Personal Protective Equipment
Hand Protection
Cuts, Chemicals & Punctures
Cuts, Chemicals & Punctures
OSHA 1926.28 · ANSI/ISEA 105 Cut Level Standards · Glove Selection by Hazard Type Required
Hand injuries are the most common injury type on NYC construction sites — cuts, crushes, punctures, and chemical burns affect more workers than any other injury category. Proper glove selection for each specific task prevents the vast majority of these injuries. Wearing the wrong glove is almost as dangerous as wearing no glove at all.
ANSI/ISEA 105 Cut Resistance Levels
- Levels A1–A9: A1 is very light cut resistance (food service); A4–A6 is the range for most construction tasks
- For handling sheet metal, rebar tying, and glass handling: A6 or higher
- For demolition and concrete work: A4 minimum with puncture resistance
- Always check the cut level label inside the glove cuff — marketing words like "heavy duty" are meaningless without the ANSI rating
Chemical-Resistant Gloves — Match the Chemical
- Latex: adequate for mild chemicals; NOT for solvents (latex dissolves in acetone, MEK)
- Nitrile: good for petroleum products, many solvents, and mild acids — most common on construction sites
- Neoprene: strong chemical resistance including many acids and bases — required for concrete sealer and epoxy work
- Always check the SDS for the specific chemical — Section 8 lists required PPE including glove material
Gloves Are NOT Always Protective
- Rotating equipment: loose gloves can be caught in drill chucks, grinders, and saws — increasing the injury rather than preventing it. Use form-fitting gloves or no gloves when operating certain rotating tools
- Electrical work by licensed electricians: insulated rubber gloves rated to voltage level — leather protectors over the rubber gloves required
- Inspect gloves before each use: punctures, chemical staining, or torn seams remove them from service
Discussion Questions
- You're tying rebar all day. What cut resistance level do you need, and why?
- You're applying epoxy floor coating. The SDS says "Neoprene gloves required." You only have nitrile. Is this acceptable?
- Name one situation where wearing work gloves actually increases your risk of injury.
- Where do you find the ANSI cut level rating on a pair of work gloves?
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