The Right Winter Glove for Cold and Wet Applications -- Occupational Health & Safety (2024)

FAQs

Which type of winter glove is appropriate if the worker is rarely exposed to wet and cold conditions over any period of time? ›

Water-resistant gloves are appropriate when exposure to wet conditions is minimal. You would not want to specify a water-resistant winter glove if the worker is routinely exposed to cold and wet conditions for extended periods of time or if submerging the glove in water is required.

Cryogenic gloves are used to protect hands from extremely cold temperatures. These gloves should be used when handling dry ice and when dispensing or working with liquid nitrogen and other cryogenic liquids.

The first rating is resistance to convective cold. Which is how well the glove performs against cold air passing over it. It can score between one to four. One being the lowest performance, and four being the best.

✔️ 20°F to 40°F (-6°C to 4°C) - At this point, gloves are no longer optional; they're a must. Wear thin, moisture wicking light liner gloves as base layers. You can ditch them as your body gets heated up when you run. Wear them again when it gets windy or if the temperature suddenly drops.

Waterproof gloves are made with solid and impermeable layers that make it almost impossible for water to pass through. This makes them ideal for tasks that involve full hand submersion or consistent exposure to water.

Polyurethane (PU):

Polyurethane (PU) glove coatings provide excellent flexibility and grip in both wet and dry conditions without feeling sticky. They also offer good protection from oil, grease and water soluble chemicals such as cleaning chemicals.

INSULATION: Winter gloves need to be well insulated. Stick to options preferably made out of fabrics like polyester or nylon to help manage moisture. For particularly cold climates, some gloves also have special liners with reflective heat technology like Omni-Heat™ Infinity to add extra warmth.

Butyl rubber gloves are the best solution when working with chemicals. Because they're rubber, they don't absorb liquids they come into contact with.

Lightweight, durable, and abrasion-resistant shell. Quality insulation is extremely important for winter mitts as (just as in the case of winter gloves) materials like PrimaLoft, Thinsulate, polyester fleece, and down are especially popular; Pocket for hand warmers for staying warm in temperatures well below freezing.

What is the standard for insulating gloves? ›

ASTM D120 Insulating Gloves

ASTM D120 standard and specification covers manufacturing and testing of rubber insulating gloves for protection of workers from electrical shock. 2 types of gloves are provided and are designated as Type I, non-resistant to ozone, and Type II, resistant to ozone.

When they're too small, they will restrict movement and likely leave skin exposed at your wrists. A properly fitting glove or mitten will have about ¼ inch of material at the end of your outstretched fingers. When you make a fist, the fit should not be too tight or restrictive.

Employers shall select and require employees to use appropriate hand protection when employees' hands are exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances; severe cuts or lacerations; severe abrasions; punctures; chemical burns; thermal burns; and harmful temperature extremes.

Synthetic Material Gloves

Synthetic materials, such as polyester, nylon, or acrylic, are commonly used in thermal gloves. These materials offer excellent insulation and moisture-wicking capabilities, keeping your hands dry and warm in cold conditions.

Gloves help keep your hands clean and lessen your chance of getting germs that can make you sick. Wear gloves every time you touch blood, bodily fluids, bodily tissues, mucous membranes, or broken skin. You should wear gloves for this sort of contact, even if a patient seems healthy and has no signs of any germs.

In most instances in the chemical laboratory gloves will be worn to protect against accidental splashes rather than to protect against immersion in a liquid chemical, it is also likely that a thin close fitting, laboratory/hospital type, glove will have been chosen to allow for maximum dexterity, this glove type is ...

Fabric gloves and oven mitts provide short term protection at up to 200^oC. Kevlar knit work gloves give similar protection but are less bulky. Kevlar PBI (Polybenzimidazole) gloves are useful at temperatures up to 900^oC.

A knitted beanie with a windproof jacket will typically provide sufficient protection to the ears and neck, while also allowing for the removal of layers to cool down if necessary. Furthermore, a balaclava may be necessary in extremely cold environments or when sedentary.