Characteristics and maintenance of gloves

Depending on the work to be done by a professional and his/her work sector, he/she will need to use a specific type of work gloves, each with its own characteristics and being a Personal protective equipment (EPI) essential for ensuring worker safety in a wide variety of work environments.

The functions of the gloves the aim of this directive is to isolate, eliminate or minimise the occupational risk to which a worker may be exposed, while providing greater protection.

Comfort must also be taken into account so that professionals who work with their hands can feel completely at ease when performing their tasks.

In any case, it should be borne in mind that gloves should not hinder the performance of the tasks of these professionals.

Depending on the type of risk, the following types of gloves can be distinguished:

• Against thermal hazards: This kind of work gloves they are used in environments where working with flames or maximum heat resistance is required (in fires) or in the case of environments with extreme cold, as in refrigerated cabins.
• Against mechanical hazards: This type of risk is those that can produce on the worker cuts, blows or bruises by the projection of objects or tools, being a risk originated mainly in those jobs in which manual tools or machinery such as drills, milling machines, sanders ..., in addition to driving vehicles such as cranes or cranes bridges, among others.
• Against chemical and biological productsThis kind of work gloves are used in household or sanitary cleaning tasks and should be used when handling strong chemicals that can damage the worker's hands and even cause poisoning. They are also used to address biological risks that may be present in different wastes.

Maintenance of gloves

This Personal protective equipment it must always be kept completely clean and dry on the side in contact with the skin and must be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions.

They should be checked periodically for breakage and replaced if they occur.

In the case of protective gloves in relation to chemicals should be replaced regularly to ensure that they function properly.