Protecting Hands in the Oil and Gas Industry

Many of the jobs in the oil and gas industry rely on hands-on labor in the field. It’s extremely important to wear proper protective gear, as many technicians are in daily contact with heavy machinery. The Journal of Petroleum Technology published a statistic citing that 50% of workplace accidents in the oil and gas industry are due to contact from workplace materials, machinery, or equipment. They state that injuries can range from “minor cuts …to more serious lacerations, fractures, amputations, and even death.” In order to prevent accidents from happening, workers should have the essentials to perform at peak performance. Especially in an industry that relies so dominantly on hand labor, hand protection is a huge factor in worker safety.

What gloves are best suited for the oil and gas industry?

Workers need gloves that can provide ample cut resistance, abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance. The gloves need to be comfortable for long working hours, without compromising grip ability in working conditions.

What gloves does SW recommend?

We offer many options for our customers in our catalog. SW’s MegaMan is a very popular choice with a more durable and multi-layer nitrile flock-lining which lasts three times longer than a regular nitrile glove. MegaMan is designed for long term usage without compromising in comfortability, containing SW’s DriTek technology lining inside. DriTek technology curbs sweat accumulation, meaning less irritability throughout long periods of wear. MegaMan also provides good abrasion resistance combined with adequate puncture resistance and protection against liquids.

 

SW’s PowerForm series (12TL, 95BL) are just as comparable and perfect for chemical protection. SW’s PowerForm series is effective against acids, alkalis, and solvents, ensuring safety in various industrial environments.

 

We recommend our NewTrile series for stronger chemical resistance. NF15 is our 15mil Flock-Lined Nitrile Chemical-Resistant Gloves with EcoTek® sustainable nitrile coating and NU15 is our 15mil Unlined Nitrile Chemical-Resistant Gloves with EcoTek® sustainable nitrile coating Both NU15 and NF15 gloves have a 13” cuff length and provide ISO Type A chemical resistance. They feature an embossed raised diamond grip for better performance while delivering ANSI 2 puncture resistance and ANSI 6 abrasion resistance.

 

For more general work gloves, we recommend SW’s TotalForm glove. SW’s TotalForm glove is extremely comfortable and flexible with excellent dry grip performance and touch screen compatibility. TotalForm provides ample protection with its ANSI A1 Cut level and ANSI level 4 abrasion protection. Specifically, the glove combines a liner made of 95% bio-based materials and EcoTek® sustainable nitrile coating.

 

For heavy duty work with machinery, we recommend our GraphEx and KarbonHex series. SW’s GraphEx (G45100, G46200, G66200) offers thick cut protection required for glass and sheet metal handling without compromising the flexibility, dexterity and grip of the glove. The proprietary AxiFybr yarn used to manufacture the GraphEx series is engineered at the molecular level to be 45% stronger and 21% more cut-resistant without sacrificing fit or comfort. Gloves in SW’s KarbonHex series (C16677, C44270) have Nitrile dipped palm coating that offers performance grip, extreme dexterity, and precise handling of small components in wet, oily and slippery conditions. KarbonHex is designed for impact protection as well.

 

SW’s wide catalog can be found on our website and more specific information is listed on each product’s web page. We offer high quality hand protection and work on expanding our catalog to fit the needs of our customers.

About SW Sustainability Solutions

At SW, we are committed to leading the glove industry in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. Our innovative EcoTek® technology exemplifies our dedication to sustainable solutions, while our expertise in sweat management ensures comfort and performance. We also offer specialized chemical compatibility support, assisting customers in selecting gloves tailored to their unique needs. Our mission is to provide products that prioritize safety, health, and environmental responsibility for our customers and the planet.