Work Gloves

About Work Gloves

Work gloves are an essential component of personal protective equipment (PPE) for anyone undertaking manual tasks, whether on professional construction sites, in workshops, or during demanding DIY projects. Designed to protect hands from a wide range of hazards including cuts, abrasions, punctures, vibration, chemical exposure, and extreme temperatures, the right pair of work gloves can prevent serious injuries whilst maintaining dexterity and comfort throughout the working day. Tooled-Up.com stocks a comprehensive selection of work gloves from trusted brands including DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Polyco, Draper, and Portwest, ensuring tradespeople can find the perfect hand protection for their specific requirements.

Modern work gloves are engineered using advanced materials and construction techniques to deliver superior protection without compromising on tactile sensitivity or flexibility. From heavy-duty rigger gloves with reinforced palms for general site work, to specialised anti-vibration gloves that reduce the impact of power tools, and precision-fit mechanic's gloves for intricate assembly tasks, each design addresses specific workplace hazards. Many contemporary work gloves feature touchscreen-compatible fingertips, moisture-wicking liners, and ergonomic designs that reduce hand fatigue during extended wear.

Understanding the various protection standards and selecting gloves appropriate to the task is crucial for workplace safety and compliance with HSE regulations. Work gloves are categorised according to European EN standards that rate their performance across multiple criteria including abrasion resistance, cut resistance, tear resistance, and puncture resistance. The wide range available at Tooled-Up includes everything from basic general-purpose work gloves for light duties through to highly specialised protective gloves meeting Class 0 electrical insulation standards or offering Level 5 cut resistance for handling sharp materials.

Jargon Buster

• EN388 Standard: The European standard that classifies mechanical risks for protective gloves, rating them across four key areas: abrasion resistance, blade cut resistance, tear resistance, and puncture resistance. Each category receives a numbered rating, with higher numbers indicating greater protection.
• Cut Level Rating: A measurement from A to F (or 1 to 5 in older standards) that indicates a glove's resistance to cutting hazards. Level 5 or F-rated gloves offer the highest protection against sharp materials and blades, ideal for glaziers, metal workers, and those handling sheet materials.
• Anti-Vibration Gloves: Specialised gloves featuring gel or foam padding strategically positioned to absorb vibrations transmitted from power tools, helping to prevent Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), a serious occupational health condition caused by prolonged exposure to vibrating equipment.
• Impact Protection: Thermoplastic rubber (TPR) padding integrated into the back of gloves, typically across knuckles and fingers, designed to protect against impact injuries from falling objects or accidental strikes against hard surfaces.
• Dexterity Rating: Measured on a scale of 1 to 5 according to EN420 standards, this indicates how well gloves allow fine motor control and tactile sensitivity. Higher ratings mean better dexterity for detailed work, though often with reduced protective thickness.
• Grip Coating: Various materials including latex, nitrile, polyurethane (PU), or rubber applied to palm and finger areas to enhance grip on tools, materials, and surfaces, particularly in wet or oily conditions.

Who Uses Work Gloves?

• Construction Workers: General labourers, site managers, and ground workers requiring robust hand protection against abrasion, cuts, and impact injuries
• Carpenters and Joiners: Woodworkers handling rough timber, operating power tools, and working with sharp chisels and cutting implements
• Electricians: Sparks requiring insulated gloves for electrical work alongside general-purpose gloves for installation and cable handling
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Tradespeople needing protection from sharp pipes, hot surfaces, and chemical exposure from solvents and sealants
• Mechanics and Vehicle Technicians: Automotive professionals requiring oil-resistant gloves with good dexterity for precision work
• Landscapers and Groundskeepers: Outdoor workers needing protection from thorns, splinters, blisters, and weather exposure
• Warehouse and Logistics Workers: Personnel handling packages, operating equipment, and moving materials requiring grip and protection
• Glaziers and Sheet Metal Workers: Specialists handling sharp materials requiring high cut-resistance gloves
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvers tackling renovation projects, gardening, and general maintenance tasks
• Demolition Workers: Professionals requiring heavy-duty protection against multiple hazards including sharp debris and impact injuries

How to Choose the Right Work Gloves

Identify the Primary Hazard: Begin by assessing the main risks present in your working environment. Different tasks demand different protection levels – cutting and handling sharp materials requires high cut-resistance gloves, whilst operating power tools benefits from anti-vibration models, and electrical work necessitates properly insulated gloves meeting relevant safety standards.

Check Protection Ratings: Examine the EN388 ratings to ensure gloves meet the required protection level for your specific tasks. Don't simply opt for the highest rating available, as maximum protection often comes with reduced dexterity and comfort. Match the protection level appropriately to the actual risk – Level 3 cut resistance may be perfectly adequate for general construction work, whilst glaziers should look for Level 5.

Consider Dexterity Requirements: Tasks requiring fine motor control, such as handling small fixings, operating controls, or precision assembly work, demand gloves with higher dexterity ratings and thinner construction. Modern synthetic materials like polyurethane offer excellent protection whilst maintaining sensitivity, making them ideal for detailed work.

Evaluate Grip Performance: The palm coating significantly affects performance in different conditions. Latex provides excellent general-purpose grip but may cause allergies; nitrile offers superior resistance to oils and chemicals; polyurethane delivers optimal dexterity for dry conditions; whilst textured rubber excels in wet environments. Consider whether you'll be working with oily components, wet materials, or in damp conditions.

Assess Comfort and Fit: Poorly fitting gloves cause hand fatigue, reduce productivity, and may be discarded by workers, defeating their protective purpose. Look for ergonomic designs with elasticated or adjustable cuffs, breathable backs to reduce perspiration, and seamless palm construction to prevent pressure points. Sizing should allow natural hand movement without excess material bunching in the palm.

