Latex Gloves

About Latex Gloves

Latex gloves are essential personal protective equipment for tradespeople, gardeners, and DIY enthusiasts throughout the UK. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range from trusted manufacturers including Scan, Portwest, Polyco, Sealey, and Draper, offering both disposable and heavy-duty reusable options. From lightweight foam latex coated gloves for precision handling to thermal waterproof variants for cold weather site work, latex gloves deliver exceptional grip, flexibility, and protection across diverse working environments.

Modern latex work gloves feature advanced construction techniques including textured palm coatings, seamless knit liners, and specialist enhancements such as cut-resistant materials meeting EN388 standards, anti-vibration properties for reducing HAVS risk, and double-dipped gauntlets for chemical resistance. Whether you need disposable latex gloves for hygiene-critical tasks or robust latex coated work gloves for construction and maintenance, MyToolShed.co.uk offers solutions that meet HSE guidelines and British Standards.

Applications

Latex gloves are utilised across numerous trades and industries:

• Builders and General Labourers: Material handling, bricklaying, rendering, and construction tasks requiring reliable grip
• Landscapers and Groundskeepers: Planting, pruning, and garden maintenance with excellent tactile sensitivity
• Warehouse and Logistics Workers: Stock handling, packing, and goods distribution in temperature-controlled environments
• Mechanics and Vehicle Technicians: Disposable options for maintaining cleanliness during servicing and repairs
• Maintenance Engineers: General maintenance work, equipment handling, and facility management
• Road Workers: Hi-vis latex gloves for improved visibility during highways maintenance
• Factory Operatives: Assembly work, quality control, and manufacturing tasks
• Cleaning Staff: Protection against cleaning chemicals and contamination
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvement projects, gardening, and general household maintenance

Choosing The Right Latex Gloves

Application and Hazard Assessment: Identify primary risks in your working environment. Light assembly requires different protection than handling sharp materials. For cut hazards, select EN388-rated gloves with appropriate cut levels—Scan's Anti Impact Latex Cut 5 gloves offer superior protection for handling metal or glass.

Coating Type: Foam latex provides excellent breathability and grip for general purpose work, whilst smooth latex offers better chemical resistance. Palm-coated options maximise breathability; fully-coated or double-dipped gauntlets from Portwest provide comprehensive liquid protection. Textured or crinkle-finish latex enhances grip in wet conditions.

Thermal Requirements: For winter site work, thermal latex gloves with insulated liners maintain flexibility in cold conditions. Scan and Sealey produce waterproof thermal variants specifically designed for UK weather conditions, essential for outdoor trades year-round.

Disposable versus Reusable: Disposable latex gloves suit hygiene-critical tasks and applications requiring frequent changes. Heavy-duty reusable options like Draper's latex coated work gloves offer better value for ongoing construction and maintenance protection.

Size and Fit: Properly fitted gloves are crucial for safety and productivity. Most brands offer sizes from small to extra-large—gloves that are too large compromise dexterity whilst tight gloves cause fatigue.

Safety Information

Latex Allergies: Natural rubber latex can cause allergic reactions ranging from mild skin irritation to severe responses. If you experience itching, redness, or breathing difficulties, discontinue use immediately and consider nitrile alternatives.

Inspection and Replacement: Regularly inspect reusable gloves for tears, punctures, or coating degradation. Compromised gloves offer reduced protection and should be replaced immediately. Disposable gloves are single-use only.

Chemical Compatibility: Whilst latex provides good general resistance, it offers limited protection against oils and solvents. Always check manufacturer specifications for chemical resistance data and ensure compliance with COSHH requirements where applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between foam latex and standard latex coating?
Foam latex features a porous structure providing superior grip in damp conditions with better breathability for extended wear. Standard smooth latex is denser, offering better abrasion resistance and chemical protection. Foam latex suits general handling; smooth latex suits applications requiring durability and liquid resistance.

How long do reusable latex work gloves typically last?
Lifespan depends on usage intensity and conditions. With proper care and rotation, quality latex coated gloves from Scan, Portwest, or Draper typically last several weeks to months in professional use. Replace immediately if you notice tears or worn patches compromising protection.

Can I wash latex coated work gloves?
Yes, heavy-duty latex coated gloves can be hand washed in lukewarm water with mild soap, rinsed thoroughly, and air dried away from direct heat. Avoid washing machines as heat damages latex coating. Disposable latex gloves are strictly single-use and should never be washed or reused.