Hands Protection:
Work and Safety Gloves in Malaysia

Safety gloves are personal protective equipment (PPE) that protects your hands from hazards like cuts, scrapes, chemicals, electrical shocks and other mechanical hazards. They come in various materials, including rubber, leather, cotton, and synthetic fibres, and are designed for specific tasks. For example, cut-resistant gloves are made from materials like Kevlar and are used to protect hands from sharp objects, while chemical-resistant gloves are made from nitrile or neoprene and are used to protect hands from exposure to harmful chemicals.

• Leather Gloves: These are popular choices for tasks that require abrasion, heat, and fire resistance. They are made from tanned hides of various animals, most commonly cowhide or goatskin. 

• String Knit Gloves: These thin, lightweight gloves are made from cotton or synthetic fibres like nylon or polyester. They provide basic hand protection from dirt, minor cuts, and scrapes, and allow for high dexterity.

• Mechanics Gloves: These gloves combine the dexterity of string-knit gloves with the abrasion resistance of leather. They typically have a string knit base with a leather palm and fingertips. This design protects hands from cuts, scrapes, and blisters, allowing for good finger movement and grip.

• Chemical Gloves: These gloves are made from various materials like nitrile, neoprene, or butyl rubber to protect hands from exposure to harmful chemicals. They come in different lengths and thicknesses to provide varying degrees of protection depending on the specific chemicals being handled.  

• Disposable Gloves: These are thin, single-use gloves made from latex, nitrile, or vinyl. They are used to prevent cross-contamination and protect hands from dirt, dust, or bodily fluids. 

As a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), gloves are vital in safeguarding your hands from various threats. Here’s a breakdown of the primary hazards gloves can shield you from:

• Physical hazards: From the dangers of cuts, scrapes, and electrostatic discharge to abrasions caused by rough materials, gloves provide a physical barrier to protect your skin. They can also offer insulation against extreme temperatures, preventing burns from hot objects or protecting your hands in cold environments.

• Chemical hazards: When handling hazardous chemicals, solvents, or other toxins, gloves form an essential line of defence. Different materials offer varying degrees of protection against specific chemicals, so selecting the right type of glove is crucial.

• Biological hazards: When there is a risk of exposure to germs, bacteria, viruses, or bodily fluids, gloves act as a barrier to prevent contamination. This is especially important in food handling and other professions that have potential biological risks.

Several types of coatings are applied to mechanical gloves according to different environments.

• Nitrile: Nitrile is a synthetic rubber that offers excellent resistance to oils, grease, and many chemicals. It also provides good puncture and abrasion resistance.

• Polyurethane (PU): PU is a versatile coating offering good dexterity and grip in wet and dry conditions. It is also breathable and comfortable to wear.

• Latex: Latex is a natural rubber that offers excellent dexterity and comfort. It is also very affordable.

• PVC/Vinyl: PVC is a cost-effective coating offering good abrasion resistance and protection from some chemicals.

• Neoprene: Neoprene is a synthetic rubber offering good chemical, abrasion, and heat resistance.

Mechanical gloves often incorporate lining materials for various purposes. Here are some of the most common lining types:

• Cotton or terry cloth: This provides comfort and absorbency and is ideal for general-purpose gloves. Cotton is breathable and helps wick away sweat, while terry cloth adds a layer of cushioning.

• Polyester or nylon blends: Synthetic fibres offer increased durability, moisture management, and sometimes faster drying times than cotton. These linings can be beneficial in applications where keeping hands dry is important.

• Kevlar or other cut-resistant materials: Some mechanical gloves have liners made from Kevlar or similar high-strength fibres for cut protection. These can significantly reduce the risk of cuts and lacerations.

Work gloves can help prevent blisters. By creating a barrier between your skin and friction caused by tools, repetitive motions, or rough materials, they reduce rubbing and hot spots that lead to blister formation.  However, the effectiveness depends on the type of work glove. Padding in the palm and fingers offers extra protection, and choosing the right size and material for the job ensures a comfortable, snug fit that minimizes friction.