Other types of hand protection

Finger cots that protect a single finger or fingertip.

Mitts with two divisions, one for the thumb and another for the fingers.

Thimbles that protect the thumb or the thumb and first two fingers.

Hand pads that protect the palm of the hand from cuts, friction, and burns from hot objects. These can’t be used when manual dexterity is required.

Sleeves or forearm cuffs protect the arms and wrists from heat, splashing liquids, impact, and cuts.

Hand lotions and barrier creams are best used with gloves or finger protection and should not be considered a substitute for gloves.

Protection factors 

Type of glove	Protection
Rubber	Acids, bases, caustics, solvents, diluted-water solutions of chemicals, alcohol — high resistance to cuts
Canvas or cloth	Dirt, wood slivers, sharp edges
Metal mesh	High resistance to cuts and scratches
Insulated	Electrical charges
Heat-resistant	Heat and flames
Lead-lined	Radiation
Hypo-allergenic and powder-free	Skin problems in workers with allergies
Cuffed	Liquids trickling down into the glove
Nitrile (synthetic rubber)	Oils, many solvents, esters, grease and animal fat — high resistance to cuts and abrasions
Neoprene	Broad range of chemicals, oils, acids, caustics and solvents — less resistant to cuts, punctures and abrasions than nitrile
Polyvinyl chlorine (PVC)	Acids, caustics, alkalis, bases and alcohol — good abrasion and cut resistance (some types are susceptible to cuts)
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)	Aromatics, chlorinated solvents, esters and most ketones — resists cuts, punctures and abrasion (PVA breaks down when exposed to water and light alcohol)
Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) also called flat film gloves	Highly resistant to chemicals and hazardous materials — little resistance to cuts and tears (usually worn as a liner under PVC or nitrile gloves)
Butyl	Acetone and dimethyl formamide — not useful against cuts, punctures, and abrasions
Vitron	Benzene, methylene chloride and carbon disulfide — little resistance to cuts, punctures, and abrasions