This poster is a quick-reference guide for hand PPE - the idea is the right glove for the right job = better protection.
It groups gloves by what hazard they protect against. Here's what each one means:
1. Basic / General Handling
1. COTTON GLOVES - White knitted gloves.
For: Light duty, handling clean/dry materials, assembly and inspection, or as a liner inside another glove
Key point: Breathable and comfortable, but only basic protection. No chemical or cut protection.
2. LEATHER GLOVES - Yellow/brown work gloves.
For: General construction, material handling, welding (specific leather types), heavy-duty outdoor work
Key point: Durable, good abrasion and puncture resistance. Not for chemicals or electricity.
2. Chemical Protection - this is where material matters
3. NITRILE GLOVES - Blue disposable-style but stronger.
For: Chemical handling, oil and grease, lab and healthcare, food processing, general industrial
Key point: Best all-rounder for chemicals. Excellent chemical and puncture resistance, good grip even when wet. No latex allergy risk.
4. LATEX GLOVES - Cream colored.
For: Healthcare and first aid, food handling, cleaning, light chemical, general purpose
Key point: Very flexible and comfortable, moderate chemical resistance - but less than nitrile. Main issue is latex allergy for some people.
5. PVC GLOVES - Red, usually longer cuff.
For: Chemical handling, acids and alkalis (solutions), food processing, wet and oily conditions
Key point: Waterproof, durable and good chemical resistance. Good low-cost option for wet work.
6. NEOPRENE GLOVES - Black.
For: Chemical exposure, oils and solvents, pesticide handling, lab work, industrial maintenance
Key point: Resists a very wide range of chemicals, flexible and durable. Better than nitrile for some solvents.
In HSE terms: always check the chemical compatibility chart. Nitrile is not good for everything, neoprene is not good for everything. No single chemical glove protects against all chemicals.
### 3. Mechanical / Specialty Protection
7. CUT RESISTANT GLOVES - Grey/black with coated palm.
For: Handling sharp objects, glass, metal and sheet material, construction, food processing
Key point: Protects against cuts and abrasions. Rated by cut level 1-5, where 5 is highest cut resistance.
8. HEAT RESISTANT GLOVES - Orange/brown, thick.
For: High temperature work, foundry and welding support, ovens and furnaces, hot surfaces and steam
Key point: Withstands high heat and prevents burns. Not the same as welding gloves - more for radiant heat and hot objects.
9. ELECTRICAL INSULATING GLOVES - White with black/red cuff.
For: Electrical work, live line maintenance, power generation and distribution, high voltage areas
Key point: The only gloves that protect against electrical shock. They are rated by voltage class - you must use the correct class for the voltage and always inspect for damage. No other glove on this poster protects against electricity.
10. WELDING GLOVES - Long blue gloves.
For: Arc welding, MIG / TIG welding, hot metal handling, fabrication
Key point: Heat, flame and abrasion resistant, but with better finger dexterity than a general heat glove so you can still handle the torch.
11. IMPACT RESISTANT GLOVES - Black with yellow rubber (TPR) on the back.
For: Heavy machinery, construction, oil and gas, mechanical handling, high impact risks
Key point: The thick rubber pads on the back protect against impact, plus some cut and puncture protection.
12. DISPOSABLE / EXAMINATION GLOVES - Blue single-use.
For: Medical / first aid, food handling, laboratory, cleanroom, general low-risk tasks
Key point: Single use only. Hygienic and prevents cross-contamination. Can be made from nitrile, latex or vinyl - the blue ones shown are typically nitrile.
4. The bottom bar - Important Reminders
This is the part to use in toolbox talks:
Choose based on hazard and task - not just what is available
Check for damage before use - especially for electrical and chemical gloves
Ensure the right fit - loose gloves reduce grip and can get caught in machinery
Replace when worn, torn or contaminated - a damaged glove gives a false sense of security
