Proper training is the first step to prevention

Before a worker performs his or her tasks and duties, it is recommended that he or she has received prior instruction and training. Likewise, he/she must know the protocols and manuals of occupational risk prevention and know how to put them into practice.

To use gloves and other PPE, operators must check that all parts are in perfect condition. On the other hand, they must be prevented from being exposed to risks in the workplace to help maintain their health and physical integrity.

What are cut and impact resistant gloves?

These elements are part of the PPE designed to ensure the safety of workers against blows and incisions. In addition, it should be clarified that these are different from puncture-resistant gloves, which have other functions. Therefore, it is vital to perform a prior analysis of each workstation in order to know which garments should be part of your protective equipment.

In their manufacture, there are different levels, which are based on the hardness of the material and the amount of protection they provide. In any case, it is always advisable to acquire those that protect the hands, but allow the fingers to move nimbly to do things with dexterity.

Cut-resistant glove standards

Different countries follow EN 388 or ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 standards to define their different performance levels for shear strength.

Types of gloves

The oil and gas industry requires the use of heavy tools, slippery petroleum products and large machinery. Therefore, it is not surprising that so many workplace injuries occur. In order to avoid them, gloves with oil protection used in this sector are usually made of the following materials:

• Nitrile, PVC or neoprene coatings.
• Fibers such as HPPE, aramids and para-aramids.
• TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber) for impact protection.

Which gloves to choose for impact protection?

Modern PPE gloves satisfy a number of necessary safety functions. These include:

• High visibility.
• Impact and cut resistance.
• Protection against extreme temperatures and adverse weather conditions.
• Coating technology and grip strength.

Of these elements, impact and cut resistance as well as grip strength are particularly important in the oil and gas industry. Thanks to these properties, they protect workers' hands, prevent fatigue and make the use of gloves comfortable and valuable. It is also essential to choose safety gloves with thermal protection, flame resistance and high-visibility colors.

The risks of not wearing impact- and cut-resistant gloves

Cut- and impact-resistant gloves help protect hands and fingers from accidents that could otherwise cause serious injury. However, not all gloves of this type are the same. Therefore, the balance between strength and functionality is essential for them to fulfill their purpose: facilitate work while providing safety.

Hand injuries, a common problem

Many workers in the oil industry suffer injuries of varying degrees to their hands that are often associated with impacts, cuts and burns. This is because they are constantly exposed to risks such as:

• Crushing and entrapment.
• Blows caused by tools or materials.
• Absorption of chemical substances.
• Vibration hazards.
• Angle grinder accidents.
• Exposure to high temperatures.
• Cuts on the fingers.
• Particles entering the skin.
• Appropriate safety gloves are the best solution

The oil and gas industry has to provide specific working conditions, with comprehensive risk prevention plans and quality personal protective equipment. Within this PPE, quality gloves are essential.

At Ansell, we have a wide range of high quality products for the oil and gas industry. Our gloves meet the needs of workers in this sector, ensuring their safety against impacts, but without reducing dexterity when handling objects. In addition, we have models in countless shapes and sizes, so that each operator can find the one that best suits his physiognomy. In this way, workers are able to perform their work safely and comfortably. We are concerned about occupational safety and, to this end, we work every day with effort and dedication to make it a reality.