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Hand Protection

Protecting hands from all hazards

We stay informed and keep up to date with all the current regulations regarding hand protection so that you can rest assured you are in safe hands.

Choosing the right glove...for the right job

Mechanical Hazard

4. 1. 4. 1.
BS EN 388
Mechanical hazards are associated with the handling of rough or sharp objects which could abrade, cut or pierce the skin, such as glass, thin metal sheet and masonry blocks. A mechanical hazard is not associated with moving machinery, in fact it can be extremely dangerous to wear gloves which could catch in moving parts or serrated blades*.

*NOTE - Gloves should not be used when working with serrated blades. USE GUARDS.
- 4 = Abrasion. Performance Index 1-4
- 1 = Blade Cut. Performance Index 1-5
- 4 = Tear. Performance Index 1-4
- 1 = Puncture. Performance Index 1-4

Chemical Hazard
Whether total immersion or merely splash is involved, any substance which would irritate, inflame or burn the skin is classed as a Chemical Hazard. Some substances can cause the skin to become sensitised over a period of timewhile others have a more immediate and painful effect. The European Norm covering the performance of Chemical Protective Gloves has been revised and is now identified as BS EN 374.2003. In order that a more informed and relevant gkove selection can be made, al list of 12 chemicals, identified by the letters A to L, has been nominated and a manufacturer has to submit gloves to be tested against any 3 of these chemicals before approval is obtained. Penetration and permeation of the chemical through the glove is measured to determine the breakthrough time.

BS EN 374 2003 ABC
To gain approval as a "Chemical Resistant" glove, a breakthrough time greater than 30 minutes has to be achieved. The glove can carry a revised pictogram together with the identification letters of the 3 chemicals against which it was tested.
BS EN 374 2003
If a glove fails to achieve 30 minutes breakthrough time it cans till be classified as a "Low Chemical Resistant" glove and is identified by a different pictogram, this time without the identification letters.
BS EN 374
If it is not necessary for a manufacturer to re-submit gloves already approved under the previous version of BS EN 374 so you will still see the old pictogram but without the identification letters against some gloves in the section.
Gloves approved to BS EN 374.2003 will also carry this pictogram which indicates that information is available about the glove, its instructions and limitations of use.
The micro-organism pictogram can be used where the glove performs to at least the level 2 for the permeation test i.e. greater than 30 minutes.

Thermal Hazards Hot and Cold

BS EN 407
Thermal hazards coem in many forms. Heat can be radicated and conducted, or it may be actual flames.
BS EN 511
Cold can be anything from cold water to frozen gases. It is important that we know the type of hazard and the temperature involved in order to recommend suitable protection.

Fighting Fires

Firefighting BS EN 659
Firefighters need hand protection which not only protects from heat but which forms a barrier against liquids and mechanical hazards. Not all "shouts" invlove fires, consider chemical spills and traffic accidents.

Designed specifically for the arduous conditions associated with Firefighting and Emergency Response. Firefighting gloves offer protection against mechanical and thermal hazards. Approved to BS EN 659.

The Threat of Radiation

Ionising Radiation BS EN 659
Wherever Radiation is present, workers need very specialist protection. To protect against ionising radiation, gloves must contain a certain amount of lead this amount has to be marked on the glove. The standard specifies how the lead content is calculated. Approved to BS EN 421.

Welcome to the Arco Gloves Section

At arco we stock a range of gloves, all of which provide protection from a range of hazards.

Top Brands, Best Choice

As well as stocking all the big name brands, we offer our own, value for money section. Manufactured with no compromise in quality and sourced from suppliers who agree to our policy of ethical trade, there's a choice of protection across most applications.

GripZ - Exclusive to Arco, Gripz gloves are a range of high quality products utilising modern technologies offering superb value with no compromise of performance.

Ansell - Ansell is the world's largest manufacturer of protective gloves. The Ansell portfolio is designed to meet consumers' most diverse needs whilst ensuring user protection and comfort.

SHOWA - Manufactured from a variety of high-grade materials, Showa gloves are amongst the highest quality available in the UK today.

Skytec - Skytec gloves offer high quality hand protection for work, building and other industrial activities.

Marigold - Marigold Industrial and Comasec provide one of the world's widest ranges of Hand and Arm Protection (HAP) products in an array of materials, ranging from latex gloves to specialised gloves.

Nitra - Tough working gloves... excellent value!

Trojan - Exclusive to Arco, Trojan gloves combine durability, comfort and functionality in five stylish products designed to meet all your hand protection needs.