AIC has protected countless hands across countless industries—but automotive service is one area we’ve always thrived.
As cars and trucks continue to evolve, so does vehicle maintenance—and the tools needed to do the job. One of the most important of those tools is disposable gloves.
Technology has, of course, drastically changed automotive service over the years. Cars are smarter than ever, their diagnostics more precise and controlled by computer chips. Mechanics train extensively in a wider spectrum of systems and disciplines.
But when it comes time to pop the hood and start rooting around the engine compartment, auto techs face the same situation they have for decades: Working on cars (and trucks) can be dirty, difficult, and dangerous—and you would be wise to protect your hands accordingly.
The liquids in motor vehicles—radiator coolant, oil, brake, power steering, and transmission fluids—are toxic. So are the chemicals most shops use for cleaning and for mixing paint.
The industry is experiencing ever-growing adoption of gloves, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation—users want options. Gloves come in a variety of thicknesses and with features suited for various tasks.
A simple strategy for which glove to choose is a basic good-better-best comparison.
First, start with nitrile gloves. Vinyl is not suited for auto work, and while latex gloves are fine and offer superior comfort, there is always the caveat of latex allergies to consider.
Let’s break it down this way:
GOOD: Gloveworks 5-mil black nitrile disposable gloves: The perfect combination of strength, dexterity, and comfort, they feature solid protection against common and specialty chemicals. These gloves are an excellent choice for a wide variety of auto-related tasks—and they are silicone free to avoid transferring residue to fresh finishes.
BETTER: Gloveworks 6-mil black and royal blue nitrile disposable gloves with Raised Diamond Texture : If it’s increased grip you need, RDT is where you’ll get it. The texture channels away liquids for enhanced gripping power in wet conditions. These gloves also deliver first-rate chemical protection.
BEST: Gloveworks 8-mil orange and green nitrile disposable gloves with RDT: All the benefits of RDT with added thickness. The hi-vis colors provide an extra safety feature for use in dark garages—you’ll always know where your hands (and your fellow techs’ hands) are. Nitrile is renowned for comfort and safety.
As many as 1 million hand injuries occur in workplaces each year, ranging from cuts and lacerations to amputations and fractures to chemical exposure. Statistically, wearing gloves reduces the relative risk of hand injury by 60 percent. A hand safety policy, along with the use of appropriate hand protection, can reduce or eliminate many of those injuries from your workplace.
Like anything, disposable gloves can be the subject of spirited debate. Are they absolutely necessary? Well, considering that working on cars (and trucks) is not kind to technicians’ hands, it would seem so.
