Svenska
English
Norsk
Suomi
Dansk
Guide: Work gloves
1. How do you choose the right work glove?
Buying work gloves without the proper foundation is a common – and costly – mistake. The wrong glove can lead to accidents, poor ergonomics or unnecessary replacements. Always start with a risk assessment of the tasks carried out in your business.
Ask yourself these questions before buying:
What risks do you need protection from – cuts, heat, cold, chemicals?
Are chemicals used in your operations? How hazardous are they and how long is the hand exposed?
Is protection needed against mechanical risks such as abrasion, puncture or cuts?
Does the glove need to be approved for food contact?
Is protection required against heat, open flame or extreme cold?
Is good fingertip sensitivity and precision required for the task?
2. The right glove for each industry
The need for protective gloves varies greatly between different industries. Below you’ll find a quick reference with recommended glove types and relevant standards for the most common work environments.
| Industry / Environment | Common risks | Recommended material | Key standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry & workshop | Cuts, abrasion, oil | NitrileLeather | EN 388 |
| Construction | Impact, abrasion, rough materials | LeatherNitrile with support | EN 388 |
| Welding | Heat, sparks, UV radiation | LeatherKevlar | EN 407, EN 388 |
| Restaurant & food | Heat, cuts, hygiene | Nitrile (food-grade)PVC | EN 407, EU 10/2011 |
| Cold environments & logistics | Cold, freezer work, handling | Insulated nitrileInsulated textile | EN 511 |
| Chemical industry & laboratories | Chemicals, corrosive substances | NitrileNeoprenePVC | EN 374 |
| Electricians | Electrical shock, arc flash | Insulating rubber | EN 60903 |
| Precision mechanics & electronics | ESD, abrasion | PU-coated nylon | EN 388 |
| Healthcare & cleaning | Biological risks, chemicals | NitrileLatex | EN 374, EN 455 |
3. Size guide – measure correctly for better protection
A glove that is too loose impairs grip and increases the risk of accidents. A glove that is too tight restricts movement and causes fatigue during longer work shifts. Always measure your hand circumference before purchasing.
1
Use a soft measuring tape.
2
Measure around the widest part of the hand – just above the thumb joint.
3
Hold the measuring tape about 2 cm from the thumb joint and tighten lightly, without squeezing.
4
Note the measurement in millimetres and compare it with the table below.
| Glove size | Letter size | Hand circumference (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | XS | 152 |
| 7 | S | 178 |
| 8 | M | 203 |
| 9 | L | 229 |
| 10 | XL | 254 |
| 11 | XXL | 279 |
Tip: Between two sizes? Always choose the larger size for better comfort.
4. CE marking and protection categories
The CE marking guarantees that the glove has been tested and approved in accordance with EU safety requirements. All work gloves are divided into three categories depending on the level of risk they are intended to protect against.
CE Category 1 Minimal risk
Protects against minor risks where the user can identify the hazard in good time.
Must meet basic requirements according to the EN 420 standard.
Examples: Dishwashing gloves, cotton gloves.
CE Category 2 Medium risk
Applies to protection against mechanical risks such as abrasion, cuts and puncture.
Requires testing by an independent test institute. The glove is marked with symbols showing which risks it protects against and the level of protection achieved according to relevant EN standards.
Examples: Handling gloves, work gloves for construction.
CE Category 3 High risk
For work involving serious risks where inadequate protection can lead to permanent injury.
The manufacturing process is audited annually, and the CE marking is supplemented with a four-digit code identifying the notified body.
Used when handling hazardous chemicals, very high temperatures (above 100 °C), extreme cold (below −50 °C), or other life‑threatening environments.
Examples: Chemical gloves, welding gloves.
5. EN standards – understanding the pictograms
Each pictogram on a protective glove refers to a specific EN standard. Understanding these is essential to choosing the correct level of protection.
EN 420
General requirements
Applies to all protective gloves. Regulates aspects such as pH value, sizing, and more.
EN 388
Mechanical risks
Protection against abrasion, cutting, tearing and puncture.
EN 511
Protection against cold
Measures protection against ambient and contact cold.
EN 407
Thermal risks
Tests protection against heat, flames and splashes.
EN 374
Chemicals
Essential for the chemical industry and laboratories.
How do you read the EN 388 code?
Example of a performance code (shown beneath the pictogram):
4
5
4
3
/
B
P
1
Abrasion resistance Scale 0–4. 4 = best.
2
Cut resistance (Coup) Scale 0–5. 5 = best.
3
Tear resistance Scale 0–4. 4 = best.
4
Puncture resistance Scale 0–4. 4 = best.
B
TDM cut test Scale A–F. F = best.
P
Impact protection P = approved impact protection.
6. Material guide
The choice of material determines the glove’s level of protection, durability and comfort. Below you’ll find a comparison table of the most common materials, their strengths and typical areas of use.
| Material | Protects against | Strengths | Limitations | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrile | Chemicals, abrasion | Allergy-friendly, good grip | Limited cut resistance | Industry, workshop, food handling, laboratories |
| Latex | Biological risks | Elastic, comfortable | Risk of allergy | Healthcare, cleaning, light assembly work |
| PVC | Water, light chemicals | Cost-effective, waterproof | Poorer fit | Cleaning, catering, food handling |
| PU | Light abrasion | Thin, high precision | Not suitable for chemicals or heat | Electronics, precision mechanics, assembly |
| Leather | Mechanical risks, heat | Durable, moulds to the hand | Absorbs liquids | Construction, welding, heavy outdoor work |
Brands
Granberg.
A well‑known manufacturer with a wide range of work gloves, disposable gloves and specialist gloves for industry and food handling.
Tegera.
Gloves designed for workshop environments, welding and cold storage. Known for excellent fit, ergonomics and a high level of protection in demanding professions.
Guide.
Swedish supplier focused on combining protection, performance and comfort. A broad product portfolio for industry, construction and precision work.
Frequently Asked Questions about Work Gloves
For working with chemicals, gloves made of nitrile, PVC, or neoprene are recommended. Make sure the glove is CE-marked according to EN 374 for chemical protection.
The CE marking shows that the glove meets EU safety requirements. EN standards indicate the type of protection the glove offers, for example EN 388 for mechanical risks and EN 374 for chemicals.
Measure the circumference of your hand about 2 cm above the base of your thumb and compare it with our size guide. A good fit provides better grip and comfort.
Yes, some nitrile and PVC gloves are approved for contact with food. Look for markings such as “food approved” in the product description.
For cold environments, insulated work gloves with protection according to EN 511 are recommended. Choose a waterproof material for extra comfort.
Author: Tingstad
Last Updated: 2026-04-16
Customer service
About us
Stores
We can help you!
Visiting Address:
Marieholmsgatan 1, 415 02 Gothenburg
Post Address:
Box 13013, 402 51 Gothenburg
Shop safely with
