Work Gloves Guide

Here at JustGloves, we appreciate that work gloves are an essential part of personal protective equipment for many workers and that all manner of everyday tasks cannot be performed safely without them. Using our hands every day for arduous tasks can be tough, but choosing the correct type of safety gloves can help minimise any discomfort during work and maximise productivity.

We believe all our customers should be able to make an informed decision on their choice of work gloves. This is why, for all our safety gloves, we provide you with technical specifications, and an easy-to-use size guide to assist you in finding the perfect choice of work glove for you.

What is BS EN 388?

To assist the users in the selection of products for a particular application, the EN 388 standard gives an indication as to the performance of the glove in 4 related criteria, by assigning them scores. The criteria are abrasion resistance (1-4), cut resistance (1-5), tear resistance (1-4) and puncture resistance (1-4). The scores for each criteria are then displayed below a pictogram as shown below - this can be found on the back of gloves or on the packaging. (See right)

To assign EN 388 mechanical resistance scores to work gloves, they are tested by an external body in a controlled test environment. The tests are as follows:

Abrasion Resistance (1-4)

Abrasion testing is performed by using samples from key areas of the gloves, such as the palm or fingertips. The glove samples are then rubbed backwards and forwards over an abrasive material, noting the number of cycles completed before breakthrough occurs. The number of cycles completed is what determines a gloves score in this area and thus how resistant it is to abrasions. Please see the table below for an indication of what performance is required to attain each level, 1 is the lowest level, 4 is the highest.
Cut Resistance (1-5)

The cut resistance of a work glove is determined by using a sample of the gloves, a control sample, and a hardened tungsten steel carbide blade. The blade is run back & forth over the sample of the gloves and the control sample with a constant pressure. The cut performance value gives a relative performance of the glove material against a standard or reference material (ascertained by the control sample). The cut resistance performance scale is the only one that goes up to a maximum of 5, level 1 is the lowest, 5 is the highest. To achieve Level 5 cut resistance the glove must be at least 20 times more resistant than the control sample.
Tear Resistance (1-4)

The tear resistance is a relative measure of the force required to tear samples of the gloves. Samples of the gloves are taken and precut to facilitate the tearing test. The level of protection which a glove offers is a reflection of the force required to tear both along and across the direction that the material is oriented in the sample, measured in newtons. Level 1 is the lowest level of protection, level 4 is the highest.
Puncture Resistance (1-4)

To determine puncture resistance, a 4.5mm diameter steel pin stylus with a 30 deg point is pushed through a sample of the glove material. The greater the pressure in newtons required to puncture the surface of the sample, the greater the resistance and thus the higher the score. Level 1 is the lowest level of protection, level 4 is the highest.

Relative Performance Table: The below table gives the rough values required for different levels of each separate test. These values and the tests in their entirety are designed to enable customers to make judge a specific gloves suitability for a specific task or application.

	Performance Level
Test	1	2	3	4	5
Abrasion resistance (cycles)	100	500	2000	8000	-
Blade cut resistance	1.2	2.5	5	10	20
Tear resistance (newtons)	10	25	50	75	-
Puncture resistance (newtons)	20	60	100	150	-

Gripper Gloves: Extra Grip and Protection for Manual Handling and Warehouse Applications

When you’re dealing with manual tasks requiring extra grip these will be your go-to. Coated gloves are designed to provide you with an enhanced grasp while offering essential protection.

Perfect for various general-purpose manual handling applications, these gloves will help ensure your safety and efficiency. Whether you are working in a warehouse, handling tools, or performing detailed tasks, our coated gloves offer the grip and protection you need.

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Rigger Gloves: Robust Protection for General Handling and Industrial Applications

Looking for the best work gloves offering robust protection and durability for your hands?

Our top-selling range of work gloves are crafted from high-quality leather. Ensuring they stand up to the toughest tasks, whether you're involved in general handling or industrial applications.

View our full range of Rigger Gloves

Cut Resistant Gloves: Protection for Sharp Edge Handling

Concerned about cuts and injuries while handling sharp objects?

Discover our comprehensive range of cut resistant gloves designed to offer protection against sharp edges. Constructed from high-quality materials, our gloves provide up to cut level 5 protection, ensuring your safety in various work environments. Whether you’re working in construction, handling sharp tools in the kitchen, or managing delicate tasks in industrial settings, our gloves are the ideal choice to keep your hands safe.

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Cold Work Gloves: Stay Warm and Protected in Cold Conditions

Working in cold conditions where you need to keep your hands warm and still maintain a good grip?

Whether you need thermal knitted gloves for insulation or want extra warmth with fleece-lined gloves, check out the specialist cold work glove range designed to provide protection and grip for cold handling situations.

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Oil / Water Resistant Gloves

Struggling to maintain a secure grip in wet or oily conditions?

Oil / Water resistant gloves are designed to give great grip performance in challenging environments. Perfect for mechanics and workers frequently dealing with wet or oily surfaces, these gloves help you maintain a secure hold, enhancing both safety and efficiency in your tasks. With high-grip gloves, you can confidently handle tools and equipment without worrying about slippage.

View our full range of Oil / Water Resistant Gloves

Assembly Line Gloves: Precision and Protection for Light Handling

Looking for gloves that provide protection while maintaining dexterity?

Assembly line gloves provide a protective barrier against minor abrasions and contaminants, making them ideal for inspection tasks, light handling, or as glove liners. Covering an array of work environments you can choose from assembly line gloves with oil resistance, thermal insulation, and more, making them suitable for many professions.

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Heat Resistant Gloves: Protection Against Dry Heat

Need reliable protection from dry heat while handling utensils or performing general maintenance tasks?

Top-quality heat resistant gloves are designed to keep your hands safe from dry heat sources. Whether you're working in the kitchen or performing general maintenance, these gloves provide the protection you need to handle hot objects confidently and safely. Perfect for chefs, home cooks, and maintenance workers, our gloves are your essential tool for dry heat environments.

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Chemical Resistant Gloves: Disposable or Reusable, Protection Against Chemicals

Protecting your hands is essential whether you're tackling everyday household chores or handling harsh industrial chemicals.

Our chemical resistant gloves range from budget-friendly household rubber gloves providing reliable protection for household cleaning to high-grade industrial gloves compliant with EN374 chemical resistance standards, so we’ve got you covered!

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Reasons to Shop With Us

JustGloves is one of the UK's leading glove suppliers.

Featuring over 700 different varieties, all in sizes small to extra large, we are sure to have the right glove for you. Our most popular materials are nitrile, latex and vinyl and all offer protection against chemicals.

We supply gloves to healthcare, beauty, motortrade, education and other businesses.