Material Selection: Leather gloves offer durability and heat resistance; synthetic materials provide flexibility and washability; cotton-backed designs enhance breathability; whilst gel-padded models reduce vibration and impact. Many modern work gloves from brands like DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Makita combine multiple materials to optimise protection, comfort, and longevity.

Additional Features: Modern work gloves often incorporate valuable extras including touchscreen-compatible fingertips for operating mobile devices without removal, extended cuffs for wrist protection, reinforced stress points for increased durability, and reflective elements for enhanced visibility on site. Impact-resistant TPR knuckle protection has become increasingly popular for demolition and heavy construction work.

Popular Accessories

• Barrier Cream: Protective hand creams that create a shield against oils, solvents, and irritants whilst allowing skin to breathe
• Hand Cleaners: Heavy-duty cleaning solutions and scrubs designed to remove ingrained dirt, grease, and adhesives without harsh chemicals
• Glove Clips: Attachment devices that secure gloves to belts or clothing, preventing loss and keeping them accessible
• Tool Belts and Pouches: Complementary workwear from brands like Kunys for carrying tools and equipment hands-free
• Workwear and PPE: Complete protective clothing systems including work trousers, jackets, and boots from Snickers, Scruffs, and Portwest
• Safety Glasses and Goggles: Eye protection to complement hand safety for comprehensive PPE coverage
• First Aid Supplies: Hand injury treatment essentials including bandages, antiseptic wipes, and wound dressings
• Storage Solutions: Organised PPE storage in workshop cabinets or mobile tool storage systems from Milwaukee PACKOUT or Makita MakPac ranges

Safety Information

Regular Inspection: Work gloves should be examined before each use for signs of damage including cuts, tears, worn areas, or deterioration of grip coatings. Compromised gloves provide inadequate protection and must be replaced immediately. Establish a regular replacement schedule based on usage intensity – heavily used gloves may require weekly replacement whilst occasional-use pairs can last months.

Proper Selection is Critical: Using inappropriate gloves for specific tasks can be as dangerous as wearing no protection at all. Never use damaged or unsuitable gloves, and ensure all gloves meet relevant EN standards for your industry. The HSE provides comprehensive guidance on PPE selection, and employers have legal obligations under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 to provide appropriate protection.

Avoid Rotating Machinery: Never wear loose-fitting gloves or any hand protection when operating lathes, drill presses, or other rotating machinery where fabric could become caught and pull hands into the mechanism. In such situations, no gloves or specifically designed close-fitting alternatives are safer options.

Electrical Work Precautions: Only use gloves specifically rated and tested for electrical insulation when working with live circuits. Standard work gloves provide no electrical protection whatsoever. Class 0 electrical insulating gloves suitable for voltages up to 500v AC (well above the UK 240v mains supply) should be regularly tested and inspected for integrity.

Hygiene and Maintenance: Many modern synthetic work gloves are machine washable, helping maintain hygiene and extending service life. However, always check manufacturer guidance as some materials, particularly leather and specialised coatings, require different care. Contaminated gloves should be cleaned promptly to prevent skin irritation and material degradation from chemicals.

Chemical Exposure: Standard work gloves offer minimal protection against chemical hazards. Specific chemical-resistant gloves manufactured from nitrile, neoprene, or other appropriate materials must be selected based on the chemicals being handled, following COSHH assessment recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the numbers on EN388-rated gloves mean?

The EN388 standard displays a four-digit code (sometimes six digits in newer standards) representing performance levels in different tests. The first number rates abrasion resistance (0-4), the second rates cut resistance (0-5), the third rates tear resistance (0-4), and the fourth rates puncture resistance (0-4). Higher numbers indicate better protection. For example, a rating of 4543 indicates excellent abrasion resistance, very good cut resistance, good tear resistance, and moderate puncture resistance. Newer standards may include additional letters for impact protection and improved cut testing.

How often should work gloves be replaced?

Replacement frequency depends entirely on usage intensity and working conditions. Daily users in abrasive environments might need weekly replacement, whilst occasional DIY users may find gloves last several months. Inspect gloves regularly for visible wear, reduced grip performance, holes, or thinning material. When protection is compromised, replace immediately regardless of age. Many professional tradespeople maintain multiple pairs, rotating them to extend overall lifespan whilst ensuring fresh, protective gloves are always available.

Can I use the same gloves for different tasks?

Whilst general-purpose work gloves suit many light duties, optimal safety requires task-specific protection. Using cutting-rated gloves for handling sheet metal, anti-vibration gloves for prolonged power tool operation, and insulated gloves for electrical work ensures appropriate protection levels. Many professionals maintain several glove types for different situations. However, quality multi-purpose gloves from brands like DeWalt and Milwaukee can adequately cover numerous general construction and maintenance tasks for those requiring versatile, cost-effective solutions.

Why do some work gloves have touchscreen-compatible fingertips?

Modern work increasingly involves mobile devices for accessing plans, recording information, capturing photos, and communication. Touchscreen-compatible fingertips incorporate conductive materials that allow device operation without removing gloves, improving convenience whilst maintaining hand protection and warmth. This feature has become particularly valuable on construction sites where removing and replacing gloves repeatedly wastes time and exposes hands to hazards unnecessarily.

Are more expensive work gloves worth the investment?

Premium work gloves from established brands typically offer superior materials, better construction, enhanced comfort, and longer service life compared to budget alternatives. They often incorporate advanced features like reinforced stress points, ergonomic shaping, and specialist coatings that improve performance and durability. For professional tradespeople using gloves daily, the improved protection, comfort, and longevity typically justify higher initial costs through reduced replacement frequency and better hand health. However, for occasional light duties, mid-range options may prove perfectly adequate and more economical.