Home News and Resources News Loss Prevention 04 Jul, 2023 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves – “One Type Doesn’t Fit All” Dean Crossley Head of Loss Prevention Asia The significance of personal protective equipment (PPE) in guaranteeing the safety and well-being of seafarers cannot be emphasised enough. Among the diverse range of PPE available, gloves play a pivotal role in safeguarding hands from potential hazards encountered onboard ships. Download PDF Recently, the Club has observed instances of crew injuries where the gloves utilised were unsuitable for the task at hand, yet their significance as a key contributing factor to the accidents was not adequately identified in the vessels' accident reports.  Consequently, it is imperative to understand the importance of selecting the correct type of gloves for different tasks, considering the wide range of variations available. PPE encompasses a range of equipment, clothing, and gear worn by individuals to protect themselves from workplace hazards. It serves as a crucial barrier, preventing injuries and minimising the risks associated with occupational accidents.  Gloves, as an integral component of hand protection, are specifically designed to safeguard against hazards such as cuts, chemical exposure, heat, and impact. While one might assume that a single type of glove would suffice for all tasks requiring hand protection, the reality is quite different. The range of tasks performed onboard a ship varies significantly, each carrying its own set of risks and hazards. Therefore, selecting the appropriate glove type becomes a critical task that should never be overlooked. Wearing gloves ill-suited for the specific job requirements exposes seafarers to accidents and injuries. For instance, using gloves designed for protection against chemicals in a situation where cut-resistant gloves are necessary can lead to severe lacerations or even amputations. Similarly, wearing gloves that do not provide adequat