by Natalie Edwards

FACT: Hands are one of the most important tools in the workshop.  They are also one of the most forgotten about when it comes to protection in the engineering workshop.  Many experienced engineers have great techniques which allow them to work efficiently without harm, however employers have a duty of care.  Let's look at some of the rules when it comes to hand protection in an engineering environment...

As we all know – hands are a pretty important resource for engineers, hence the requirement for gloves to protect them.  The rules from WorkSafe around PPE are clear:

 

  • The employer needs to provide workers with:

 

    • PPE suitable for the tasks they perform and any risks associated with the work (eg. Heat resistant gloves for welding and grinding, cut resistant gloves for working with sharp metal, chemical proof gloves where chemicals are used).
    •  PPE that is a suitable size and fit and reasonably comfortable (eg the correct size glove to fit their hands comfortably)
    • PPE should also meet any industry-specific requirements or standards.

 

  • The employer must make sure workers use or wear their required PPE and that they receive information and training on how to correctly use, wear and maintain it.

 

  • The employer must make sure PPE (regardless of who provides it) is maintained, repaired and replaced so it continues to protect workers.

 

  • It is the workers responsibility to wear their PPE while working, and follow the advice given by the employer. They must inform the employer as soon as any issues with the PPE arise (eg. No longer fits, is broken or worn out).

How important is hand protection for engineers?

For metal engineers, common injuries are not just associated with the more obvious risks such as burns and cuts, but can also be due to machinery work and strains from overuse/hand fatigue.

 Results from an 2014 ACC report shows that hand/wrist and finger/thumb injuries we in the top 5 for sheetmetal workers. This accounted for a combined injury cost of $464,656 from 261 claims.

 Wearing the right glove not only protects the hands, but should work to make some tasks easier to perform.

So what gloves may be required for an engineering workshop?

No glove will work for every situation, so it's important to choose specialty gloves based on the tasks you're performing, and to also make sure the gloves are rated to the relevant health and safety standards (click here to learn more about New Zealand hand protection certifications).  This will ensure the gloves you are buying are appropriate for protecting against the risks associated with the engineering environment.  Below is a guide to which gloves may be required in your engineering workshop. 

Grip Gloves

Nitrile coated synthetic grip gloves are an excellent general purpose glove when heat protection is not required. They work to protect hands against abrasion, while assisting in easy handling of fiddly or hard to grip items in wet or dry conditions. They also help in reducing hand fatigue leading to injuries.

Cut Resistant Gloves

Level 5 cut resistance is recommended for all Sheetmetal work, general maintenance, metal fabrication, precise tasks and machine tooling. They provide the same benefits of a grip glove, but with level 5 cut protection, and will often last longer.

Kevlar Leather Rigger Gloves

These are a great general purpose glove, especially where protection from sparks and heat are required. They are cut- and abrasion-resistant and provide protection against both heat and cold.

MIG Welding Gloves

These are a great general purpose glove, especially where protection from sparks and heat are required. They are cut- and abrasion-resistant and provide protection against both heat and cold.

TIG Welding Gloves

TIG Welding Gloves should be used for TIG welding, but are also a popular general purpose glove when you need a longer cuff.  The lighter leather resists sparks and moderate heat while still allowing the wearer to feel. The risk of cuts and abrasions is also minimized by wearing leather gloves.

Glove Saver

Glove savers are recommended for welding, furnace and foundry work, where extra protection may be required over the knuckle area.  They provide reflective and insulating protection.

Polycotton Gloves

These are great for an extra layer, or for non-marking handling.  They can keep hands clean and protect against abrasions, but are not strong enough to handle work with rough or sharp materials by themselves.

Chemical/Liquid-Resistant Gloves

For most metal engineering purposes, Nitrile gloves are recommended to protect against oils and solvents