When coating services employees’ hands are in contact with hazards, employers must require the proper hand protection to be worn. To figure out which kind of glove works best for hazardous environments such as surface blasting and Teflon™ coating, coating services companies must evaluate the gloves’ protection requirements relative to the tasks being performed, and consult industry standards for safety.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, has the general requirements for selecting appropriate gloves (Standard 1910.138 - Hand Protection). This standard covers protection selection requirements when hands areexposed 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.

The American National Standard for Hand Protection Classification is another guide for selecting appropriate gloves. The document gives test methods and classification levels for many glove characteristics. It also has pass/fail criteria for hazardous exposures, such as chemical permeation, detection of holes, and heat and flame resistance. Here we review common high-temperature gloves that should be part of your Teflon™ coating supplies, and the basics of sizing and maintenance.

Gloves that Take the Heat

For applications where high heat protection is the top priority, Kevlar® gloves are often the answer. The looped construction of Kevlar traps air, making these gloves excellent insulators. The fabric also gives greater durability and cut resistance than regular string knit work gloves. Other high-temperature gloves include reversible mitts, Flextra® unlined heat resistant gloves, and heavy duty olive drab flame retardant knit wrist gloves.

Gloves with Permeation Resistance

Butyl gloves have the highest permeation resistance to gases and water vapors of any other glove material. They offer excellent resistance to methyl isobutyl ketone and methyl pyrrolidone, found in thinners TN-8595 and TN-8718. Blasting gloves protect hands and arms from high pressure particles, and welders gloves include options such as reflective aluminized leather back wool-lined gloves.

Glove Maintenance

Regular glove maintenance is important in ensuring employee hand protection. Proper care can also save you money by extending the life of each pair. Proper glove maintenance focuses on three main areas: cleaning, inspection, and storage. Each pair should be inspected for damages on both the inside and outside prior to use, and all gloves should be kept in well ventilated containers away from direct sunlight.

Glove Sizing and Cuff Types

When choosing gloves for workplace safety, two key factors that should always be considered are glove size and cuff style. Choosing appropriately sized gloves is as simple as measuring the circumference of your hand just below the knuckles.

• XSmall: 6” to 7” Hand Circumference
• Small: 7” to 8” Hand Circumference
• Medium: 8” to 9” Hand Circumference
• Large: 9” to 10” Hand Circumference
• XLarge: 10” to 11” Hand Circumference

Cuff Listing Terms

• Knitwrist: Prevents debris from entering the glove, keeps cold air out and warmth in, fits under clothing sleeves
• Slip On: No cuff, easy to put on and off, primary use for general purpose applications
• Safety Cuff: Length varies from 2.5" - 2.75", gives added protection to forearms
• Rolled beaded Cuff: Increased strength and protection from chemical droplets
• Gauntlet Cuff: Typically 4.5" or longer, greater upper wrist protection
• Serrated Cuff: Better gripping on surface edge for easier glove removal
• Band Top: Allows air circulation, light wrist protection
• Straight Cuff: Addition length to protect from chemical runoff