific - Gloves designed to be worn specifically on the right or left hand for improved fit and dexterity.
• Synthetic Coatings - Coatings to palms and fingertips provide extra protection against cuts and abrasion to the most sensitive and vulnerable parts of the hand. The material used will determine the mechanical performance as follows:

Cuffs

Cuff	Description
	Beaded Provides increased protection from liquid droplets, as well as increased cuff strength
	Straight Provides additional length to protect forearm from liquid run-off
	Elasticised Knit Wrist Designed to hold gloves in place and prevent debris from entering the glove
	Pinked Traditional cuff finish
	Safety Cuffed for additional wrist protection and easy donning
	Gauntlet Longer cuff for additional forearm protection