Case Study Overview

This case study comprises of different salient points to be considered and to be aware of about safety gloves. Its subtopics include the types of safety gloves, the benefits of safety gloves, the measurements in determining hand and safety glove sizes, the guide in cleaning and buying safety gloves, and a brief discussion regarding the advantages of Scotty’s gloves.

Introduction

There are many dangers that can be encountered in a workplace and might put your body, especially your hands, at risks.

To protect your hands from cuts, burns, and even from chemicals, safety gloves should be worn at all times. Not only it provides hand protection, it also gives a lot of benefits.

It is essential to know how to choose safety gloves that fit perfectly in your hands and works appropriately in different situations. Moreover, learning how to keep your safety gloves clean is necessary in order for them to be long lasting and secured.

Benefits of Safety Gloves

Safety gloves not only cover and protect your hands but it also helps you do your work both efficiently and effectively. The following are the general conveniences that you can acquire while using safety gloves:

• - Hand protection from chemicals and biohazards;
• - Hand protection from cuts, punctures, and abrasion hazards;
• - Hand protection from impact injuries;
• - Hand protection from heat and arc hazards;
• - Hand protection from severe weather and extreme temperatures;
• - Hand protection from persistent vibrations;
• - Prevents needle injuries;
• - Prevents loss of fingers and hands;
• - Hand protection against temperature changes;
• - Prevents absorption of hazardous substances;
• - Prevents infection from biological substances;
• - Hand protection from sprains and fractures;
• - Gives comfort while working;
• - Enhances skills in performing tasks; and
• - Enables completion of tasks in a shorter span of time

Types of Safety Gloves

Many types of safety gloves that protect against a lot of different kinds of hazards are very much available today. It may seem that an ordinary safety glove can protect you from almost anything but there are distinct tasks that can only be partnered with their equivalent and appropriate safety glove type.

Thus, it is important that people, especially employees, must use safety gloves that are particularly designed for the set of tasks to be done and for the hazards found in their workplace.

Some of the features that make a certain safety glove type distinguished from the others are the type of chemicals it can handle, its nature and duration of contact, the area it can protect, the strength of its grip, how it can protect from heat, its size and comfort, and its level of abrasion and resistance.

Safety gloves are made from a wide variety of materials which are generally grouped into four categories:

• Leather, Canvas, or Metal Mesh Gloves - sturdy safety gloves that provide hand protection against cuts, burns, and sustained heat
  • Leather Gloves - provide hand protection against sparks, moderate heat, blows, chips, and rough objects
  • Aluminized Gloves - provide reflective and insulating hand protection against heat and require an insert made of synthetic materials to protect against both heat and cold
  • Aramid Fiber Gloves - cut-resistant and abrasive-resistant; provide hand protection against heat and cold
  • Synthetic Gloves - provide hand protection against heat and cold; cut-resistant and abrasive-resistant; may be made of various materials; can withstand some diluted acids but do not stand up against alkalis and solvents.

• Fabric and Coated Fabric Gloves - made of cotton or other fabric that provides various types of hand protection
  • Fabric Gloves - provide hand protection against dirt, slivers, chafing, and abrasions; do not provide hand protection for use with rough, sharp, or heavy materials; may be strengthened by adding a plastic coating
  • Coated Fabric Gloves - provide hand protection for use with bricks, wire, and chemical laboratory containers; normally a fabric safety glove made from cotton flannel with napping on one side but is transformed into a general-purpose hand protection by coating the unnapped side with plastic; offer slip-resistant qualities.

