Introduction

In any industrial or hazardous work environment, personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a vital role in safeguarding workers from injuries. Among all PPE, safety gloves are one of the most widely used tools for hand protection. Whether you’re dealing with sharp objects, hazardous chemicals, extreme temperatures, or electrical tasks, using the right pair of gloves can prevent serious injuries.

However, not all gloves are created equal. It’s important to ensure the pair you’re using meets recognized industry standards. This blog will guide you through the essential checks to determine whether your gloves comply with the safety and performance requirements needed for your job.

Understanding the Standards: What Should Safety Gloves Comply With?

Before evaluating any glove, it’s crucial to understand the standards that regulate glove safety. Globally, several organizations define these requirements, including:

• EN 388 (Europe): Applies to gloves for mechanical risks such as abrasion, cuts, tears, and punctures. The glove is rated based on its performance in each of these categories.
  
• EN 374 (Europe): Applies to gloves used for protection against chemicals and microorganisms.
  
• ANSI/ISEA 105 (USA): A North American standard that categorizes gloves by cut, puncture, abrasion, and chemical resistance.
  
• ASTM Standards: Cover additional specifications such as thermal and electrical resistance.
  

Gloves should be labeled with the appropriate standards they meet. The absence of any such marking is a red flag.

Label Reading 101

Here’s what to look for on the glove or its packaging:

• CE Mark (Europe): Indicates the glove complies with EU directives.
  
• EN 388 Numbers: For example, a glove labeled “EN 388: 4 5 4 3 D” tells you its resistance levels in abrasion, blade cut, tear, puncture, and ISO cut respectively.
  
• ANSI Levels: Typically shown as Level A1 to A9 for cut resistance. Higher levels indicate stronger protection.
  

Ensure the standard and rating match your job requirements. For instance, an electrician needs gloves compliant with ASTM D120 for electrical insulation, while a metalworker may require EN 388-rated gloves for cut protection.

How to Physically Inspect and Test Your Gloves

Even if your gloves carry the right certifications, regular inspection ensures they continue to offer reliable protection. Here’s a step-by-step checklist:

1. Visual and Tactile Inspection

• Check for wear and tear: Look for any visible holes, thinning, or fraying. Even small defects can significantly compromise the glove’s integrity.
  
• Inspect seams and closures: Gloves should have secure, even stitching and properly functioning straps or elastic.
  
• Evaluate flexibility and comfort: If the glove feels too rigid, brittle, or uncomfortable, it may not offer optimal hand dexterity or may be past its useful life.
  

2. Fit and Sizing Check

Proper fit is crucial. Gloves that are too loose can slip, while tight gloves may tear or reduce mobility. Always try the gloves on before beginning work and ensure they allow natural hand movements.

3. Conduct In-Use Testing

Where applicable, test the glove in a controlled environment before using it in high-risk tasks. For example:

• Grip Test: Can you firmly hold tools or slippery objects?
  
• Thermal Test: If working with hot surfaces, briefly test the gloves’ resistance before prolonged use.
  
• Cut Test (if safe to do so): Try handling sharp-edged objects and observe if the gloves hold up without damage.
  

4. Check Manufacturer Details and Certifications

Reputable manufacturers often provide documentation such as:

• Technical data sheets
  
• Test reports from third-party labs
  
• Instructions for use and limitations
  

Always verify the glove’s certification details with the supplier or via the manufacturer’s website. Be cautious of counterfeit products that mimic real certification labels without actual compliance.

When to Replace or Upgrade Your Gloves

Even the best-certified gloves degrade over time due to repeated use, exposure to chemicals, UV light, or rough handling. Here are signs that it’s time for a new pair:

• Persistent odor or visible contamination
  
• Reduced grip or flexibility
  
• Noticeable wear in high-stress areas (palms, fingers, seams)
  
• Loss of water or chemical resistance
  

Additionally, if your work duties change, such as shifting from mechanical tasks to chemical handling, you must evaluate whether your current gloves are still appropriate.

Conclusion

Checking whether your safety gloves meet industry standards isn’t just about ticking off boxes, it’s about ensuring your hands remain protected in unpredictable and potentially dangerous situations. Familiarize yourself with global standards like EN 388 or ANSI/ISEA 105, and make a habit of visually inspecting and testing your gloves before each use.

Using non-compliant or damaged gloves can expose workers to serious hazards, resulting in injuries, downtime, or even regulatory penalties for employers. Ensuring that your gloves are up to standard is not just a safety measure, it’s a responsibility.

Whether you’re in construction, manufacturing, chemical handling, or electrical work, make glove safety a top priority. The right pair of safety gloves won’t just help you do your job, they’ll help you return home safely, every day.