KeepSAFE Glove Brochure - WBT

Glossary of terms

APPENDIX

EXPLANATION

Abrasion Resistance

The ability of a glove material to withstand surface wear caused by friction. Rated under EN 388 for mechanical protection.

ANSI (American National Standards Institute)

A U.S. organisation that sets safety standards, including for protective gloves.

Anti-Static Gloves

Gloves designed to prevent static electricity build up, commonly used in electronics and explosive environments.

Breakthrough Time

The time it takes for a chemical to pass through glove material, indicating its level of chemical resistance.

Chemical-Resistant Gloves

Gloves made from materials like nitrile, neoprene, or PVC, designed to protect against chemical exposure.

Cut Resistance

The ability of a glove to resist cuts and lacerations, rated under EN 388 with levels ranging from A (lowest) to F (highest).

Dexterity

The level of flexibility and precision a glove allows for handling tasks requiring fine motor skills.

Double Dipping

A manufacturing process where gloves are coated twice for enhanced protection against liquids and chemicals.

EN 374

A European standard for gloves protecting against chemicals and microorganisms.

EN 388

A European standard for mechanical protection gloves, testing against abrasion, cuts, tearing, and punctures.

EN 511

A European standard for gloves providing protection against cold conditions.

Grip Coating

A textured or specialised surface applied to gloves (e.g., foam nitrile, latex crinkle), improving grip in dry, wet, or oily conditions.

Heat-Resistant Gloves

Gloves made to withstand high temperatures, often used in welding, foundries, and food processing.

Impact Resistance

The ability of gloves to absorb and dissipate force, protecting hands from impact injuries, commonly tested under EN 13594.

Kevlar ®

A high-strength, heat-resistant fibre used in cut-resistant and flame-resistant gloves.

Latex Allergies

A reaction some individuals experience when exposed to natural rubber latex gloves, often leading to the use of nitrile or vinyl alternatives.

Microfoam Nitrile

A breathable coating that enhances grip and comfort while maintaining high dexterity, often used in general handling gloves.

Mil Thickness

A measurement of glove thickness, often used for disposable gloves. One mil = 0.001 inches.

Nitrile

A synthetic rubber material commonly used in gloves for chemical, cut, and oil resistance.

Palm Coated Gloves

Gloves that have a protective coating only on the palm and fingers, improving grip while keeping the back of the hand breathable.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Equipment worn to minimise exposure to workplace hazards, such as safety gloves.

Puncture Resistance

A glove’s ability to withstand sharp object penetration, tested under EN 388.

Reinforced Thumb Crotch

A reinforced area between the thumb and index finger for extra durability in high-wear areas.

Tactile Sensitivity

The ability to feel objects and perform delicate tasks while wearing gloves.

Tear Resistance

A glove’s ability to resist tearing when stretched or stressed, rated under EN 388.

Touchscreen Compatibility

Gloves designed with conductive materials that allow the use of touchscreen devices without removal.

Vibration-Resistant Gloves

Gloves designed to reduce exposure to vibrations, often used in power tool operation to prevent Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).

Waterproof Gloves

Gloves that prevent water penetration, commonly used in cold, wet, or outdoor environments

14 Appendix