In the oil and gas industry, hand protection is essential due to exposure to high-impact, cut, chemical, and heat risks. To select gloves that provide reliable protection, it’s crucial to understand the latest safety standards. Here, we’ll explore the key standards that guide the design and certification of gloves specifically for oil and gas environments.
Key Safety Standards for Oil & Gas Gloves
1. ANSI/ISEA 138: Impact Protection
The ANSI/ISEA 138 standard focuses on back-of-hand impact protection. This is especially important in oil and gas, where workers face risks from heavy machinery and tools. ANSI/ISEA 138 categorizes gloves into three levels based on how well they protect fingers and knuckles from impacts:
- Level 1: Basic impact resistance, suitable for light tasks.
- Level 2: Moderate protection for more demanding tasks.
- Level 3: Highest level, designed for high-impact environments.
Recommendation: For oil and gas settings with heavy mechanical risks, gloves rated at Level 2 or 3 are often the best choice.
2. EN 388: Mechanical Protection (Abrasion, Cut, Tear, and Puncture Resistance)
EN 388 is widely recognized in the industry for evaluating gloves against abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture hazards. This standard assigns ratings for each risk category:
- Abrasion Resistance: Indicates glove durability and wear over time.
- Cut Resistance: Essential for handling sharp tools or materials.
- Tear Resistance: Measures the glove’s strength against tearing forces.
- Puncture Resistance: Important for protection from sharp objects, common in oil and gas.
Recommendation: Choose gloves with high EN 388 ratings in these areas if your team encounters sharp, rough surfaces frequently.
3. ANSI/ISEA 105: Cut Resistance
ANSI/ISEA 105 is a U.S. standard that ranks gloves by cut resistance. Given the exposure to sharp equipment in oil and gas work, high-cut resistance is vital. The standard provides levels based on how much force the gloves can withstand:
- Levels A1 to A9: Higher levels (A6-A9) are ideal for high-risk environments like oil and gas, where cuts from metal, glass, or tools are a concern.
Recommendation: For environments with sharp tools or rough materials, gloves rated at A5 or above can provide enhanced protection.
4. EN ISO 374: Chemical Resistance
EN ISO 374 outlines standards for gloves that resist chemical hazards. In oil and gas, workers may come into contact with chemicals that can irritate or burn the skin. This standard certifies gloves based on their resistance to specific chemicals, such as acids, oils, and solvents.
Recommendation: Look for gloves certified under EN ISO 374 for jobs involving frequent chemical handling, as these provide essential protection against hazardous substances.
5. NFPA 2112 and 2113: Flame and Heat Resistance
NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) standards 2112 and 2113 define requirements for flame-resistant clothing and gloves. These standards apply to gloves used in environments where flash fires or extreme heat are risks. Oil and gas environments can be prone to fire hazards, so flame-resistant gloves are a must.
Recommendation: Gloves that meet NFPA 2112 and 2113 standards are ideal for tasks with high heat or fire risks, such as drilling or refinery work.
Choosing the Right Oil & Gas Gloves Based on Safety Standards
Assess the Work Environment
- Conduct a hazard assessment to identify specific risks: impacts, cuts, chemicals, or heat. Use this information to select gloves with the right mix of certifications.
Match Glove Ratings to Job Requirements
- For heavy-impact tasks, ANSI/ISEA 138 Level 3 gloves offer the best protection.
- For sharp objects or rough materials, high ANSI/ISEA 105 cut ratings (A5 or above) and EN 388 cut and abrasion protection are ideal.
- For chemical handling, EN ISO 374 certification ensures the gloves resist hazardous substances.
- For flame or heat exposure, NFPA 2112 or 2113-compliant gloves provide critical fire protection.
Verify Certifications
- Check that gloves carry the relevant ANSI, EN, or NFPA certification to ensure they meet the necessary protection levels for the oil and gas industry.
Conclusion
Understanding and selecting gloves based on these safety standards is essential for protecting workers in the high-risk environments of oil and gas. By choosing gloves that meet or exceed these standards, you can help prevent injuries and improve safety on the job. For more guidance on selecting the best gloves for your specific needs, consult with glove manufacturers who offer certified options tailored to oil and gas applications.
Following these guidelines can ensure that your team is equipped with the right gloves to handle the demands of this challenging industry.
