Why Are Coated Gloves So Important?
🛠 High Frequency of Hand Injuries in Work Environments
- Approximately 1.8 million U.S. workers suffer hand injuries annually, accounting for 25% of all occupational injuries.
- Per BLS data, 238,900 workplace hand injuries were recorded between 2021–2022, with 71% preventable by wearing gloves.
- 70% of injured workers wore no gloves, while the remaining 30% used ill-fitting gloves.
💸 Significant Economic Costs
- Each severe hand injury (e.g., cuts, punctures, fractures) averages $$40,000$$118,000 in costs.
- Annual U.S. expenditures for wrist/hand injuries exceed $740 million.
Choosing the right gloves = lives saved, costs reduced, and efficiency improved.
Coating Materials & Advantages Comparison
| Material | Advantages | Limitations | Application Scenarios |
| Latex | Soft feel, excellent grip | May cause allergies | Cleaning, electrical work, light industrial tasks |
| Nitrile | Oil-resistant, chemical-resistant, puncture-resistant | Slightly less flexible | Auto repair, painting, leak inspection |
| PU (Polyurethane) | Thin, tactile sensitivity, high flexibility | Poor grip in wet environments | Electronics assembly, precision work |
| PVC | Chemical-resistant, wear-resistant | Poor breathability, less flexible | Chemical industry, heavy industry |
| Neoprene | Thermal insulation, chemical resistance | Slightly bulky and stiff | Cold-chain operations, laboratories |
How to Select the Best Coated Gloves?
Identify Work Environment & Risks
- Wet/oily surfaces: Choose nitrile.
- Precision assembly: Prioritize PU.
- Chemical/high-heat exposure: Opt for PVC or neoprene.
Evaluate Coating Type
- Palm-coated: Enhanced grip and breathability.
- Full-dip coated: Superior waterproofing but reduced breathability.
Thickness & Size: Critical for Comfort and Safety Why Thickness and Size Matter
- Thick gloves reduce dexterity and tactile sensitivity, hindering precision tasks.
- Oversized gloves slip off; undersized gloves cause pressure sores or premature wear.
Ideal fit: Maintain 80–90% dexterity while ensuring protection; allow 3–5 mm (≈1/8–1/4 inch) space between thumb and fingertips.
Hand Measurement MethodTools: Soft tape measure (±1 mm accuracy). Method:
- Wrap tape around the widest part of the palm (excluding thumb).
- Keep snug but not tight.
- Record circumference in cm.
| Hand Circumference (cm) | Suggested Size (US) |
| 17–18 | S (7–8) |
| 19–20 | M (8–9) |
| 21–22 | L (9–10) |
| 23–24 | XL (10–11) |
| >24 | XXL (11–12) |
(Refer to manufacturer-specific charts.)
Certification Standards: ANSI/ISEA 105 & EN 388
Understanding these standards ensures optimal protection.
ANSI/ISEA 105 Cut-Resistance Levels (US Standard)
| Level | Cut Resistance (grams) | Recommended Use |
| A1 | 200–499 g | Light tasks (office maintenance, light handling) |
| A2 | 500–999 g | Warehousing, general assembly |
| A3 | 1,000–1,499 g | Construction, light automotive work |
| A4 | 1,500–2,199 g | Metalworking, use of sharp tools |
| A5–A6 | 2,200–3,999 g | Heavy-duty tasks requiring higher protection |
| A7–A9 | ≥4,000 g | Extreme risk environments (industrial stamping, heavy machinery) |
EN 388:2016 European Glove Standards
| Test (Metric) | Rating Scale | Unit | Meaning |
| Abrasion Resistance | 1–4 | cycles (100–8,000) | Durability against abrasion |
| Blade Cut (Coupe) | 1–5 | number of cuts to fail | Resistance to standard blade cuts |
| Tear Strength | 1–4 | Newtons (10–75 N) | Resistance to tearing |
| Puncture Resistance | 1–4 | Newtons (20–150 N) | Resistance to stabbing/puncture |
| ISO Cut (TDM‑100) | A–F | Newtons | High-level cut resistance (F highest) |
| Impact Protection | P / F / X | — | Indicates passing (P) or failing (F); X = not tested |
Recommendations:
- Thickness: Light-to-medium for balance of protection/flexibility.
- Size: Match measured hand circumference to U.S. sizing charts.
- Certifications:
- Warehouse/assembly: ANSI A2–A3 or EN Blade Level 2–3 + ISO B.
- Metal/glass handling: ANSI A4–A5 / EN ISO D–E.
- Extreme hazards: ANSI A7+ / EN ISO F.
Cost vs. DurabilityInvesting in quality gloves outweighs frequent medical/replacement costs.
Coated Glove Care Guide
- Cleaning: Rinse with water; air-dry naturally.
- Avoid solvents: Prevent coating degradation.
- Regular inspection: Replace if torn.
- Storage: Keep in cool, dry, dark areas.
Summary & Action Steps 💡
- Hand injuries are frequent yet preventable—proper gloves are non-negotiable.
- Match coating material to your specific work hazards.
- Verify size, thickness, and certifications for cost-effectiveness.
- Proper maintenance extends glove lifespan.