Choosing safety gloves: the questions to ask before buying

A glove's appearance is not a reliable guide to its suitability. Two gloves made from the same broad material family can perform differently. Before comparing prices, prepare a short description of the task for the person responsible for your site's safety assessment.

## Describe the task clearly Record what is handled, the conditions and the expected duration. For chemical work, identify the substance or mixture and provide its safety data sheet. OSHA's guidance highlights chemical identity, contact conditions and breakthrough information as relevant to glove selection. A label such as "chemical resistant" is not a universal approval for every chemical.

## Ask for model-specific information Request the manufacturer's data for the exact glove being proposed. Have your safety lead assess whether that evidence matches the task. Do not assume a familiar brand name, colour or thicker material makes one glove suitable for another application.

## Make fit part of procurement Collect the sizes your team needs and ask whether samples are available for assessment. Record feedback about fit and handling so the approved purchase list reflects the people using the equipment. A sample review should be coordinated with your safety team, not used as an informal hazardous-exposure test.

## Keep the information with the order Save the approved model reference, size breakdown and manufacturer instructions. Record who approves alternatives if stock changes. This helps future buyers avoid silently substituting a different glove under the same general description.

## Know the scope of this guide This is a purchasing checklist, not a glove-selection assessment. Your safety lead and the manufacturer's instructions should determine suitability, use and replacement for the actual work. The reference below is general technical background from a US agency, not a statement of Kenyan legal requirements.

Safety glove buying guidance · Plan a bulk PPE order · Request an itemised quotation