The Importance of Grip Performance Testing of Protective Gloves

INTRODUCTION

protective gloves are a key piece of equipment in the field of occupational safety, used to protect workers from hazards such as cuts, punctures, chemicals, or heat. However, the protective function of gloves goes far beyond physical barriers, as their grip performance is also crucial in ensuring safety and efficiency. Poor grip can lead to tools or objects slipping off, increasing the risk of injury and reducing productivity. This article explores the importance of grip performance testing and how it can have a profound impact on workplace safety, taking into account the latest research, international standards, and innovations from SONICE (Lianyungang Sonice Industry Co., Ltd.).

Why grip performance matters

Reducing the risk of workplace injuries

The hand is one of the most vulnerable parts of the body in workplace accidents. It is estimated that approximately 65% of all workplace injuries are hand-related, while 49%-58% of hand injuries can be avoided by wearing appropriate protective gloves (comprehensive guide). Poor gripping performance can lead to the following risks:

   • Objects slipping: When working at height or lifting heavy objects, an inadequate grip may cause tools or materials to fall, threatening the safety of workers or others. For example, a falling tool may injure a person below.

   • Cuts and puncture wounds: Inadequate grip when handling sharp objects, such as knives or glass, may lead to slippery hands and increase the risk of cuts or puncture wounds.

   • Musculoskeletal disorders: Inadequate grip forces workers to exert extra force, which can lead to hand fatigue or long-term musculoskeletal problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Improved Productivity

Grip performance has a direct impact on worker efficiency. Studies have shown that gloves with poor gripping performance can make handling more difficult and reduce productivity (PMC study). For example, grip sensitivity is critical to glove selection for tasks that require high precision, such as mechanical assembly. One study noted that 3D cut polyurethane gloves with a 0.8 mm fingertip thickness provided 6N puncture resistance and twice the operational precision of conventional gloves (Labour Glove Selection 2025). By choosing gloves with superior gripping performance, companies can significantly improve productivity.

Adapt to diverse work environments

Different work environments have different requirements for the grip performance of gloves. For example:

Dry environments: Gloves need to provide high friction to ensure a stable grip.

Wet or oily environments: Grip performance can be significantly reduced, requiring special coatings (e.g., nitrile or polyurethane) to maintain performance. By testing the grip performance of gloves under different conditions, companies can minimise risk by choosing the protective gloves that are best suited to their workplace.

Scientific approach to grip performance testing

To ensure that protective gloves perform well in real-world use, manufacturers and safety professionals use a variety of test methods to simulate real-world work scenarios and evaluate the grip performance of gloves under a variety of conditions.

Coefficient of Friction (COF) Testing

Coefficient of Friction tests measure the friction between the glove material and different surfaces and are a key indicator of grip performance. A higher coefficient of friction usually means better grip performance. A study proposes a new test method using a modified TDM-100 test device to accurately measure the grip performance of gloves in dry, wet, and oily conditions by sliding a metal probe at a constant speed and applying a vertical load (ASTM test method).

Dexterity Testing

Dexterity tests assess a worker's ability to manipulate objects while wearing gloves. Common tests include:

Pin test: Subjects are asked to insert 25 stainless steel pins into a pin board, comparing completion times with and without gloves (Glove Function Test).

Tool dexterity test: involves the use of tools such as screwdrivers or pliers to assess the effect of gloves on fine manipulation.

Grip Force Test

Grip force testing uses a dynamometer (e.g., Jamar Hydraulic Dynamometer or Spherical Dynamometer) to measure the gripping force of a worker's hand while wearing gloves and compares it to the gripping force of a bare hand. Studies have shown that different types of gloves (e.g., firefighting gloves and general-purpose protective gloves) have a significant effect on grip strength (PMC study).

Environmental conditions testing

Grip performance of gloves may vary significantly in dry, wet, and oily environments. As a result, testing is often carried out in laboratories that simulate these conditions to ensure that the gloves maintain their performance in a variety of work scenarios. For example, the SATRA TM438 test method measures the gripping force on dry and lubricated surfaces by having the subject wear a glove that grips a cylinder and pulls it a certain distance (SATRA TM438).

Relevant Standards and Regulations

The testing and classification of protective gloves is governed by a number of international standards to ensure that gloves meet the minimum requirements for grip performance and other safety features. Some of the key standards are listed below:

SONICE's innovative practices

SONICE (Lianyungang Sonice Industry Co., Ltd.), as a leading manufacturer in the field of Safety Gloves, is keenly aware of the importance of grip performance for worker safety and efficiency. To this end, SONICE has developed an independently verified test procedure in co-operation with the Glove Testing Laboratory in the USA to rigorously test 40 models of SONICE gloves with different coatings and polymers, evaluating their grip performance in dry, wet, and oily conditions (SONICE Protective Gloves).

The tests were conducted using a rating system ranging from 0 (poor grip) to 3+ (excellent grip), with all gloves able to maintain grip being categorised as 'non-slip'. The results showed that SONICE's nitrile brushed range of gloves performed the best under all test conditions and received the highest rating, making them suitable for a wide range of high-risk tasks, such as machine handling, construction, mining, etc. SONICE also implements a similar test procedure in all its factories to ensure the objectivity and reliability of the product comparisons and to provide users with reliable reference data.

SONICE's gloves are made from advanced materials such as thermoplastic rubber (TPR) and high-density HPPE fibres, providing five levels of cut protection and superior impact resistance. Its unique crinkle latex technology enhances grip, and the inner layer is made of breathable, moisture-wicking material to reduce hand fatigue and ensure comfort over long periods of wear (SONICE Impact Gloves). In addition, SONICE offers a free sample service to allow customers to test the gloves' performance in a real working environment, and welcomes customers to visit the factory to learn about its strict manufacturing process and quality control measures, demonstrating confidence in the quality of its products (SONICE Factory Tour).

Choosing the right protective gloves

When choosing protective gloves, the following factors need to be considered:

Task requirements: Choose the glove with the best grip performance for the specific task (e.g., mechanical assembly or chemical handling). For example, SONICE's nitrile sanding range is suitable for tasks requiring high grip and dexterity.

Environmental conditions: Consider the working environment (e.g., wet or oily) and choose gloves that have been tested for the appropriate conditions; SONICE's test data provides a clear reference for the user.

Materials and coatings: Different materials (e.g., nitrile or polyurethane coatings) can have a significant impact on the grip performance of a glove, and SONICE gloves utilise advanced coating technologies to ensure excellent performance in a wide range of conditions.

Size and fit: Ensure that gloves are properly sized to avoid being too large or too small to affect grip and dexterity.

Conclusion

Testing the grip performance of protective gloves is not just a technical requirement, it is a cornerstone of workplace safety and efficiency. Through scientific testing methods and international standards, organisations can choose the gloves that are best suited to specific tasks and environments, reducing the risk of workplace injuries and increasing productivity.SONICE has set a new benchmark for the industry through its innovative testing procedures and high-quality gloves. The superior performance of its nitrile brushed gloves in a wide range of conditions, as well as free samples and factory tours, demonstrates SONICE's commitment to customer safety and satisfaction. As testing technology and standards continue to advance, SONICE will continue to lead the industry in providing safer and more efficient hand protection solutions for workers around the world.