• Chemical-resistant and Liquid-resistant Gloves - thick safety gloves, which provide great chemical resistance but impair grip and dexterity, that are made of different kinds of rubber or plastic that may be blended or laminated for better performance
  • Butyl Gloves - provide hand protection against varieties of chemicals, rocket fuels, highly corrosive acid, strong bases, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, and nitro compounds; resist oxidation, ozone corrosion, and abrasion; remain flexible at low temperatures; made of synthetic rubber; do not perform well with aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons and halogenated solvents
  • Natural (latex) Rubber Gloves - provide hand protection from water solutions of acids, alkalis, salts, and ketones; have features of tensile strength, elasticity, temperature resistance, and comfortability; a popular general-purpose glove; resist abrasion caused by grinding and polishing; not appropriate for all; may cause allergic reactions to some; have alternatives such as hypoallergenic safety gloves, safety glove liners, and powderless safety gloves
  • Neoprene Gloves - provide hand protection against hydraulic fluids, gasoline, alcohols, organic acids, and alkalis; made of synthetic rubber; offer good pliability, finger dexterity, high density and tear resistance compared to those made of natural rubber
  • Nitrile Gloves - provide hand protection for use with oils, greases, acids, caustics, alcohols and chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene; made of a copolymer; intended for jobs requiring dexterity and sensitivity; stand up to heavy use even after prolonged exposure to substances that cause other safety gloves to deteriorate; generally not recommended for use with strong oxidizing agents, aromatic solvents, ketones and acetates.

• Insulating Rubber Gloves - provides hand protection against electrical shock. For detailed requirements on the selection, use, and care of this kind of safety gloves see 29 CFR 1910.137 and the following section on electrical protective equipment.

Determining Your Hand and Safety Glove Size

It is important to know how to measure the hand to get a safety glove that properly fits. Having a hand measurement will help you obtain the best possible hand protection. Safety gloves may come in numbered sizes such as 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 inches. There are also safety gloves that come in lettered sizes such as XS, S, M, L, XL or XXL and sizes according to age groups for children.

There are two ways to check and ensure that you choose safety gloves that perfectly fit your hands. One method is to measure around the knuckles and another method is to measure your finger length. Here are the steps to go through and follow:

1. - Get a tape measure.
2. - Always prefer your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, measure your right hand. If you are left-handed, measure your left hand.
3. - Go up a size if the safety gloves are too tight on your hands since they may make your hands feel cold.

Using the first method, your safety glove size is the measurement in inches around your knuckles or around the palm of your hand. To illustrate this, refer to figure 1. Table 1 and Table 2 shows the safety glove sizes for men, women, and children.

For men, if your measurement is 5 or 6, your safety glove size is extra small. If it is 7 or 8, your safety glove size is small. 9 inches is a medium safety glove size while 10 inches is a large safety glove size.

Extra large safety glove size is 11 inches and double extra large is 12 inches. The sizes for men may also be used for unisex.

For women, the measurement of 5 inches is an extra small safety glove size while 6 inches is a small safety glove size. 7 inches is medium, 8 inches is large, and 9 inches is extra large.

For children, if their knuckles measurement is 4 inches then their safety glove size is for 5 years old. 5 inches is for 6 to 9 years old safety glove size and 6 inches is for 10 to 13 years old safety glove size.

Figure 1 - Palm Width

	XS	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Men / Unisex	5 - 6	7 - 8	9	10	11	12
Women	5	6	7	8	9

Table 1 - Safety Glove Sizes for Men, Unisex, and Women

Source: sealskinzusa.com

	5 yrs	6 - 9 yrs	10 - 13 yrs
Children	4	5	6

Table 2 - Safety Glove Sizes for Children

Source: sealskinzusa.com

Using the other method, your safety glove size is the measurement in inches from the bottom edge of your palm to the tip of your middle finger. Refer to figure 2 for the illustration of this method. Table 3 shows the safety glove sizes according to your measurements.

Figure 2 - Finger to Palm Length

Measurement (Inches)	Safety Glove Size
6-5/16	XS
7-3/4	S
7-3/16	M
7-9/16	L
8-1/16	XL
8-7/16+	XXL

Table 3 - Safety Glove Sizes for Finger to Palm Length

Source: grainger.com

If a glove-style is made in “one-size fits all”, this means that the average for this type of safety glove would fit in a medium to large size for men and a small to medium size for women.

On account of the variance in sizing based on the thickness and stitching of the safety glove materials, safety glove sizes may vary and you may notice that a smaller or larger size could fit you best depending on the specific safety glove type.

