What glove should you use for each task?

There is no single glove material that protects against every substance. HSE recommends selecting gloves according to the substance, other hazards involved, duration of contact, wearer and task.

That means the glove used for general material handling may be completely unsuitable for someone mixing mortar or applying a solvent-based coating.

Here’s a practical starting point:

HSE specifically advises waterproof gloves suitable for alkaline substances when working with wet cement. For many organic solvents, single-use nitrile gloves can be suitable for certain tasks, but selection must still be based on the individual chemical.

Don’t specify on glove material alone

“Nitrile” or “PVC” on a procurement list doesn’t necessarily tell a site team whether that glove is suitable.

Chemical resistance can vary between products and manufacturers. The important information includes breakthrough time, permeation rate and degradation for the substance being handled.

Before approving a glove, procurement teams should therefore check:

• The substance or product being handled
• The relevant Safety Data Sheet
• Manufacturer chemical-resistance information
• Expected duration and type of exposure
• Whether cut, abrasion or puncture protection is also required
• Glove length, fit, grip and dexterity
• When the glove should be replaced

A more practical approach to PPE procurement

For businesses managing multiple construction sites, the answer isn’t necessarily to stock dozens of different gloves.

A better approach is to identify the main tasks carried out across your sites, establish an approved glove specification for each risk category and make those choices easy for site teams to order consistently.

It gives procurement greater control while helping H&S teams make sure PPE selection reflects the work actually taking place.

Reviewing your glove or wider PPE specification? Speak to Interfix about consolidating the right protection across your sites.

Interfix. Greater control. Less admin. Zero hassle.