Cuts and scrapes account for 20% of injuries in the workplace. These injuries can be serious and lead to lost workdays as well as hefty worker’s compensation claims.
Unfortunately, hand injuries are very common.
Everyone from construction workers and machine operators to butchers and mechanics are at risk of getting hand injuries.
The good news is, Kevlar gloves can prevent many common injuries like cuts and burns. Read on to learn about the synthetic fiber known as Kevlar and the many benefits of gloves made from it.
What is Kevlar?
Kevlar is a synthetic fiber that is stronger than steel but is still flexible and lightweight. The yellow fibers are a type of plastic and can be turned into rope or sheets of fabric. It can also be sewn into other materials like leather and latex.
It was invented in 1965 when a Dupont chemist, Stephanie Kwolek, created a liquid crystal solution. At first, it looked like a mistake, but Kwolek spun the liquid into a fiber. It turned out to be the strongest synthetic ever made.
Kevlar is most known for its use in bulletproof vests and body armor. It’s also used in tactical gloves as well as cut-resistant work gloves. Kevlar has been used in helmets, bicycle tires, shoes, and even boat sails.
Everyone from military service members to fishermen benefit from the protection offered by Kevlar synthetic fibers.
Kevlar Gloves Prevent Cuts and Scrapes
Cuts can range in severity from minor to serious injuries. In the worst cases, major cuts can lead to infection, blood loss, and even nerve damage. That’s why proper hand protection is the best way to prevent an injury.
Kevlar gloves are famous for being cut-resistant. They are able to prevent cuts because of the strength of the fibers and the tightness of the weave.
These gloves are great for people who use knives or sharp tools. Meat cutters and butchers could use a pair of these gloves. Hunters and fishermen could also protect their hands while cleaning and filleting.
Gloves made from Kevlar are also abrasion-resistant. Abrasions, also called scrapes, are usually minor injuries caused by something rubbing against the skin. Gloves made from Kevlar can withstand friction, so the hands will be protected.
Protect Against Extreme Temperatures
Gloves made from Kevlar can protect against extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. In fact, these gloves can withstand temperatures of up to 850 degrees F. Most other plastics melt at low temperatures, but Kevlar doesn’t.
In extremely cold temperatures, Kevlar doesn’t break down. Sometimes plastic will get brittle and break in cold temperatures. Gloves made from this synthetic fiber will still be cut-resistant in very cold temperatures.
These gloves are also flame resistant. Kevlar fibers actually cannot catch fire, which makes for great protection. Keep in mind that if Kevlar is sewn into another fabric like cotton, it may not be as flame-resistant as Kevlar alone.
Are Easy to Work In
Because Kevlar fiber is lightweight, working in these gloves will feel natural. That means that handling small tools or parts will be easy, but with an added layer of hand protection.
The fabric is also flexible enough to allow for easy movement. Hand cramps and wrist strain won’t be a problem.
These gloves also come in different gauge or thickness levels.
In knit fabrics, gauge refers to the number of stitches per inch. Work gloves generally come in gauges 7, 10, 13, 15, and 18.
Lower-gauge gloves are thicker and have a more open weave whereas higher-gauge gloves are thin and tightly-knit. No gauge is better than another, they just have different uses.
For example, lower-gauge gloves like 7 or 10 are thicker so they would be good for handling sheet metal or sharp objects. They have more cushioning. Gloves that are 18-gauge are thin so they’d be great for someone who needs to pick up nails or screws.
Resistant to Many Chemicals
While gloves made from Kevlar are most known for their protection against cuts and extreme temperatures, they can also protect against chemicals.
Exposure to acids, bases, or chlorine bleach will make the fabric break down. But, this only happens after long-term contact.
They aren’t the best protective choice for those who use chemicals regularly, but these gloves will add a layer of protection in an emergency.
Kevlar Work Gloves Are Washable
These gloves can stand up to regular washing without losing their cut-resistant quality. They also won’t shrink or stretch out.
Proper washing is important when maintaining any fabric. Since these work gloves are easily washable, they’ll last a long time.
Gloves made from Kevlar can be hand or machine washed with mild detergent. They can then be air-dried or tumbled dry.
If the gloves are soaked with oil, they must be hand washed and air-dried. Remember that putting any oil-soaked fabric in the dryer is a fire hazard.
While work gloves protect against chemicals, acid and bases will make Kevlar break down over time. Kevlar also cannot be treated with chlorine bleach because it will damage it. But, oxygen bleach (such as OxiClean) is a safe alternative.
Promote Your Business with Logo Work Gloves
When it comes to cut-resistant hand protection, Kevlar gloves are the top choice. They are washable, easy to work in, and can last a long time.
If you’re a business owner, you also want people to remember your company for a long time. That’s why branded gloves are a great way to advertise your brand.
Whether you have an upcoming trade show, an important sales meeting, or you just want a freebie to hand out to your customers, consider Logo Work Gloves for your promo needs.
We offer a variety of high-quality work gloves that can be personalized with your company name and logo. Contact us today to see how our promotional work gloves can help grow your business.