Different types of safety gloves provide protection for various tasks, including latex gloves for short-term use, rubber gloves for heavier cleaning, Kevlar® gloves for working with sharp objects, butyl gloves for dealing with harsh chemicals, and insulating gloves for extreme temperatures. It’s important to follow safety guidelines and not rely solely on gloves for protection.
When most people think of safety gloves, gloves used by the nurse in the doctor’s office or the janitor come to mind. However, most gloves, in their basic form, are meant to provide some sort of safety.
The safety gloves many see in their doctor’s office, and for use by janitors and other light housekeeping duties, are waterproof gloves made of latex or other plastic. These gloves are generally meant for short-term, one-time use. Once used for their intended purpose, they are discarded. Gloves allow for complete freedom of movement, but may slightly dull the sensations in your fingers and hands.
Another type of safety glove that many may be familiar with are rubber gloves often used for heavier cleaning in both the home and industrial settings. These gloves usually cover at least part of the forearm as well. They are also waterproof and are meant to be reused. They tend to allow for nearly the same movement as latex gloves and other similar gloves, but a significantly dull feel in the hand.
For those whose jobs or chores require working around knives or sharp objects, Kevlar® safety gloves may be an option. These gloves allow the user to maintain excellent dexterity while still providing adequate protection. Kevlar® gloves come in a variety of thicknesses, some thicker than others. While thicker gloves may offer more protection, they are also likely to restrict movement more.
For cleaning or dealing with harsh chemicals, butyl gloves work very well. They are very impervious to both gases and liquids, making them excellent safety gloves for a number of different situations, including working with acids. While they may cost more than other types of gloves used around hazardous materials, they can be worth it.
Insulating gloves, such as those used in winter or around heat sources to prevent burns, are also safety gloves. These protect against extreme temperatures, where short-term or prolonged exposure could cause substantial damage to the skin and underlying tissue.
While safety gloves can provide a distinct advantage against many types of hazards, it’s still important to follow all safety guidelines. Gloves are generally considered a last line of defense, not a license to act dangerously. They can provide an adequate amount of protection in most cases, but cannot fully protect anyone.
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