Kaitseglove

Kaitseglove is a term used to denote protective gloves designed to shield hands from hazards encountered in industrial, laboratory, or service settings. The word combines kaitse, meaning protection in Estonian, with glove, reflecting its protective purpose. In practice, kaitseglove refers to a range of glove products rather than a single design, selected according to the hazard and the required level of dexterity.

Most kaitsegloves are multilayered, featuring an inner lining for comfort and an outer protective layer. They may employ materials such as nitrile, latex, neoprene, or vinyl for chemical resistance, and leather or high-strength fabrics for abrasion resistance. For higher cut protection, gloves may incorporate Kevlar, glass fiber, or laminated steel fibers. Coatings such as polyurethane, PVC, or silicone improve grip and tactile feel, while thermal protection may come from aluminized linings or aramid fibers for heat exposure.

Gloves are tested and marketed under safety standards that vary by region. Common reference points include mechanical risk ratings (abrasion, cut, tear, puncture) and chemical permeation tests. In Europe, EN 388 covers mechanical risks, EN 374 covers chemical risks, EN 407 or EN 511 address heat or cold, and EN 420 provides general requirements. Usage requires selecting a glove appropriate to the hazard, ensuring proper fit, inspecting for damage, and following cleaning and storage instructions.

Kaitseglove products are widely used in manufacturing, construction, laboratories, healthcare, and food processing, with labeling emphasizing material composition and protection level rather than language.