Impact Gloves: Essential Hand Protection for High-Risk Jobs in Canada

Impact Gloves: Essential Hand Protection for High-Risk Jobs in Canada

Impact gloves are a critical piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to protect workers’ hands in industries where there is a risk of blunt force impacts, pinching, and crushing injuries. Whether you’re working in construction, mining, oil and gas, or heavy machinery operation, impact gloves provide the extra protection needed to prevent serious injuries.

In Canada, where industrial safety standards are stringent, impact gloves are a must-have for workers exposed to high-risk environments. This guide will help you understand the types of impact gloves available, their key features, and how to choose the right pair for your specific needs.

Why Impact Gloves Are Important for Canadian Workers

In high-risk work environments, hand injuries are common and can result in downtime, medical expenses, and lost productivity. Impact gloves are designed to minimize the risk of injury by absorbing and dispersing the energy from impacts, preventing damage to bones, tendons, and tissues.

Key Benefits of Impact Gloves:

• Impact Protection: Reinforced areas over the knuckles, fingers, and back of the hand help prevent injuries from heavy tools and machinery.
• Durability: Made from tough materials, impact gloves are designed to withstand harsh working conditions and heavy use.
• Grip and Dexterity: Many impact gloves feature specialized coatings or textures that improve grip, allowing workers to handle tools and materials securely.
• Comfort and Flexibility: Modern impact gloves are designed for comfort and flexibility, ensuring that workers can perform tasks efficiently without sacrificing protection.

Types of Impact Gloves Available in Canada

Impact gloves come in a variety of materials and designs, each offering different levels of protection, comfort, and flexibility. Below are some of the most common types of impact gloves used by Canadian workers.

1. Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) Impact Gloves

TPR impact gloves are one of the most popular options for industries that require high-impact protection. Thermoplastic rubber padding is strategically placed on the knuckles, fingers, and back of the hand to absorb and dissipate shock from heavy impacts.

• Applications: Construction, oil and gas, mining, and manufacturing.
• Key Benefits: Superior impact protection with added flexibility, high durability, and comfort for long hours of use.
• Grip: Often paired with textured palm coatings for improved grip in wet or oily conditions.

2. Anti-Vibration Impact Gloves

Anti-vibration impact gloves are designed to reduce the effects of vibrations from power tools and heavy machinery. These gloves feature specialized padding to minimize hand fatigue and prevent injuries such as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).

• Applications: Power tool operation, construction, and manufacturing.
• Key Benefits: Vibration dampening, impact resistance, and ergonomic design for extended wear.
• Durability: Typically made from tough materials like leather, nitrile, or synthetic blends to provide a balance of protection and comfort.

3. Kevlar®-Reinforced Impact Gloves

Kevlar®-reinforced gloves provide both cut resistance and impact protection, making them ideal for environments where workers are exposed to both sharp tools and heavy objects. The Kevlar® layer adds an extra level of defense without sacrificing flexibility.

• Applications: Metalworking, construction, and glass handling.
• Key Benefits: High cut resistance combined with impact protection, lightweight, and flexible.
• Durability: Kevlar® is known for its strength and longevity, making these gloves ideal for tough working conditions.

4. Oil-Resistant Impact Gloves

In industries like oil and gas, workers need gloves that offer both impact protection and resistance to oils, greases, and chemicals. Oil-resistant impact gloves are designed with nitrile or neoprene coatings that repel oil, keeping hands dry and improving grip in slippery environments.

• Applications: Oil and gas, petrochemical, and automotive industries.
• Key Benefits: Impact protection combined with oil resistance and enhanced grip.
• Grip and Dexterity: Many oil-resistant impact gloves come with additional grip-enhancing features, ensuring workers can handle tools and materials securely.

Common Applications of Impact Gloves in Canada

1. Construction and Carpentry

Construction workers in Canada face daily exposure to heavy tools, machinery, and materials that can cause hand injuries. Impact gloves provide protection against blunt force impacts, pinching, and crushing, making them a vital piece of PPE on job sites.