Determining Your Suitable Safety Glove Length

Knowing your hand and safety glove size is one thing and choosing your suitable safety glove length is another. Safety gloves differ in sizes and they are also offered in different lengths.

Depending on what your work task is, it is also important to consider in determining the length of the safety glove that you will use. The ideal safety glove length typically varies relying on how deep you are going to immerse your hand in a solution and how big the impact of the splashes is. Shown in figure 3 is an image or template as a guide for the measurements of the arm.

Figure 3 -  Arm Measurement for Safety Glove Length

Source: grainger.com

Cleaning Safety Gloves

The cleanliness of your supplies is also essential for hygiene purposes. How clean your safety gloves are is actually a positive contribution to your productivity. Normal and ordinary gloves require only a little care. Safety gloves, especially leather safety gloves, require extensive and proper care for them to become long lasting and thus may be used in for a long time.

Light colored safety gloves seem to get dirty much more easily and quickly than those safety gloves that are dark colored.

When the time comes that the leather safety gloves turned into the dark, immediately wash them. Wet leather loses color easily, so don't over-wet or vigorously rub the safety gloves. Here are the steps:

1. - With a dampened a paper towel, work a small bit of saddle soap into a lather. An example of a fine soap would be the Meltonian Saddle Soap, see figure 4 below.
2. - Putting on one safety glove and having the paper towel on the other hand, gently work the soap into the soiled areas.
3. - After several seconds, use a new damp paper towel to rinse away the soap and grime.
4. - Repeat steps 1-3 if needed. And then do the same with the other glove.
5. - Allow both safety gloves to air dry.

Figure 4 - Meltonian Saddle Soap

Source: shoeshinekit.com

The Meltonian Saddle Soap was originally the “Properts” Saddle Soap but is not sold under the name of Meltonian. The 3 ⅛ oz soap cleans and polishes all smooth leather boots, shoes, and large leather items such as saddles just in simple and easy steps.

It also works great on other smooth leather articles such as tack, handbags, belt, gloves, sports gear, luggage, and leather furniture. The Meltonian Saddle Soap removes embedded dirt and grime. It soaks into leather fibers to help prevent brittleness while maintaining the suppleness and strength of any of the leather products.

Buying Safety Gloves

Finding the suitable and convenient safety gloves that work with almost everything is a difficult and complicated thing to do. When you work in an industry, you will need to have safety gloves that can be used for multiple purposes whether it may be for automotive, manufacturing, or construction.

Fortunately, consolidating safety gloves is acceptable only when you have similar jobs that have similar risks, hazards, and environments. In this way, you can reduce the number of safety glove styles that you are purchasing and thus you can buy multi-use safety gloves. Another benefit of replacing several safety gloves with multi-use safety gloves is the cost savings. Here are the possible ways to consider when you are looking for a universal glove:

1. The Working Environment and its Hazards

• Areas should have similar temperatures and have similar hazards such as cut, puncture, or back-of-hand impact. Wearing safety gloves that are designed in cool temperatures cannot be used in hot temperatures and vice-versa. Also, if only one area needs hand protection from hypodermic needles then that area should not be considered for consolidation.

1. Glove Material Composition

• Different materials mean that the safety gloves are made for different purposes. You would need a safety glove made of leather for high abrasion resistance and a string-knit safety glove for cut resistance. You need to consider the palm coating when selecting a multi-use safety glove in order to improve the grip and the puncture resistance. Each palm coating has its own strengths and weaknesses and it can also make safety gloves compatible for a

1. Additional Glove Features

• Some safety gloves have additional features such as an anti-impact safety glove made for industries like oil and gas that have a lot of similar activities and threats from one application to another.

1. Glove Dexterity

• Considering how much dexterity needed for certain tasks is important. It is not recommended for safety glove consolidation when each of the tasks needs a different level of dexterity but if you want to buy a multi-use glove, look for a highly-dexterous safety glove so that it can also be easier to use in areas that do not need that much level of dexterity.

