Hand Protection
Hand Protection PPE Kenya – Safety Glove Selection Guide
Choosing the right hand protection starts with the hazard. Different jobs may expose workers to cuts, abrasion, heat, chemicals, electricity, cold, moisture or contamination.
This guide helps companies and workers choose suitable safety gloves according to the task, required protection, fit and product specification.
Start With the Hazard
- What task is the worker performing?
- What material is being handled?
- Is there a cut or abrasion risk?
- Is heat or welding involved?
- Is a chemical involved?
- Is the work wet or cold?
- Is electrical insulation required?
- How much dexterity is needed?
Why Hand Protection Must Match the Task
No single glove protects against every workplace hazard. Start with the job, then choose the glove.
Abrasion & Handling
Rough materials, tools and loading work may require gloves designed for grip and abrasion protection.
Cut Hazards
Sharp edges require gloves with a documented cut-protection level suited to the task.
Heat & Welding
Welding and hot work require gloves designed for the specific heat, spark and handling exposure.
Chemical Contact
Chemical gloves must match the substance, concentration and expected contact time.
Electrical Work
Electrical insulating gloves require the correct rating, condition, inspection and documentation.
Cold & Wet Work
Refrigerated, cleaning and wet environments may require suitable thermal or moisture-resistant gloves.
How to Choose Safety Gloves
Use this simple selection process before comparing products or prices.
1. Define the Task
Record what the worker actually does and what materials or equipment are handled.
2. Identify the Hazard
Determine whether the main risk involves abrasion, cuts, heat, chemicals, electricity, cold or contamination.
3. Choose the Glove Type
Select a glove category designed for that specific hazard.
4. Check the Specification
Review the material, protection level, applicable standard and product limitations.
5. Check Fit & Dexterity
The glove should fit securely while allowing the worker to perform the task safely.
6. Inspect & Replace
Inspect reusable gloves regularly and replace them when damage or deterioration affects protection.
Choose Hand Protection by Hazard
Use the workplace hazard to decide which glove category to explore.
Leather Work Gloves
Suitable for selected handling, loading, construction, warehouse and maintenance tasks.
Explore Leather GlovesCut-Resistant Gloves
Designed for tasks involving sharp edges and materials where documented cut protection is required.
Explore Cut-Resistant GlovesChemical-Resistant Gloves
Selected according to the chemical, concentration, contact time and glove compatibility.
Explore Chemical GlovesElectrical Gloves
Electrical insulating gloves require the correct class, voltage limits, inspection and testing.
Explore Electrical GlovesPVC Gloves
Reusable options for selected wet work, cleaning, maintenance and chemical-handling tasks.
Explore PVC GlovesImpact-Resistant Gloves
Designed for suitable tasks where the hands may face impact or contact with equipment and materials.
Explore Impact GlovesChemical Glove Selection
No glove material should be treated as resistant to every chemical.
Check these factors before selecting a glove:
- Exact chemical
- Concentration
- Contact duration
- Temperature
- Glove material
- Glove thickness
- Cuff length
- Manufacturer compatibility information
Electrical Glove Selection
Electrical gloves should be selected from their actual rating and documentation.
Do not rely only on the product name or rubber appearance.
- Identify the electrical task
- Confirm voltage exposure
- Check glove class
- Check working-voltage limits
- Inspect before use
- Follow required testing procedures
Disposable Gloves Are Different
Thin disposable gloves can be suitable for selected hygiene, food handling and short-duration barrier tasks.
However, they should not automatically be treated as:
- Cut-resistant gloves
- Heavy chemical gloves
- Puncture-proof gloves
- Heat-resistant gloves
- Reusable industrial gloves
Glove Material Is Not the Whole Specification
Two gloves made from the same general material can provide different levels of protection.
Also consider:
- Thickness
- Coating
- Lining
- Cuff length
- Grip design
- Documented protection level
- Manufacturer specification
Inspect Reusable Safety Gloves
Check reusable gloves before use and during their service life.
Cuts & Tears
Check the glove surface for visible physical damage.
Punctures
Look for holes or damaged areas that may affect protection.
Cuff Damage
Check cuffs where protection beyond the wrist is required.
Material Deterioration
Look for cracking, swelling, hardening, softening or other unusual changes.
Hand Protection for Different Workplaces
Different teams can require different glove specifications even within the same company.
Construction
Consider handling, abrasion, sharp materials, concrete work, welding and other site hazards.
Factories
Production, maintenance, cleaning and engineering teams may each require different gloves.
Warehouses
Consider grip, abrasion, loading, pallet handling and any sharp materials present.
Cleaning
Identify the cleaning chemical before choosing reusable or disposable gloves.
Electrical Work
Use electrical insulating gloves only where their rating and specification match the task.
Food Handling
Choose gloves according to hygiene requirements, food-contact suitability and the actual work activity.
Ready to Choose Safety Gloves?
Once you have identified the hand hazard and required protection, compare available gloves and current prices in the Bansi Safety Gear Safety Gloves category.
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