Are Your Safety Gloves Compliant? Understanding Hand Protection Regulations

Workplace safety is a top priority across industries, and hand protection is one of the most critical aspects. Safety gloves are often the first line of defense against injuries such as cuts, burns, chemical exposure, and electrical hazards. But having gloves is not enough—they must be compliant with industry standards and regulations to ensure true protection.

This guide explains why glove compliance matters, the key regulations and standards you should know, and practical tips for selecting and maintaining the right hand protection.

hand gloves


Why Compliance Matters for Safety Gloves

Many workplace injuries occur because gloves fail to meet safety requirements. Non-compliant gloves can:

  • Tear or puncture easily under stress

  • Provide inadequate chemical or heat resistance

  • Lack proper grip, increasing accident risk

  • Lead to legal liabilities for employers

Regulatory bodies around the world set minimum safety standards to ensure gloves effectively protect workers from specific hazards. Using compliant gloves is not only a safety necessity—it’s often a legal requirement.

Key Standards and Regulations

1. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) – United States

OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1910.138) require employers to provide hand protection when workers are exposed to hazards. OSHA emphasizes:

  • Conducting a hazard assessment

  • Selecting gloves suitable for the specific risks

  • Ensuring proper training on glove use

Non-compliance can lead to citations, penalties, and workplace injuries.

2. EN Standards – Europe

In Europe, gloves are regulated under EN 420, EN 388, EN 374, and related standards:

  • EN 420: General requirements for comfort, dexterity, and sizing

  • EN 388: Mechanical protection (cut, abrasion, tear, puncture)

  • EN 374: Chemical and microorganism protection

  • EN 407: Thermal protection

Gloves that meet these standards are labeled with corresponding icons and performance levels.

3. IS / BIS Standards – India

In India, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) sets guidelines for industrial hand protection. Key considerations include:

  • Material durability and resistance

  • Chemical protection for laboratory or chemical handling

  • Compliance labeling and certification

4. Other Regional Regulations

  • CSA (Canada): CSA Z195 standard for protective gloves

  • AS/NZS (Australia/New Zealand): Safety glove requirements for mechanical and chemical hazards

It’s essential to check regional compliance standards based on your workplace location and industry type.

How to Identify Compliant Safety Gloves

Check Certification Marks

Look for compliance labels or markings on gloves. Examples include:

  • CE mark for Europe

  • ANSI/ISEA compliance for the US

  • BIS standard codes for India

Verify Hazard Ratings

Safety gloves come with ratings showing protection levels against specific risks. For example:

  • EN 388 rating shows performance against abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture

  • EN 374 icons indicate chemical resistance and permeation time

Material Selection Matters

Different hazards require different glove materials:

  • Nitrile: Chemical, oil, and puncture resistance

  • Leather: Mechanical and heat protection

  • Kevlar: Cut resistance

  • Rubber / Latex: Chemical and biological protection

Common Mistakes in Hand Protection Compliance

  1. Using Generic Gloves for Specialized Hazards
    Not all gloves protect against chemicals, heat, or cuts. Using the wrong type can be dangerous.

  2. Ignoring Glove Lifespan
    Gloves wear out over time. Old, torn, or degraded gloves fail to provide adequate protection.

  3. Improper Fit
    Gloves that are too loose reduce dexterity, while tight gloves can restrict blood flow and cause fatigue.

  4. Skipping Hazard Assessment
    Employers must assess workplace risks before selecting gloves. One glove does not fit all scenarios.

Training and Usage Guidelines

Even compliant gloves fail if used incorrectly. Proper training ensures:

  • Correct donning and removal procedures

  • Understanding glove limitations

  • Safe disposal of contaminated gloves

  • Proper storage to prevent material degradation

Maintenance and Storage Tips

  • Clean gloves according to manufacturer instructions

  • Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and chemicals

  • Inspect regularly for tears, punctures, or wear

  • Replace gloves immediately if damaged

Choosing the Right Gloves: Practical Steps

  1. Identify hazards: Mechanical, chemical, thermal, electrical, biological, or multi-risk

  2. Check regulations: Verify local or international standards for your industry

  3. Select materials: Match glove material to specific hazards

  4. Verify compliance: Look for certification marks, hazard ratings, and manufacturer data

  5. Train employees: Ensure proper usage and handling

  6. Inspect and replace: Regular maintenance and timely replacement are crucial

The Employer’s Responsibility

Employers must provide the right gloves and training, maintain inventory of compliant PPE, and monitor usage. Non-compliance not only endangers workers but also increases liability risks.

Final Thoughts

Hand protection is critical to workplace safety. Compliant safety gloves reduce risks of injury, protect workers, and ensure adherence to regulations. Selecting the right gloves involves understanding hazards, checking certification, training staff, and maintaining equipment properly.

Investing in quality, compliant gloves is not just a legal requirement—it is an investment in employee safety and operational efficiency.

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