However, consolidating safety gloves is not recommended when you have a vast range of various purposes. It is the responsibility of the employer to determine the suitable safety glove for a certain task. For example, merely moving boxes in the warehouse will not need the same hand protection as working in the metal fabrication division.

There is a need in checking with the manufacturer or reviewing their product literature when selecting safety gloves that provide hand protection against chemical exposure hazards. In this way, you can ensure the effectiveness of the safety gloves in specific conditions in a workplace.

Aside from considering the purposes of the glove, proper sizing also takes a vital role when buying one. There will be consequences if the accurate size is not measured. Generally, it affects your work process and progress since you may have job completion delays.

Your hand will not be perfectly protected because of possible hand injuries, hand fatigue, and uncomfortability. Wearing safety gloves that are too small may be stretched out more than it possibly can and it could result in them to be torn or ripped apart.

On the other hand, wearing safety gloves that are too large may also be easily worn off or pulled off your hand. Due to these incorrect safety glove sizing, it is very wasteful, costly, and risky in the view of the fact that your hand cannot be protected and you should buy another correctly-fitting safety gloves.

The following are some examples of safety gloves and their corresponding features :

• - TENACTIV™:
• - String-knit glove
• - Material keeps hands cool
• - Lint-free
• - Good for food handling
• - Easily cleaned, can use bleach
• - KEVLAR®:
• - String-knit glove
• - Cut-resistant and heat-resistant properties
• - Will not melt upon contact with open flame
• - Easily cleaned, but do not bleach
• - Great for sparks
• - Endura® Oilbloc™ Goatskin Kevlar®-Lined Anti-Impact Driver Gloves
• - Anti-impact padding
• - Vibration dampening palms
• - Arc flash protection
• - ANSI A5 cut resistance
• - ANSI 5 puncture protection
• - Dexterity
• - Suitable for multiple applications

Scotty’s Gloves

Scotty’s Gloves is a renowned wholesaler in Kinco safety work gloves and OK-1 safety clothing and accessories since 2007.

They offer some of the best brands in the industry including Majestic, Kinco, Edge, and Red Steer. They also give discounts on bulk orders and wholesale pricing on all of their items sold by the dozen.

Scotty’s Gloves can assure their customers and users high-quality Kinco safety gloves that come in a variety of great styles, colors, and sizes.

The safety gloves can be for everyone - for men, for women, and even for children. Below are the available variations of Kinco gloves under the “Gloves” navigation bar in the Scotty’s Gloves’ website:

• - Anti Vibration Gloves
• - Coated Gloves
• - Cut Resistant Gloves
• - Cotton/String/Knit/Jersey/Chore
• - Disposable Gloves
• - Drivers Gloves
• - Fire Resistant Gloves
• - High Visibility
• - Kids Gloves
• - Ladies Gloves
• - Leather Palms
• - Lined Drivers Gloves
• - Mechanics Gloves
• - Military/Law Enforcement Gloves
• - Mitts/Mittens
• - Ragg Wool Gloves
• - Ski Gloves
• - Welder’s Gloves

The customers and users of Scotty’s Gloves are ensured that they get their products and items they need in their workplaces at a low price.

These products help the customers and users do their job efficiently and effectively. The safety gloves of Scotty’s Gloves have highly reflective strips that can make them easily visible even in low-light conditions and thus makes the customers and users safe in any workplace and during any work hours.

Conclusion

Safety gloves provide hand protection against the exposure and contact of different dangers and hazards encountered in a workplace such as chemicals, cuts, punctures, impact injuries, and heat.

Scotty’s Gloves offers a wide variety of safety gloves that fit men, women, and children from ski gloves, to driving gloves, to welding gloves, and to leather gloves which have features that match the specifications needed for distinct tasks.

Scotty’s Gloves also provides a guide on finding the correct-fitting safety gloves. Hand protection is highly important and therefore, wearing safety gloves and keeping them clean at all times should be done since it can incredibly help contribute to the success of jobs.