1. Construction

Although protection is probably the main use for a working glove in the construction industry, getting a firm grip can be difficult, especially in wet or difficult conditions and problems can be made worse by using general purpose safety gloves.

There are many types of special "grip gloves" which use materials and designs that are specially created to maintain a firm grip on a wide range of products and materials, Some are simple lightweight gloves that offer an extra grip capability and others are combined with harder wearing safety features.

2. Crafts

One of the main hazards that gloves can protect against is cuts caused by working with sharp or pointed objects or when working with tools such as safety knives. Cut resistant gloves are often found in crafts and trades where slippage of bladed tools can present a risk to users but of course their use is not confined to specialist roles.

Wearing a purpose made glove, such as a general purpose leather work glove can be useful across a range of tasks, but for specialized day-to-day protection a safety glove which is made from a material such as Kevlar will be the ideal choice.

3. Chemicals

Coming into contact with various liquids that can be corrosive, such as oils and acids, is a common daily occurrence across a range of occupations such as those to be found in the automobile and aeronautic industries.

Handling of fuel hoses, seals, grommets and other components brings with it exposure to and contact with oils and other liquid chemicals which can cause problems. Nitrile chemical safety gloves are more resistant than natural rubber and this means that they are usually the correct protective hand wear best suited to these types of situations.

Often exposure to these types of hazards may not be harmful in small doses but can have negative effects which build up over long term exposure.

4. Heat

Extreme environments where workers are exposed to intense heat doesn’t only mean working in hostile situations such as undersea oil industry roles or fire fighting capacities. Some industrial processes involved high temperatures and hot materials and in these cases, thermal protection is needed.

Heat resistant gloves are used by professionals involved in working in metal, glass or other specialized industries. Textured and treated wool and cloth based gloves are often mixed with man-made materials such as Kevlar to offer the highest levels of protection.

5. General Purpose

Of course being involved in a professional working environment dealing with specific hazards and risks isn’t the only time that safety gloves can be used.

Protection from abrasion, piercing and cutting might be needed for any number of DIY or day-to-day tasks around the home. Getting a good grip on something or protecting your hands can be essential in many different tasks that might not come under the consideration of any initiatives aimed at the workplace.

Fortunately there are plenty of safety gloves which are made for a wide range of uses and you don’t need any specialized knowledge to use them or choose the right ones. Simple and cost effective work gloves made from tough leather with reinforced sections to give added protection are perfectly adequate for most general tasks and are likely to be the closest non-professionals get to using PPE clothing.