The Ultimate Guide to Solving Common Problems with Safety Gloves
Proper hand protection is essential for workplace safety, but finding gloves that tick all the right boxes—comfort, durability, and functionality—can be quite the challenge. Whether it’s sweaty hands, poor fit, or inadequate cut protection, workers often face a variety of glove-related issues that impact both safety and efficiency.
Clair Weston, Marketing Manager at uvex, sheds light on these common problems and explores innovative solutions that help workers stay safe without compromising performance.
Managing Sweaty Hands
Excessive sweating inside gloves isn’t just uncomfortable—it reduces grip, increases the risk of slips, and can even lead to skin irritation. Moisture buildup creates a humid environment, which is less than ideal when handling tools or working in high-risk environments.
A simple yet effective solution is choosing gloves designed for superior breathability. The uvex phynomic range is engineered with a porous foam coating and open-back ventilation, allowing for enhanced airflow. This keeps hands dry, reducing irritation and maintaining grip control.
Another great option is the uvex Bamboo TwinFlex D XG gloves, which blend natural bamboo fibres with synthetic materials for moisture-wicking properties. Bamboo is also naturally soft against the skin, making these gloves comfortable for long hours of wear.
Finding the Right Fit
Ill-fitting gloves can be a serious safety hazard. Too tight, and they restrict movement, causing fatigue. Too loose, and they bunch up or slip, increasing the risk of getting caught in machinery.
Gloves that mimic the hand’s natural shape, like the uvex phynomic range, offer an ergonomic, second-skin fit. This design enhances dexterity and ensures precision handling of tools and materials.
Meanwhile, the uvex Bamboo TwinFlex D XG gloves feature an adaptive fit that moulds to the hand within minutes, providing a customised feel that improves comfort and functionality.
Ensuring Adequate Cut Protection
Sharp tools and materials are a constant workplace hazard, and gloves with insufficient cut resistance put workers at serious risk. On the flip side, over-specifying cut protection can lead to thick, cumbersome gloves that hinder dexterity and inflate costs.
The latest advancements in yarn technology allow for thinner, high-performance gloves that provide robust cut resistance without sacrificing flexibility. Unlike older Kevlar-based gloves, modern materials such as Dyneema and HPPE enable manufacturers to create lightweight gloves that offer precision grip while maintaining high levels of protection.
Workers should assess risk levels carefully and select gloves that balance protection with functionality to avoid unnecessary bulk.
Decoding Safety Markings on Gloves
Understanding safety markings is crucial when selecting the right gloves for the job. These markings indicate compliance with international safety standards and provide insight into key performance features like abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture resistance.
The European EN 388 standard has been updated to offer more detailed ratings. Cut resistance, previously rated on a scale of 1 to 5, now follows an A-F grading system, providing more accuracy. Additionally, optional impact protection markings (P or F) help identify gloves suitable for heavy-duty environments.
These updates make it easier for workers to select the right gloves for their specific needs, improving safety and performance.
Choosing the Right Liners and Coatings
Liners and coatings play a major role in a glove’s performance. They determine grip, resistance to abrasions and cuts, and protection against environmental factors like oils and chemicals.
- Liners: Materials such as Kevlar®, Dyneema, HPPE, bamboo, cotton, and synthetic fibres influence cut resistance and comfort. Bamboo liners, for example, improve moisture management and breathability.
- Coatings: Options like nitrile, foam nitrile, polyurethane, and latex enhance grip, improve liquid resistance, and protect against wear and tear. Nitrile works well for oily conditions, while polyurethane offers strong resistance to abrasions.
Selecting the right combination ensures gloves provide the necessary protection while remaining functional for specific tasks.
Preventing Rapid Wear and Tear
Frequent glove replacements drive up costs and disrupt workflow. Investing in durable gloves designed for specific applications helps prolong lifespan and reduce unnecessary expenses.
For instance, the uvex unilite 7710F is a double-coated glove offering excellent liquid resistance and durability, making it ideal for heavy-duty outdoor work. These gloves withstand harsh conditions, extending their usability and reducing overall costs.
Maintaining Tactile Sensitivity for Precision Tasks
Workers handling small components need gloves that preserve tactile sensitivity. Thick, bulky gloves can make delicate tasks frustrating and inefficient.
The uvex athletic lite gloves feature a micro-foam coating that enhances grip while maintaining an ultra-lightweight feel, making them ideal for precision work. Similarly, the uvex phynomic lite gloves offer a thin but durable design, ensuring workers can handle fine materials with ease.
Solutions for Sensitive Skin
For those with sensitive skin, gloves containing solvents or harsh chemicals can cause irritation and allergic reactions. Opting for solvent-free gloves helps mitigate this issue.
The uvex pure standard ensures gloves are free from harmful substances, with certifications from the proDerm Institute and OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100. These gloves offer peace of mind for workers with skin sensitivities, allowing for prolonged wear without discomfort.
Sustainability and Reducing CO2 Footprint
Sustainability in workplace safety gear is becoming a priority. Companies are increasingly looking for eco-friendly options that align with corporate social responsibility goals.
uvex has been committed to carbon-neutral glove manufacturing since 2016, with its production facility in Lüneburg, Germany leading the charge in sustainable practices.
The company also evaluates the carbon footprint of its products to provide full transparency, helping businesses make informed decisions about their environmental impact.
Investing in High-Quality Hand Protection
Selecting the right gloves is more than just a matter of safety—it impacts worker comfort, productivity, and long-term costs. From moisture-wicking solutions to advanced cut protection and sustainable manufacturing, modern safety gloves offer a wealth of benefits tailored to different work environments.
As a global leader in protective equipment, the uvex group continues to develop innovative solutions that enhance workplace safety. With operations in 22 countries and a strong commitment to “protecting people”, uvex remains a trusted partner for industries worldwide.
By prioritising fit, function, and sustainability, businesses can ensure workers have the protection they need to perform at their best.
