Rubber Gloves

Standards and Certification

Many rubber safety gloves in this collection are certified to EN 374, the European standard for chemical and micro-organism protection. Type A gloves resist 6+ chemicals for at least 30 minutes; Type B resists 3+ chemicals; Type C provides 10+ minutes against 1+ chemical. Each glove displays a chemical code (letters like JKL) showing which substances it's tested against—match those letters to your workplace chemicals. EN 374-2 waterproof certification matters for wet work environments where prolonged water contact occurs. Models combining chemical and mechanical protection carry EN 388 ratings for abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture resistance. Check individual product pages for exact certifications and performance levels.

Material Construction and Fit

Natural rubber (latex) provides excellent resistance to acids and alkalis, making it common for industrial chemical work. Thickness varies by application: heavy duty options use thicker gauge material for aggressive substances and abrasion, while lighter disposable versions prioritize dexterity for precision tasks. Cotton lined rubber gloves include an absorbent inner layer that reduces perspiration buildup during extended wear—critical for comfort in full-shift use. Fit is non-negotiable: gloves too tight cause hand fatigue within hours; too loose and you lose grip precision and increase contamination risk. Sizes from medium through extra large rubber gloves (XL) accommodate most users.

Key Selection Criteria

Match glove material and rating to your specific chemical exposure—no rubber glove protects against all substances indefinitely. For electrical work, only gloves marked with voltage ratings and tested to electrical safety standards are suitable; standard chemical gloves offer zero electrical protection. Length matters: long rubber gloves or extra long models protect forearms when reaching into tanks, handling bulk liquids, or cleaning deep containers. Black rubber gloves and other color options (blue, yellow, pink) often indicate specific use zones or material types in multi-task facilities. The HSE advises gloves as a last-resort control after engineering solutions—select the thinnest, most dexterous option that still meets your protection requirements to reduce hand fatigue and improve task performance.