Hand Protection Gloves

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Guide To Hand Protection Gloves

Workplace accidents can happen in an instant and often lead to serious injuries. These injuries cause harm to the well-being of the employees and the employer's financial stability and can often lead to legal consequences.

However, in many cases, these injuries can be prevented by using the correct hand protection equipment as a risk control measure. In this guide, we will provide a guide to hand protection equipment so that you can stay safe while at work.

Why Is Hand Protection So Important?

Your hands are one of the most important tools you use every day. They are essential for performing many tasks, both at work and in your personal life. Because of this, it is important to take steps to protect them from potential injuries.

For employers, it is essential to support employees in understanding the importance of hand protection gloves and provide them with the correct equipment to do their job safely. In addition, employers have a duty of care to protect their employees from harm, and failure to do so can result in serious consequences.

These consequences can include:

  • Financial penalties
  • Prosecution
  • Compensation claims
  • Loss of business reputation

Preventing hand injuries should be a priority for all employers. By taking steps to protect your employees' hands, you can reduce the risk of accidents occurring and help to create a safer workplace for everyone.

What Is Hand Protection Equipment?

Hand protection equipment is any type of device worn on the hands to protect them from potential injuries. This can include gloves, mittens, arm guards and other similar items.

The type of hand protection equipment you need will depend on the specific risks present in your workplace. Certain industries have specific hand protection equipment designed for the industry application, for example, construction has certain types of gloves for construction and its associated hazards. Construction safety gloves are designed to handle abrasion better than safety gloves for other industries.

Why Choosing The Right Type Of Hand Protection Is Important

Your hands are one of the most important parts of your body. You use them every day for various tasks, both big and small. That's why it's so important to choose the right type of hand protection for the job at hand.

There are a few factors to consider when choosing hand protection equipment:

  • The type of work you'll be doing
  • The substances you'll be working with
  • The level of protection you need
  • Your budget

Choosing the right type of hand protection is important to keep your hands safe from harm.

Step One

The first step in choosing hand protection gloves is to assess the type of work you'll be doing. Will you be working with tools? Handling hazardous materials? Working in a laboratory? The type of work you'll be doing will dictate the type of hand protection you need.

Step Two

Once you've assessed the type of work you'll be doing, it's time to consider the substances you'll be working with. Will you be working with chemicals? Handling sharp objects? Working in a dusty environment? Again, the substances you'll be working with will dictate the type of hand protection you need.

Step Three

The next step is to consider the level of protection you need. Do you need gloves that are impermeable to liquids? Gloves that are resistant to cuts? Gloves that provide insulation from heat or cold? The level of protection you need will depend on the type of work you'll be doing and the substances you'll be working with.

Step Four

Finally, you need to consider your budget. Hand protection equipment can range in price from a few pounds to hundreds of pounds. Choose the type of hand protection gloves that meets your needs and fits your budget.

PPE Hand Protection Regulations In The UK

In the UK, the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 state that employers must provide their employees with suitable PPE where there is a risk to health and safety.

There are a few different categories of hand protection:

  • Gloves
  • Mittens
  • Armguards
  • Aprons

Each category of hand protection has its own set of regulations. For example, gloves must be made of appropriate material and must fit snugly to the hand. Likewise, arm guards must be made of a durable material and must cover the entire arm's length. PPE glove types are designed based on the hazards associated with the intended job they are used for.

When choosing hand protection, it's important to choose equipment that meets the relevant regulations.

Hazards That Require Safety Hand Protection

There are a variety of hazards that require safety hand protection gloves. Some of the most common hazards include:

Exposure To Heat

Work processes where a thermal energy hazard exists, such as handling hot objects, welding using an induction furnace or working with molten metals, require risk control measures, of which hand protection is a key component.

Sharp Objects

Many jobs in the UK involve handling sharp objects such as knives, needles, and power tools. When working with sharp objects, suitable hand protection must be worn to prevent cuts and punctures. There are various types of safety gloves that are designed to protect against sharp objects.

Chemical Hazards

Working with chemicals can be dangerous, and it's important to choose the right type of hand protection. Gloves made of latex, nitrile or PVC offer different levels of protection from chemicals, these types of safety gloves are readily available in the industry.

Employers need to assess the risk of working with chemicals. And to provide employees with the appropriate hand protection.

Manual Handling

Manual handling can be described as any activity that requires force to lift, lower, push, pull or carry an object. It is one of the most common causes of injury in the workplace in the UK.

When manual handling, it's important to choose hand protection to prevent cuts and scrapes. Gloves made of Kevlar or other cut-resistant materials are ideal for manual handling tasks. Construction safety gloves are often designed to guard against manual handling hazards.

Benefits Of Using Hand Protection Equipment

There are several benefits to using hand protection equipment. Some of the most common benefits include:

  • Preventing injuries
  • Protecting hands from harsh weather conditions
  • Prolonging the life of your hands
  • Improving grip

Hand injuries can be very serious, and in some cases, they can even lead to amputation. This severely impacts the individual's well-being and can result in a loss of earnings. This can lead to increased insurance premiums and absences from work for the employer.

Hand protection equipment can prevent injuries by providing a barrier between the hazard and the hands. This type of equipment is essential for workers in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, healthcare and food service.

In conclusion, hand protection is essential for any worker who is exposed to hazards. There are a variety of hand protection products available, and it's important to choose the right product for the job. Employers are responsible for providing employees with suitable hand protection equipment, and employees have a responsibility to wear the equipment correctly.