Short answer: choose hand protection by the main hazard, not by the glove material alone. Identify whether the task involves cuts, punctures, chemicals, abrasion, heat, cold, contamination or general handling, then confirm the glove’s tested protection, fit, grip, dexterity and compatibility with other PPE. In New Zealand, gloves are one part of a wider risk-management approach and should not replace reasonably practicable controls that remove or minimise the hazard. WorkSafe’s PPE guidance explains the hierarchy and selection considerations.

This guide compares six common types of hand protection and explains when each may be appropriate. The final choice should follow your workplace risk assessment, the manufacturer’s instructions and the product’s technical data.

How to choose the right hand protection

Start with the task and the hazard. Before choosing a glove, ask:

• What could harm the hands? Consider sharp edges, punctures, chemicals, oils, heat, cold, abrasion, impact, contamination and wet work.
• What does the task require? Check grip, dexterity, touch sensitivity, duration of wear and whether the glove can be used with other PPE.
• What does the product data say? Confirm the relevant test results, limitations, cleaning instructions, replacement requirements and chemical compatibility rather than relying on the material name.
• Could the glove create a new risk? Consider snagging, entanglement, reduced grip or reduced ability to feel a tool or surface.
• Does it fit the worker and the workplace? Workers should be involved in selecting and reviewing PPE so it remains suitable, comfortable and usable.

6 types of hand protection and when to use them

1. Cut-resistant gloves

Cut-resistant gloves are designed for tasks involving sharp edges or tools, such as glass handling, sheet metal, fabrication, automotive work and assembly. They may be made with HPPE or other engineered fibres, but the material name alone does not tell you how a glove will perform.

• Match the glove’s cut, puncture, tear and abrasion test information to the actual task and hazard.
• Balance protection with grip and dexterity: a glove that is too bulky may make the task less controlled.
• Cut-resistant does not mean cut-proof. Continue to use guards, safe work methods and suitable tools.

Explore Rifft Safety’s cut-resistant glove range.

2. General handling and multipurpose gloves

General handling gloves are commonly used for warehousing, construction, landscaping, logistics, maintenance and DIY tasks where the main needs are grip, comfort, light abrasion protection and protection from dirt or minor scrapes.

• Coated palms or fingers can improve grip, but performance depends on the coating, surface, moisture and task.
• Do not assume a general handling glove provides tested protection against a specific cut, chemical or heat hazard.
• Choose a comfortable fit that supports the hand movements and tools required for the job.

We supply a wide range of general handling and multipurpose gloves.

3. Chemical-resistant gloves

Chemical-resistant gloves can help reduce skin exposure during cleaning, laboratory, manufacturing, automotive and maintenance work. Nitrile, PVC and neoprene are examples of glove materials, but no material protects against every chemical or every exposure condition.

• Check the manufacturer’s chemical compatibility or permeation data for the exact substance, concentration, temperature and contact time.
• Consider whether the glove may degrade, swell or lose grip, and replace it according to the product instructions.
• If the chemical or exposure is not covered by the product data, ask the supplier or a suitably qualified health and safety professional rather than guessing.

WorkSafe’s protective clothing guidance explains why PPE must be suitable for the work and the specific risk. Browse chemical-resistant gloves.

4. Disposable gloves

Disposable gloves are used for short-duration tasks where hygiene, cleanliness or contamination control is important, including food handling, cleaning, painting and first-aid support. They are designed to be changed and discarded rather than relied on as a universal barrier.

• Disposable does not automatically mean chemical-resistant, cut-resistant, heat-resistant or puncture-proof.
• Nitrile may be a useful latex-free option for some tasks, but confirm the exact product specification and any allergy controls required at the workplace.
• Change gloves between tasks or when contaminated, damaged or no longer suitable, and wash hands as required by the workplace procedure.

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5. Leather gloves

Leather gloves are often selected for durable handling, abrasion and some hot-work applications, including construction, rigging, farming and welding-related tasks. Their suitability still depends on the design, lining, seams and tested performance of the individual product.