2. Mining and Oil & Gas

In Canada’s mining and oil industries, impact gloves are essential for protecting workers from the hazards of heavy machinery, falling objects, and high-impact tasks. These gloves are designed to withstand harsh conditions and protect hands from both impact injuries and exposure to chemicals.

3. Manufacturing and Assembly

Workers in manufacturing environments often handle sharp, heavy, or dangerous equipment, making impact gloves an important safeguard. These gloves protect against both mechanical and impact hazards, ensuring workers can operate machinery and tools safely.

4. Heavy Equipment Operation

Operating heavy machinery such as cranes, forklifts, and excavators comes with a risk of hand injuries due to pinching and crushing hazards. Impact gloves with reinforced knuckles and fingers provide the necessary protection while maintaining the dexterity required to control equipment.

How to Choose the Right Impact Gloves

Selecting the right pair of impact gloves depends on the specific needs of your job, the level of protection required, and the conditions in which you’ll be working.

1. Impact Resistance

Consider the level of impact resistance needed for your tasks. Look for gloves with TPR padding on high-impact areas like the knuckles, back of the hand, and fingers. The gloves should be tested and rated for impact resistance according to ANSI/ISEA standards.

2. Grip

Choose gloves with enhanced grip features, such as textured palms or nitrile coatings. This is particularly important for workers handling tools or materials in wet, oily, or slippery environments, such as those in the oil and gas industry.

3. Dexterity and Comfort

Impact gloves should provide protection without sacrificing dexterity. Look for gloves with ergonomic designs that allow for flexibility and precision. The gloves should fit snugly but not restrict movement, ensuring comfort during long hours of wear.

4. Durability

For heavy-duty tasks, choose gloves made from durable materials like Kevlar®, leather, or synthetic blends. Reinforced stitching and high-quality materials will ensure that the gloves can withstand repeated use in harsh conditions.

5. Additional Features

Depending on your work environment, you may need gloves with additional features, such as:

• Anti-vibration padding for power tool operators.
• Oil resistance for those working with chemicals or lubricants.
• Cut resistance if handling sharp objects is a regular part of the job.

Canadian Regulations and Standards for Impact Gloves

In Canada, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) requires workers in high-risk environments to wear appropriate hand protection to prevent injuries. Impact gloves used in these industries must meet certain safety standards to ensure they provide adequate protection.

Key Standards for Impact Gloves:

• ANSI/ISEA 138: This standard rates gloves based on their impact protection, specifically for the knuckles and fingers. Gloves are rated from Level 1 (basic protection) to Level 3 (high protection).
• Cut Resistance Standards (ANSI/ISEA 105): For jobs that require both cut and impact protection, look for gloves with a high ANSI cut resistance rating.
• Oil and Chemical Resistance: Gloves used in industries like oil and gas must comply with safety regulations regarding chemical and oil resistance to protect workers from hazardous substances.

Employers are responsible for ensuring that their workers have the necessary PPE, including impact gloves, to comply with these standards and maintain a safe working environment.

Caring for Your Impact Gloves

Proper care and maintenance can extend the lifespan of your impact gloves and ensure they continue to offer the protection you need.

• Cleaning: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your gloves. Most impact gloves can be wiped down with a damp cloth or cleaned with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the protective features.
• Inspection: Regularly inspect your gloves for signs of wear and tear, such as thinning material, holes, or degraded padding. Replace gloves that no longer offer adequate protection.
• Storage: Store your gloves in a cool, dry place to prevent damage from moisture, heat, or chemicals.

Conclusion: Protect Your Hands with High-Quality Impact Gloves in Canada

Impact gloves are an essential part of any worker’s safety gear, especially in high-risk industries like construction, mining, and oil and gas. By choosing the right gloves for your specific needs—whether it’s for impact protection, vibration reduction, or oil resistance—you can work confidently, knowing your hands are protected from injury. Explore our wide range of durable, comfortable impact gloves designed to meet Canadian safety standards and keep your hands safe on the job.