Glass Industry – Dangerous Environments Call for Fierce Protection

Glass is one of the most delicate materials a worker deals with, much denser and heavier than most people think. From manufacturing to cleaning, the glass industry is a unique environment involving many risks and hazards. It is therefore essential that the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) is used for efficient glass handling as well as for keeping workers safe and protected with little to no risk of injury.

Working with glass, from manufacturing to installation, or even handling sheets of glass exposes workers' hands to possible cuts and lacerations. Choosing the wrong hand protection puts workers at even higher risk of injuries. It’s vital to take the necessary steps to protect workers against all possible hazards including hot surfaces and broken shards.

The glass manufacturing process involves several stages that demand protection against various hazards. The initial stage involves melting liquid sand or recycled glass, exposing workers’ hands to high temperatures requiring outstanding heat protection from gloves. Further along the production line, shaping and blowing glass require dexterous and durable work gloves. Our waterproof Granberg® 9015 provide the highest level of cut protection (level F according to EN388:2016 and A7 ANSI), chemical resistance EN 374:2016/Type A, great wet and dry grip and level 1 contact heat protection according to EN407:2004, making them highly suitable for these stages of the manufacturing process, protecting not only the hands but also the wrists. 

Though factories are moving towards automation, workers are still required to handle and move glass which is part of the last stage of the process. Carrying and transporting glass also exposes workers to potential injuries caused by cuts and lacerations. Finding the right hand protection providing cut resistance, good grip and that will not smudge the glass is not always easy. Granberg® 530 addresses every aspect of this stage with the advantage of combining high cut protection (level E according to EN388:2016), excellent dry grip due to its crinkled latex coating which leaves no stain marks on the glass, and its breathable liner provides great comfortability and extreme dexterity (level 5) that addresses the common issue of workers removing their gloves when they feel uncomfortable.

Europe is the world’s largest glass market followed by North America and China. According to the data from Glass Alliance Europe, currently, the EU glass industry employs approximately 181,000 people and is expected to grow further. Keeping this in mind, the awareness of hand protection in this thriving industry is of great importance. No matter what part of the process you are involved in within the glass industry, using the appropriate safety gloves is crucial to lessen potential if not completely prevent accidents and hazards.