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If you work with tools, chemicals, or heavy materials, safety gloves are one of the single most important pieces of kit you own. They act like a second skin — shielding your hands from cuts, burns, punctures, and chemical splashes while still letting you grip, feel, and control your work. Think of them as insurance for your hands: a small upfront cost that prevents long downtime, painful injuries, and avoidable medical bills. In the UK, whether you’re on a construction site in Manchester, in a lab in London, or maintaining machinery in Glasgow, the right glove can make the difference between finishing your shift and needing time off to heal.
Gloves defend against lots of everyday workplace dangers. Cut-resistant gloves stop blades and sheet metal from slicing skin; chemical-resistant gloves keep acids, oils, and solvents from causing burns; insulated gloves protect against heat and cold; and impact-resistant gloves cushion bones from drops and knocks. Even simple dirt, grime, and abrasion are worth preventing — repeated minor damage can lead to long-term skin issues. By matching the glove type to the hazard, you reduce risk and keep performance high.
When you shop, don’t buy blind. UK and European standards like EN 388 (mechanical risks), EN 374 (chemical and micro-organism protection), and EN 407 (thermal hazards) are shorthand for tested performance. Labels will show ratings — for example, a cut resistance of 4 out of 5 — so you can compare gloves quickly. These standards don’t measure comfort, so pair them with hands-on feel. If you need gloves for tasks that involve sharp edges or harsh chemicals, choosing gloves with the appropriate EN ratings is non-negotiable.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all glove: materials and construction dictate what hazards a glove handles best. Common categories include cut-resistant, chemical-resistant, heat-resistant, and general-purpose work gloves. Each category splits into subtypes based on the fabric, lining, and coating: knitted liners for dexterity, nitrile coatings for grip, leather for abrasion resistance, and composites like Kevlar for cut protection. Knowing the materials helps you pick gloves that protect without getting in the way.
Cut-resistant gloves use engineered fibers such as HPPE (high performance polyethylene), Kevlar, or stainless-steel fiber blends. They’re rated by cut resistance and are perfect for sheet metal work, glass handling, and food prep where slicer blades are involved. A typical medium-weight cut glove might measure around 0.04 inches thick — thin enough to handle small parts, thick enough to stop a serious nick. Always balance rating with dexterity: higher cut ratings can mean stiffer gloves.
Nitrile-coated gloves are a multi-tool in their own right: they resist oils, some solvents, and offer excellent wet/dry grip. For heavy chemical handling, thicker nitrile or specialized materials rated to EN 374 protect against permeation. You’ll see thickness measured in mils — for example, 10 mil (0.010 inches) disposable gloves up to 30 mil (0.030 inches) for re-useable chemical-resistant styles. Choose based on the chemical and exposure time: thin for short tasks, thicker for prolonged handling.
Leather gloves are classics for general-purpose work: durable, abrasion-resistant, and breathable. They’re great for carpentry, welding chipping hammers, or handling rough materials. For impact protection, gloves have reinforced knuckles and palm padding to absorb force from dropped objects or repeated striking; these often add a few ounces but save fingers from bruises. Heat-resistant gloves, engineered with aluminized coatings or thick liners, protect against brief high-temperature contact — think a few seconds at a hot surface — and are rated under EN 407.
Picking gloves is part science, part personal preference. Ask yourself: what am I protecting against? How long will I wear them? Do I need fine touch or brute protection? Answering these lets you choose the material, thickness, and style. It’s tempting to pick the toughest glove available, but over-protection sacrifices dexterity and comfort. The sweet spot is the glove that protects you adequately while letting you work efficiently.
Gloves that fit poorly are a safety hazard. Sizes are usually listed small to XL, but actual fit matters in inches. Measure your palm across the widest part (excluding thumb) — if your hand measures 8.5 inches across, you might wear a medium or large depending on the maker. A glove should be snug with room at the fingertip and no excessive loose material at the base. If you’re between sizes, try the larger one for long tasks; if you need fine control, size down for a tighter fit.
Grip is essential: textured nitrile or polyurethane coatings give traction in oily conditions while maintaining dexterity. Thickness helps with protection but reduces feel: 0.020 inches is flexible, 0.030–0.050 inches adds protection, and over 0.060 inches is for heavy-duty work. If you handle small screws or wires, prioritize thinner, coated gloves. For heavy cutting or crushing risk, go thicker and reinforced.
Where you buy matters for availability, returns, and specialist advice. The UK market includes general hardware chains, specialist safety retailers, and large marketplaces. Below are trusted options to consider when shopping for safety gloves, each with strengths depending on whether you need volume supplies, branded options, or specialist PPE guidance.
RunningXpert is better known for sports apparel but stocks performance gloves that crossover into light-duty safety and high-visibility work scenarios. Items like the Odlo Gloves Intensity Safety Light combine breathability and reflective elements designed for outdoor visibility — handy for roadside workers or early-morning crew members. If you need gloves that balance comfort, breathability, and high-visibility features for lower-risk tasks, RunningXpert is a good place to start.
Arco is one of the UK’s leading personal protective equipment specialists, with a broad range from cut-resistant liners to chemical and thermal protection. Because they focus on workplace safety, you’ll find EN-rated products, expert advice, and bulk options suitable for whole teams. Arco is a go-to for companies and tradespeople who need compliance and variety in one place.
