Page 29 - OHS, November/December 2020

cutting off circulation (another cause of cold hands) or restriction that causes you to take the gloves off entirely. A cold weather glove, for example, might feature 80g insulation on the back to protect from cutting wind but only 40g in the palm for greater flexibility. These dual-zone insulated gloves can give you the best of both worlds.
What Is My Activity Level?
You’ll also want to consider how active you’ll be during your day as temperature rating varies greatly depending on how much you’re moving around.
We tested a pair of thermal gloves and found them to be effective in drastically different temperatures depending on activity level:
Medium activity: 25 degrees
High activity: -22 degrees
It’s important to note that levels of warmth are completely subjective and will vary from one person to the next. It’s the age- old thermostat battle—Mom is comfortable at 72, but Dad calls it a sauna-like hellscape. This is why it’s tough to establish an industry standard for temperature rating gloves. Warmth depends on the user’s age, gender, metabolism, activity level and environment (considering everything from altitude to wind speed, humidity and climate). It really is a fine line. If the glove is too over or under- insulated, your hands will feel cold.
Working Conditions
The work you’re doing on a daily basis is another important
It’s not you, it’s me.
consideration for glove effectiveness. Are you fully exposed to the elements? Is your workspace sheltered against the wind? What kind of surfaces do you come into contact with during the day?
Windchill is a real game-changer—that cold wind cutting through your gear can quickly sap your body of warmth. If you’re exposed to the Mother Nature in all her fury, you may need more heavily insulated gloves to protect your hands from intense wind. In this case, gloves with a ripstop outer shell are a good choice. Other materials, like leather (especially when it becomes wet), can freeze or become stiff in the extreme cold. Coupled with a DWR finish, ripstop will stay flexible and pliable long after the job is finished.
You should also consider the type of material you’ll be handling. Water and metal are excellent conductors of the cold and will quickly pull warmth from your hands. Handling either will affect how your gloves perform. Extra reinforcement in the fingertips offers an added layer of protection against these surfaces.
So, when it comes to the effectiveness of winter work gloves, sometimes “It’s not you, it’s me” isn’t just a cliché. While not all gloves are up to the challenge of harsh winters, when you know exactly what to look for, you can find a well-designed pair that fits your needs like a... glove.
Aaron Skemp is a Product Specialist at Ergodyne.
PERFECT HANDLING. FROM EVERY SIDE.
SAFETY KNIFE SECUPRO MAXISAFE.
The all-rounder with the practical 3-sided-slider.
For a wide variety of cutting applications and materials.
For more information:
www.martorusa.com | info@martorusa.com | 920.662.9646
MADE IN SOLINGEN, GERMANY
EXTREME
WINTER PROTECTION
35-5567
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(800) 367-4568 majesticglove.com