Work Gloves

Understanding EN Standards and CE Categories

Safety gloves carry CE category ratings: CAT I for minimal risks (simple handling), CAT II for intermediate hazards (moderate mechanical or thermal exposure), and CAT III for irreversible or mortal risks (severe chemical burns, high-voltage electrical work, extreme temperatures). Products in this collection include gloves certified to EN 388:2016 for mechanical handling—the updated standard introduced the ISO 13997 cut test for high-performance materials that blunt traditional blades. Cut resistance now runs A–F instead of the old 1–5 scale; check individual listings for exact performance levels. Heat-resistant options meet EN 407 across six criteria: contact heat, convective heat, radiant heat, small molten splashes, large molten metal splashes, and burning behaviour. Cold-protection models are tested to EN 511 for convective cold, contact cold, and water penetration—essential when handling frozen goods or working outdoors in winter.

Key Selection Criteria: What to Check Before You Buy

Match the hazard to the standard. EN 388 covers cuts, abrasion, tear, and puncture—most warehouse, assembly, and general handling tasks. EN 407 applies when you're touching hot surfaces, working near radiant heat, or handling molten splashes in foundries and glass manufacturing. EN 511 protects against cold air, frozen objects, and water ingress in refrigerated environments or outdoor winter work. Common mistake: choosing a glove rated for contact heat when you actually face convective heat from steam or hot air. The two require different insulation strategies. Dexterity matters, too—higher cut levels often mean thicker liners, which reduce grip and tactile feel. For precision assembly or electrical work, you might accept Level C cut resistance to preserve finger movement. Food processing requires dual compliance: cut protection and food-safe certification (EC 1935/2004) to prevent material migration into products.

Materials and Construction by Application

Leather (cowhide, goatskin) suits abrasion and general mechanical handling—breathable, durable, and naturally heat-resistant up to moderate temperatures. Nitrile and PU coatings add grip in oily or wet conditions while maintaining cut resistance when bonded to Kevlar or HPPE liners. Kevlar and aramid fibres resist cuts and won't melt under heat, making them the go-to for glass handling and metalwork. Aluminised fabrics reflect radiant heat in foundry and welding applications. Disposable nitrile and latex models serve food prep, medical, and light assembly where contamination control trumps durability. Insulated styles sandwich thermal linings (Thinsulate, foam) between outer shells for cold stores and winter construction. Heavy-duty options double-stitch seams and reinforce palms for demolition, landscaping, and repetitive handling that wears through standard gloves in days.

Fit, Sizing, and Common Specification Mistakes

Gloves that are too tight restrict circulation (dangerous in cold environments) and tear at stress points. Too loose, and you lose dexterity—your hand slides inside the glove during gripping, increasing fatigue and reducing control. Measure hand circumference at the widest part (excluding thumb) and check manufacturer sizing charts; European sizes (7–11) don't always align with S/M/L/XL labelling. Many buyers over-specify protection levels, adding unnecessary bulk. A warehouse picker handling cardboard doesn't need Level F cut resistance—Level C with good grip coating is lighter, cheaper, and less fatiguing over an 8-hour shift. Conversely, under-specifying is common in butchery and glass cutting, where a single cut injury costs more than a year's glove budget. For chemical protection, check the breakthrough time for your specific chemical—EN ISO 374 Type A, B, or C tells you how many chemicals were tested, not how long the glove lasts against the one you're using.