• Look for reinforced palms, cuffs or other features that match the work.
• Do not treat leather as a substitute for chemical-resistant, cut-rated or heat-rated protection unless the product data supports that use.
• Inspect for worn leather, damaged seams, holes and contamination before use.

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6. Thermal and heat-resistant gloves

Heat-resistant gloves are designed for specific hot surfaces, sparks, flames or contact temperatures. Thermal-lined gloves are intended to help keep hands warm in cold environments. These are different needs, so select a glove with limits that match the temperature, contact time and task.

• Potential applications include welding, foundry work, commercial kitchens, freezer work and outdoor winter tasks.
• Follow the manufacturer’s temperature and use limits; thermal insulation does not automatically provide flame or molten-metal protection.
• Check that the glove still allows enough grip and movement to perform the task safely.

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Fit, compatibility and maintenance

The best glove is one workers can use correctly for the whole task. It should be comfortable without restricting movement, loose enough to avoid pressure points but not so loose that it interferes with tools or catches on equipment. Check compatibility with sleeves, eye protection, respirators and other PPE used at the same time.

• Inspect gloves before use and remove damaged, contaminated or worn-out pairs.
• Clean, dry and store reusable gloves according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Make replacement supplies available and tell the person responsible for the workplace when PPE no longer fits or works as intended.
• Review the choice when the task, chemical, tool, process or worker feedback changes.

New Zealand workplace PPE requirements

WorkSafe New Zealand describes PPE as a last line of defence after other reasonably practicable controls have been considered. Where PPE is needed, it should be suitable for the work and risk, fit reasonably comfortably, be compatible with other PPE, and be maintained, repaired or replaced so it continues to protect workers. WorkSafe also says PCBUs must provide necessary protective clothing and cannot pass its cost to workers, subject to the rules about a worker voluntarily providing their own suitable PPE.

For the current guidance, see WorkSafe’s protective clothing guide and its PPE guide for workers. Use the product’s technical information and relevant New Zealand or applicable AU/NZ standards when confirming a selection.

Frequently asked questions

What type of gloves are best for handling chemicals?

There is no single best chemical glove. Select a product whose manufacturer has confirmed compatibility with the exact chemical, concentration, temperature and exposure time. If the data does not cover the exposure, get advice before starting the task.

How do I choose cut-resistant gloves?

Identify the cutting, puncture and abrasion hazards, then compare the product’s tested performance with the task. Also check grip, dexterity, fit and whether the glove creates a snag or entanglement risk. Cut resistance should support a safe work method, not replace it.

Are disposable nitrile gloves suitable for every task?

No. Disposable nitrile gloves can be suitable for some hygiene and contamination-control tasks, but disposable does not automatically mean suitable for a chemical, sharp, heat or puncture hazard. Check the exact product information and workplace procedure.

Should I wear gloves around moving machinery?

Not automatically. Some tasks create an entanglement or snagging risk when gloves are worn. Follow the machine risk assessment, guarding and site procedures, and consider whether the glove changes grip or control. PPE should not replace machine safeguards or safe work methods.

Who provides workplace PPE in New Zealand?

WorkSafe says the PCBU who directs the work must provide necessary PPE, and cannot require a worker to pay for it as a condition of employment. A worker may choose to provide their own PPE voluntarily, but it still needs to be suitable and the PCBU must be satisfied that it meets the required protection.

Bottom line

Choose hand protection by matching the glove’s verified performance to the hazard and the task. Check fit, grip, dexterity, compatibility, maintenance and replacement needs, and involve workers in the decision. If you are unsure, speak with your PPE supplier or a qualified health and safety professional before relying on the glove.

Need help selecting hand protection? Call Rifft Safety on 0800 474 338 or email hello@rifft.co.nz. Browse the full hand and arm protection range.

Sources and selection notes

• WorkSafe New Zealand: General risk and workplace management – PPE.
• WorkSafe New Zealand: Protective clothing.
• WorkSafe New Zealand: Personal protective equipment – a guide for workers.

This article is general information, not a substitute for a task-specific risk assessment, product instructions or professional advice. Product suitability can vary by model, exposure and workplace conditions.