Common Puncture-Protection Misconceptions

1. The first misconception is that of coverage. Most Puncture-Resistant Gloves only have palm coverage and protect just that area, as it is the most commonly injured part of the hand by puncture wounds. However, many people assume that if the palms are protected, so is the back of the hand.

Superior Glove® does offer gloves with full 360° hand coverage, but keep in mind that with more protection, the glove becomes bulkier and stiff which in turn makes it less comfortable and flexible.

In choosing the correct glove, make sure to evaluate the types of hazards you will encounter on the job to ensure that you can lose some of the dexterity in a full coverage glove. These gloves are generally also more expensive, so keep that on your mind as you go through your selection.

2. Another misconception about Puncture-Resistant Gloves is that once you're wearing them, you're invincible. While they do offer superior protection, this couldn't be farther from the truth - they're called Puncture Resistant for a reason, not Puncture Proof, and no glove can protect you against every single puncture hazard. The gloves are tested and labeled against the ANSI Puncture Level Rating on a scale of 1-5, with a level 1 rating (<10 newtons) being the least puncture resistant and a level 5 rating  (< 150 newtons) being the most puncture resistant.

In addition, different puncture-resistant gloves protect against different kinds of threats:

• Fine Object Puncture Threat - follows the ASTM F2878 Modified Standard : If you are dealing with fine sharp objects such as medical syringes or hypodermic needles. For use in industries dealing with waste handling, law enforcement, pulp and paper, recycling with risk of needles, and sharps handling.The ASTM F2878 test was designed to use a 25-gauge probe, the size of a hypodermic needle.  The test measures how many newtons of force it takes to pierce the sample.
• Large Object Puncture Threat - follows the EN 388:1994 Standard: If you are dealing with larger objects that pose a puncture threat, such as nails, glass or large splinters. For use in industries dealing with glass, metal fabrication, waste collection, recycling without risk of needles, and lumber. The EN388 test uses a probe about the size of a ballpoint pen. The rating given to the glove is based on the amount of force needed to pierce the sample.

Puncture-Resistant Glove Materials

1. Punkban™ : Punkban™ offers the best puncture protection available on the market in a woven material. This pioneering breakthrough has been made possible by bringing together innovative, leading edge textile technology to combine spinning and weaving of para aramids (Kevlar) by a unique method pioneered by Superior Glove® glove engineers. The resultant puncture resistant woven fabric is light and supple.

2. Woven Kevlar : Densely woven Kevlar® (such as Punkban) can provide phenomenal puncture resistance against both large and fine puncture hazards as well as cut-resistance. Woven Kevlar® generally needs to be applied in two or more layers in order to provide sufficient protection against needle hazards which can be somewhat stiff in multiple layers.

3. Epoxy Plates : these have very high cut resistance and good puncture resistance, however they must be used in multiple layers to deliver puncture protection because of gaps in plates which in turn creates a bulky glove.

4. Steel Mesh : this has the highest cut and puncture resistance when applied in multiple layers, but due to the chainy or scrunchy feel it is often uncomfortable to the wearer and has a tendency to break down over time.

5. Leather : when in multiple layers, leather can be effective at preventing larger puncture hazards, such as splinters, but this creates a stiff, uncomfortable glove. With so many technological advancements to the glove manufacturing processes over the years, nowadays, leather is best suited for old school puncture resistance.

**Shop Now - Top Pick**

These Clutch Gear® Hi-Viz Mechanics Glove Fully Lined with Punkban™ provides 360° hand coverage safety from needlesticks, syringe sticks, pin pricks, cuts and pokes from sharp fine objects. Tested for protection from hypodermic needles, it also provides 2600 grams of cut protection. This Clutch Gear® Glove is flexible enough for full range of hand movement, while backs are a fluorescent lime green offering hi-viz safety advantages. Perfect for Lumber Yards, Material Handling, Waste Handling and Recycling!

Using aramid materials, Turtleskin® safety gloves have a patent for the tightest weave ever achieved resulting in superior protection without sacrificing dexterity and comfort. TurtleSkin’s patented weave interlocks aramid fibers so tightly they won’t shift or leave gaps for needles and fine penetrators to slide past. Make sure you view Turtleskin's line of puncture-resistant hand protection!