Cold Store Gloves

About Cold Store Gloves

Cold store gloves are specialist thermal work gloves engineered to protect hands in freezing environments, from commercial freezers and refrigerated warehouses to outdoor winter work sites. These professional-grade gloves combine multiple layers of insulating materials with durable, water-resistant outer shells to maintain hand warmth and dexterity in temperatures as low as -50°C. MyToolShed.co.uk supplies cold store gloves from trusted manufacturers like Portwest, designed to meet EN 511 standards for cold protection whilst providing the grip and flexibility needed for manual handling tasks.

Modern cold store gloves feature advanced insulation technologies such as Thinsulate™ lining, reinforced palms for durability, and extended cuffs to prevent cold air infiltration at the wrist. Whether you're handling frozen goods, operating equipment in sub-zero conditions, or working extended shifts in cold storage facilities, these gloves provide essential PPE protection against frostbite and cold-related injuries whilst maintaining productivity.

Applications

• Cold Store Operatives: Warehouse staff handling frozen food and goods at sub-zero temperatures
• Food Distribution Workers: Loading and unloading frozen products from delivery vehicles
• Supermarket Staff: Employees accessing walk-in freezers for stock replenishment
• Cold Store Engineers: Maintenance professionals servicing refrigeration equipment
• Fishery Workers: Processing and handling fresh and frozen fish products
• Pharmaceutical Workers: Managing temperature-controlled storage for medical supplies
• Construction Tradespeople: Groundworkers and outdoor tradespeople working in harsh winter conditions
• Agricultural Workers: Farm staff managing livestock and equipment during cold weather

Choosing The Right Cold Store Gloves

Temperature Rating: Select gloves rated at least 10 degrees lower than your coldest working temperature. Standard cold stores (-18°C to -25°C) require gloves rated to -30°C or -40°C for adequate protection with a safety margin.

Dexterity vs Warmth: Balance thermal protection against manual dexterity needs. Pre-curved designs with thinner insulation suit detailed handling tasks, whilst heavily insulated options are better for bulk handling and prolonged exposure.

Grip Performance: Look for textured palms with PVC dots, latex crinkle finishes, or nitrile coatings if handling smooth, frozen packages or operating machinery in cold conditions.

Water Resistance: Choose gloves with waterproof membranes or water-repellent outer shells in environments with condensation, as moisture significantly reduces insulation effectiveness.

Compliance: Ensure gloves meet EN 511 standards and match your workplace risk assessment requirements under HSE regulations for cold environment PPE.

Safety Information

Cold store gloves are classified as Category II or III PPE under UK regulations. Employers must provide suitable gloves for cold environments and conduct proper risk assessments under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992. Always inspect gloves before use for damage or moisture that could compromise protection—even small tears significantly reduce insulation effectiveness.

Ensure proper fit without restricting circulation, as tight gloves increase susceptibility to cold injury. Never wear damp gloves in freezing conditions, as moisture conducts cold directly to skin. Take regular warm-up breaks and seek medical attention if you experience numbness or loss of sensation. MyToolShed.co.uk recommends storing gloves in a dry, warm location and allowing them to dry completely between uses to maintain thermal performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature rating do I need for standard cold store work?

Most commercial cold stores operate between -18°C and -25°C. Gloves rated to -30°C or -40°C provide adequate protection with a safety margin. Deep freeze facilities below -30°C require specialist gloves with extreme cold ratings.

Why do my hands still get cold even with cold store gloves?

Several factors reduce effectiveness: gloves too tight restricting circulation, dampness from condensation, low core body temperature reducing blood flow, or insufficient temperature rating. Ensure proper fit, keep gloves dry, wear appropriate thermal clothing, and consider higher-rated gloves if problems persist.

How long do cold store gloves typically last?

With proper care, quality cold store gloves last 6-12 months of regular daily use. Inspect regularly for worn areas on palms and fingertips, and replace when insulation becomes compressed or outer materials show significant wear.