Screwfix is a familiar name for tradespeople and DIYers, offering durable gloves for general and heavy-duty applications. It’s a good balance of price, availability, and real-world reviews. If you need gloves for building, gardening, or light mechanical work, Screwfix covers most bases and is easy to access across the UK.
RS Components is a supply specialist with a strong industrial catalogue, including precision glove options for electronics, assembly, and laboratory work. Toolstation mirrors Screwfix’s trade-friendly focus but often emphasizes fast availability and simple product ranges. Both are solid picks if you’re equipping workshops, garages, or industrial facilities and need consistent stock levels.
Amazon UK offers breadth and user feedback — useful when comparing brands like Ansell, Showa, or Portwest. The trade-off is quality control, so look for trusted sellers and clear EN certifications. Wickes is another mainstream option for building and landscaping gloves; it’s handy for homeowners and small contractors who need pragmatic, cost-effective protection.
Let’s zoom in on the product mentioned in the data you provided: the Odlo Gloves Intensity Safety Light. Odlo has roots in performance apparel, and this glove bridges sports tech with job-site visibility. It’s tailored for tasks where visibility and breathability matter — think road maintenance crews, cycle couriers doing manual work, or outdoor site teams operating at dawn and dusk.
Key features include lightweight construction, reflective panels, and a tactile grip surface. The glove is slim — often around 0.02–0.03 inches — to prioritize touch and control. Its reflective elements boost visibility by catching headlights and site lighting, which is invaluable when safety depends on being seen. While it won’t replace heavy cut-resistant or chemical-rated gloves, it’s excellent for general outdoor tasks requiring dexterity and visibility.
Consider this glove if your job involves low-to-moderate hazards but a premium on movement and visibility. Urban delivery drivers, traffic marshals, or early-shift groundskeepers will appreciate the blend of comfort and safety. For heavy-duty factory work or chemical handling, pair it with more specialized gloves or choose a different category entirely.
The UK market benefits from several specialist brands known for performance and testing. Ansell leads in medical and cut-resistant solutions, Portwest offers broad industrial ranges, Showa is strong on grip and chemical protection, and Honeywell produces high-end protective solutions. Each brand brings different techs — polyurethane coatings, composite fibers, laminated barriers — so compare features rather than just names.
Ansell excels with chemical and medical barrier gloves and has high-performance cut products. Portwest balances cost and compliance across many trades. Showa focuses on grip and tactile feel, ideal for assembly tasks. Honeywell tends toward premium industrial protection and impact-rated gloves. To select, match the brand’s reputation to your hazard: chemical work → Ansell; oily grip tasks → Showa; broad trade supplies → Portwest.
Gloves are consumables — they wear out. Regular inspection, cleaning, and timely replacement keep protection effective. Visual checks for holes, thinning, or stretched seams should be routine. For reusable gloves, follow manufacturer cleaning instructions: some nitrile or neoprene gloves can be rinsed and air-dried, while leather needs conditioning. Never use a compromised glove for hazardous work.
Wash nitrile and coated gloves with mild soap and water; avoid high heat or harsh solvents that degrade the material. Leather gloves benefit from a brush and leather conditioner to keep them supple. Inspect seams, fingertips, and coatings for wear; if you can see a material change, it’s time to replace. For chemical exposures, follow the glove’s permeation guidance — replacements may be required after a single heavy exposure even if the exterior looks intact.
Don’t chase the cheapest option when lives are at stake; instead, look for value. Buy gloves that meet the necessary EN ratings, try samples before bulk purchases, and consider cost-per-use. A glove that lasts twice as long but costs 50% more can be cheaper in the long run. Also, consider multi-packs for consumables and specialized single-purchases for niche hazards.
Spend more on gloves where failure equals severe injury — high cut resistance, chemical barriers, and thermal protection warrant premium models. Save on general-purpose tasks: good nitrile-coated gloves or leather gloves from mainstream retailers can be perfectly adequate for daily maintenance or landscaping. For teams, factor in replacement schedules and inventory so you aren’t caught short when gloves reach end-of-life.
Choosing the right safety glove in the UK is about matching hazard, fit, and function. From RunningXpert’s Odlo Intensity Safety Light for high-visibility light-duty work to Arco and RS Components for industrial-grade protection, there’s a glove for every task. Test them, inspect them, and replace them when they no longer do the job — your hands will thank you.
Safety gloves are more than an accessory — they’re essential PPE that protects one of the most valuable tools you have: your hands. Whether you’re buying from specialist retailers like Arco, trade outlets like Screwfix and Toolstation, marketplaces like Amazon UK, or niche suppliers such as RunningXpert for specific performance gloves, focus on the right fit, the relevant EN standards, and the type of hazard you face. By thinking ahead, testing samples, and maintaining gloves properly, you’ll get the best protection without sacrificing comfort or productivity.
| Safety Gloves | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Odlo Intensity Safety Light Running Gloves Xs Black Reflective - Warm | £ 20,- | |
| Odlo Intensity Safety Light Gloves Green Xs - Perfect For Night Running And Cold Conditions | £ 21,- |
