Many work environments need safety gloves.
Otherwise, how will your hands be protected? A general pair is designed to protect your hands from a variety of workplace hazards, including punctures and lacerations.
On the market are different types, some better for certain work environments than others.
How do you know which one to choose? If your job doesn't give you details about which pair you need, here is some information about the different types available.
A general work glove is the most basic design.
General safety gloves are usually made from leather, although some cotton or knit materials are used.
For the latter, these have PVC for better gripping.
While these two basic gloves protect the hands, some have additional features like insulation, waterproofing by neoprene, and high visibility strips.
Jobs that are best-suited for these include construction, contracting, package handling, and outdoor work.
Handling chemicals requires a different type of safety glove.
Hands need to be protected from chemical splashes and pathogens, regardless of whether you work in a testing facility or a hospital.
Gloves, in this case, are going to be made of a thicker plastic-like material, and typical materials used for chemical safety gloves include rubber, butyl, nitrile, and PVC.
If you need plastic-like material with more sensitivity, polyurethane is another option that gives workers more dexterity.
Some work gloves are geared toward specific occupations.
Auto workers and mechanics, for example, have sturdy gloves designed for them by Mechanix Wear and other manufacturers.
Welders, as well, need specific gloves.
Welding gloves are made from thicker leather and stitched together with Kevlar.
Some safety gloves, in addition, are made with Kevlar for more cut resistance.
If you don't know which type of safety gloves you'll need on the job, asking your employer is recommended.
However, if you know the difficulty of the job and the work environment, choosing a pair of work gloves with the right features can be done through many safety gear retailers.