Gloves

About Gloves

Protective gloves are essential personal protective equipment (PPE) for tradespeople, industrial workers, and DIY enthusiasts across the UK. Whether you're working on a construction site, in a warehouse, garden, or workshop, the right pair of gloves can prevent injuries, improve grip, and enhance comfort during demanding tasks. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks an extensive range of work gloves designed to meet the diverse needs of different trades and applications, from heavy-duty leather rigger gloves for construction work to precision-fit nitrile gloves for detailed assembly tasks.

Our glove selection covers every imaginable work environment and hazard type. Specialised options include cut-resistant gloves for handling sharp materials, electrical safety gloves for live electrical work, thermal gloves for cold store environments, and chemical-resistant gloves for handling hazardous substances. We also stock industry-specific solutions such as chainmail gloves for butchers, ESD gloves for electronics work, and framers gloves for carpentry tasks requiring both protection and dexterity.

Applications

Professional work gloves are essential PPE across virtually every trade and industry sector:

• Construction Workers and Builders: General purpose and contractors gloves for site work, handling materials, and operating machinery
• Electricians: Electrical safety gloves rated for live work, plus ESD gloves for sensitive electronics
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Grip gloves for handling pipes, chemical-resistant gloves for cleaning agents
• Carpenters and Joiners: Framers gloves offering protection with finger dexterity for detailed woodworking
• Mechanics and Auto Technicians: Nitrile gloves resistant to oils and fuels, disposable gloves for cleanliness
• Warehouse and Logistics Staff: General purpose and grip gloves for handling packages and stock
• Garden and Landscape Professionals: Garden gloves protecting against thorns, cuts, and moisture
• Food Industry Workers: Food-safe disposable gloves, cut-resistant gloves for food preparation
• Manufacturing and Assembly Workers: Precision grip gloves, cut-resistant gloves, and PU coated gloves for various production environments
• DIY Enthusiasts: General purpose gloves for home maintenance, gardening, and improvement projects

Choosing The Right Gloves

Identify the Hazards: Begin by assessing your work tasks. Are you at risk from cuts, abrasions, chemicals, extreme temperatures, or electrical hazards? Different hazards require different glove specifications and safety ratings. For example, handling sheet metal demands high cut resistance (EN 388 level 4 or above), whilst working with batteries requires chemical resistance.

Check Safety Standards: Ensure gloves meet relevant British and European standards for your application. EN 388 covers mechanical risks, EN 407 addresses thermal hazards, EN 374 relates to chemical protection, and EN 60903 applies to electrical insulating gloves. Look for CE marking confirming compliance with UK health and safety requirements.

Balance Protection with Dexterity: Heavier, more protective gloves can reduce tactile sensitivity. For fine assembly work, opt for thin PU coated or 18-gauge gloves. For heavy materials handling, prioritise protection with leather or heavily reinforced options.

Consider Coating Types: Nitrile coatings excel in oily conditions and offer good chemical resistance. Latex provides excellent elasticity but can cause allergic reactions. PU coatings deliver superior tactile sensitivity for precision work. Leather provides durability and some heat resistance for general construction work.

Size and Fit: Ill-fitting gloves reduce dexterity and may compromise protection. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks gloves from size 7 (small) to 11 (extra-large), including ladies gloves designed specifically for smaller hands with proportionate finger lengths.

Safety Information

Always conduct a risk assessment to identify specific hand hazards in your working environment. Never use damaged gloves, as tears or degraded coatings compromise protection. Inspect gloves before each use, checking for holes, thinning, or discolouration. Chemical-resistant gloves have limited breakthrough times—consult manufacturer specifications and replace according to recommended schedules. Electrical safety gloves require periodic testing to maintain their dielectric properties.

Fabric and leather gloves should never be worn near rotating machinery, lathes, or drills where they could catch and pull hands into moving parts. Single-use disposable gloves should never be reused. Store gloves in clean, dry conditions away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Employers have a legal duty under UK health and safety legislation to provide suitable PPE free of charge and ensure workers are trained in its correct use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the numbers on EN 388 rated gloves mean?

EN 388 is the European standard for protective gloves against mechanical risks. The rating consists of four numbers (e.g., 4543) representing performance levels from 0-5 for abrasion resistance, cut resistance, tear resistance, and puncture resistance. Higher numbers indicate better protection. Newer standards also include letters (A-F) representing cut resistance measured by the ISO 13997 test. For general construction work, look for ratings of at least 3121.

Are there specific gloves for people with latex allergies?

Yes, nitrile gloves are the most popular latex-free alternative and offer similar or superior performance to latex in most applications, with better resistance to punctures, oils, and many chemicals. Vinyl gloves provide another latex-free option for light-duty tasks, whilst PU coated gloves with nylon liners are excellent for precision work. Always check product specifications to confirm gloves are latex-free before purchasing.

How often should I replace my work gloves?

Disposable gloves should be changed after each use or whenever contaminated or damaged. Reusable work gloves should be inspected daily and replaced immediately if you notice holes, thinning, loss of grip coating, or reduced flexibility. For moderate use, quality work gloves typically last several weeks to months. Never continue using gloves that show signs of deterioration.