What are the Different Types of Protective Gloves?

There are several different types of protective gloves that help prevent hand injuries. They may guard against a variety of dangers including chemicals, blood, cuts, burns and frostbite. The type of material the gloves are made from determines the hazards the wearer is protected from.

When working with chemicals, there are several different types of gloves that a person may wear. Usually, they're made from rubber, neoprene, or vinyl. Neoprene, for example, helps provide insulation when working with cold or icy chemicals. Since chemicals can get into the glove, these safety gloves are often cinched at the wrist. People who are handling test tubes or flasks should make sure that the gloves have a non-slip grip to prevent dropping the fragile containers.

Gloves that guard against blood and other bodily fluids are usually made from latex, polyethylene, or nitrile. They're usually disposable since they're often used in delivering health care, and therefore need to be changed between patients to prevent the spread of disease. While latex is a popular material for this type of protective glove, some people are allergic to it, so polyethylene or nitrile versions are available. All varieties, however, seek to be puncture- and abrasion-resistant.

There are several different types of gloves that protect against cuts on the hands. Most of these gloves are made from metal mesh or Kevlar® knit, and they are usually worn by people who work in the glass handling, sheet metal, and fabric cutting fields. A majority of these gloves, though not all, are also puncture-resistant and can be worn by people who work with animals.

Leather and Kevlar® gloves are used to guard against extreme heat. Gloves made of leather are good for handling hot objects, but they aren't flame-resistant. Since Kevlar® is flame resistant, it's an ideal material for welder's gloves.

People who work in freezers, cold storage units, and outdoors in the snow and ice need protective gloves to guard against frostbite. These gloves are usually made from leather and lined with fleece. They have hook and loop closures or are cinched at the wrist to prevent the cold air or snow from entering the gloves. People who work with sharp objects in a cold environment may prefer insulated gloves that are coated with PVC for extra protection.

Safety gloves can be purchased at stores that sell uniforms and other types of work gear. They can also be purchased online at various websites. A majority of retailers offer a discount for purchasing in bulk.