Hazard Assessments: Gloves

Every job has its own risks, which means you need the right safety gloves for the task. Choosing the wrong glove can lead to injuries like cuts, burns, chemical exposure, or worse.

So, how do you know which glove to pick? It starts with a hazard assessment - let’s break it down.

Step 1: Spot the Hazards

Before you can choose the right hand protection, you need to know what you're protecting against.

Here are the most common types of hazards that safety gloves are designed to handle:

• Cuts and punctures – Sharp tools, broken glass, or metal edges. This is where cut resistant gloves are essential.
• Chemicals – Solvents, acids, oils, and cleaning agents can damage the skin or be absorbed into the body.
• Heat or cold – Working with hot surfaces, steam, or freezing temperatures? You’ll need thermal protection.
• Germs and biohazards – In medical, lab, or sanitation work, gloves act as a barrier against viruses, bacteria, and other harmful agents.
• Electricity – Electricians need insulated gloves to avoid shocks.

Take a walk through the workspace. Watch how the job gets done. Ask: What might touch the hands? Sharp parts? Liquids? Heat? Make a list of every possible hazard.

Step 2: Understand the Risk Level

Once you know what the hazards are, the next step is figuring out how serious they are. This helps you decide how tough the safety gloves need to be.

Ask yourself:

• How often does the worker face the hazard?
• How long are they exposed?
• How bad could the injury be?

For example, someone handling sharp materials all day will need cut resistant gloves with high durability. Someone who only occasionally touches a cleaning product may only need light chemical protection.

Step 3: Choose the Right Glove Material

Different jobs need different glove materials. Here’s a quick guide to the most common types:

• Nitrile gloves – Great all-around safety gloves. They resist chemicals, oils, and punctures. Common in labs, automotive work, and cleaning jobs.
• Latex gloves – Flexible and snug-fitting. Good for medical use or light cleaning. Not ideal if someone has a latex allergy.
• Leather gloves – Strong and durable. Perfect for welding, heavy-duty jobs, or general construction.
• Kevlar gloves – The go-to for cut resistant gloves. They’re light, flexible, and offer excellent protection from sharp edges.
• PVC gloves – Best for light chemical handling. Often used in food service or agriculture.
• Aluminized gloves – Designed for high-heat tasks like foundry work or welding.

Choosing the right material makes all the difference in hand protection. The wrong glove might look fine—but it won’t stand up to the job.

Step 4: Think About Fit and Features

Once you have the right material, think about how the gloves are designed. Good safety gloves should be comfortable, functional, and suited to the task.

Here are some things to look for:

• Fit – Gloves should fit snugly, but not too tight. Poor fit can cause fatigue or even accidents.
• Grip – Some gloves have textured palms to help grip wet or oily tools.
• Length – Longer gloves are useful when there’s a risk of splashes or deeper contact with hazards.
• Dexterity – If the task needs precision, like wiring or assembly, go for thinner, more flexible hand protection.

No one wants to wear bulky gloves that slow them down. Choose a glove that protects and helps get the job done.

Step 5: Look for Certifications

Not all safety gloves are tested the same. Look for gloves that meet safety standards. This ensures they’ve been tested and rated for the job.

• ANSI/ISEA 105 – U.S. standard for cut, abrasion, and puncture resistance. Key for cut resistant gloves.
• EN 388 – European standard for mechanical risks.
• EN 374 – European standard for chemical and biological risks.
• FDA Approved – For gloves used in food handling or healthcare.

Certified gloves give you peace of mind that your hand protection is up to the task.

Step 6: Train Your Team

The best safety gloves won’t work if they’re not used correctly. Make sure your team knows:

• Which glove to use for each task
• How to inspect gloves for damage
• When to replace them
• How to put them on and take them off safely

Training helps make hand protection a habit, not just a box to check.

Choosing the right safety gloves starts with understanding the job. A quick hazard assessment helps you match the risk with the right glove—whether it’s cut resistant gloves for sharp materials or chemical-resistant gloves for cleaning tasks.

The right glove means better protection, fewer injuries, and a safer workplace overall.

So take the time to assess the hazards. Invest in quality hand protection. And give your team the tools they need to work safely, every day.

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