(I) Severity of Hand Injuries
- The hand is the most vulnerable part of the body to external injuries.
- 60% of occupational hand injuries can be prevented or mitigated by wearing gloves.
(II) Major Types of Hand Injuries
- Chemical burns
- Electrical burns
- Thermal burns
- Cuts
- Puncture wounds
- Stings and infections
- Finger fractures
- Chemical penetration
(III) Selection, Use, and Maintenance of Hand Protection Products
1. Basic Requirements for Hand Protection
| Standard | Protection Requirements | Common Materials |
|---|---|---|
| EN388 | Abrasion resistance, cut resistance, tear resistance, puncture resistance | Fibers, polyester, nylon, polycotton, Dyneema, Kevlar, composite materials, coated gloves, polyurethane, nitrile, natural latex, etc. |
| EN407 | Flame resistance, contact heat resistance, convective heat resistance, radiant heat resistance, small molten metal splashes, large molten metal splashes | Terry cotton, leather, Kevlar, towel fabric, NOMEX, etc. |
| EN511 | Cold resistance, contact cold resistance, water permeability | Leather, Thinsulate, etc. |
| EN374 | Chemical corrosion resistance, chemical absorption resistance, chemical splash resistance | Natural latex, nitrile, neoprene, butyl rubber, fluorinated rubber, composite membranes, etc. |
| EN1082 | Protection against hand-held knives, punctures, and cuts | Metal mesh |
| EN60903 | Electrical insulation | Natural rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber |
2. Selection Methods
1) Selection of Mechanical Protection Glove Fibers
The mechanical resistance of gloves depends on factors such as fiber material, material composition, and manufacturing process. The following table summarizes common fiber types and their characteristics to help select the appropriate fiber based on job requirements:
| Fiber Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Cotton | Soft, comfortable, absorbent, non-allergenic |
| Polyester | Shrink-resistant after washing, more abrasion-resistant than cotton |
| Poly-cotton | More abrasion-resistant than cotton, more comfortable than polyester |
| Nylon | Good abrasion resistance, comfort, and flexibility |
| Kevlar | Excellent cut resistance and flame/heat resistance, not recommended for washing |
| Dyneema | Superior abrasion resistance, cut resistance, and breathability, washable |
| Leather | Flexible, comfortable, breathable, good abrasion and tear resistance |
| Blended Fibers | Varies based on material composition, providing different protective properties |
2) Selection of Mechanical Protection Glove Coatings
The mechanical and chemical resistance of gloves is influenced by coating material, formulation, and manufacturing process. The table below outlines the different properties of common coating materials:
| Coating Material | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Polyurethane | Abrasion-resistant, flexible, suitable for dry or lightly oily environments |
| Nitrile | Good oil resistance, water resistance, and abrasion resistance |
| Foam Nitrile | Good oil resistance, breathability, and excellent grip |
| Powdered Nitrile | Good oil resistance, water resistance, cut resistance, and grip |
| Natural Latex | Superior grip and good insulation, suitable for oil-free environments |
| PVC | Good abrasion resistance and excellent grip |
3) Selection of Chemical Protection Glove Materials
| Material | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Latex | Good protection against water-based chemicals (e.g., alcohols, acids, alkali solutions); flexible and comfortable; good resistance to tearing, punctures, abrasion, and cuts | Limited protection against organic solvents, not oil-resistant; some individuals may be allergic to latex proteins |
| Nitrile Rubber | Excellent synthetic polymer; resists acids, alkalis, alcohols, solvents, oils, and petroleum products; latex-free; superior abrasion resistance compared to PVC or neoprene; good grip and flexibility in dry environments | Slightly stiffer than natural latex; poor grip in wet or oily conditions; ineffective against ketones and some organic solvents (e.g., methylene chloride, trichloroethylene) |
| PVC | Good protection against strong acids, strong alkalis, inorganic salts, and alcohols; remains stable in temperatures from -4°C to 65°C (special treatments extend usage to -34°C) | Easily cut or punctured; ineffective against aromatic compounds and ketones |
| Neoprene | Excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, oils, and a wide range of solvents; stable in temperatures from -17°C to 149°C; often combined with latex or used as a latex coating to enhance resistance to abrasion, cuts, tears, and punctures | Not recommended for protection against aromatic compounds |
| Butyl Rubber | Superior protection against polar solvents (e.g., ketones, ethers, esters) and highly corrosive acids; provides excellent protection against gases (toxic gases) and water vapor | Becomes sticky in humid conditions, sometimes mistaken for material degradation; non-flocked, which may cause discomfort; poor resistance to oils and fats |
| Fluorinated Rubber | Excellent protection against polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and aromatic solvents; does not dissolve in aqueous solutions | Poor elasticity; non-flocked, leading to discomfort; poor fit; hot and non-breathable; weak mechanical properties |
| Composite Membranes | Known as “universal” material, resistant to over 280 types of chemicals | Stiff material, lacks flexibility; does not conform well to the hand; hot and non-breathable; weak mechanical performance |
