Best work gloves for wet and slippery conditions

Wet, cold, or oily environments make it harder to maintain a secure grip on tools and materials.

Choosing the right gloves can improve grip, dexterity, comfort, and protection throughout a shift.

But what should you actually look for?

This guide covers the key considerations when choosing waterproof work gloves. We'll also highlight three options for demanding conditions.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT GRIP FOR WET CONDITIONS

Wet or oily surfaces can make tools and materials harder to handle. The right glove coating can provide additional traction and control.

Nitrile is a popular option for wet and oily work, offering good abrasion resistance alongside effective grip.

For extra traction, a textured finish such as sandy nitrile is worth considering.

There's no one-size-fits-all choice, though. The right coating should reflect the task, hazards, and working environment.

WORKING IN COLD AND WET CONDITIONS?

Keeping hands dry is important, but what if you're dealing with low temperatures too?

Waterproofing may come from a membrane or a coated outer layer. For cold working conditions, you'll also need to consider suitable thermal insulation.

The aim is to balance warmth and water resistance with the dexterity needed for the job.

This can be particularly important in:

• Utilities
• Outdoor work
• Cold store operations
• Refrigerated environments

Our extensive range of thermal protective gloves offers options to suit a wide range of workforce needs.

DON'T FORGET CUT PROTECTION

Are your team working with sharp materials too? Grip and waterproofing are only part of the picture.

Where water exposure and cut risks overlap, you'll need to consider the right level of protection for the task.

If your workforce handles:

• Glass
• Cables
• Sharp tools
• Sheet metal

The required level of protection should always reflect the hazards identified in your risk assessment.

Not sure what the different cut levels mean? Read our guide to EN 388 and cut-resistant glove ratings.

Aquashield+ gloves for wet and slippery conditions

Looking for somewhere to start? The AQUASHIELD+ range includes three waterproof gloves designed for different handling environments.

1. AQUASHIELD+ SECURE GLOVE (LEVEL A)

For everyday handling, the Secure combines a double-dipped latex coating with a cinkled latex palm. It's waterproof and offers Level 5 dexterity, making it a strong option when grip and ease of movement matter.

BEST SUITED TO: General handling in wet or oily environments.

2. AQUASHIELD+ ENDURANCE GLOVE (LEVEL D)

Need cut protection alongside grip? The Endurance glove offers Cut Level D protection with a double-dipped nitrile coating and sandy nitrile palm.

It's waterproof and oil-resistant, with the textured palm providing additional grip on oily surfaces.

BEST SUITED TO: More demanding environments involving wet or oily conditions with cut risks.

3. AQUASHIELD+ RESILIENCE GLOVE (LEVEL D)

For slippery, wet conditions, the Resilience glove combines Cut Level D protection with a double-dipped latex coating.

Its sandy latex palm provides additional grip on wet surfaces, while the 13-gauge HPPE liner provides cut protection.

BEST SUITED TO: Tasks where wet grip, precision, and cut protection need to work together.

When SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR WORK GLOVES?

Even the right gloves won't last forever.

Regular checks can help spot wear or damage before it affects the protection they provide.

Make sure your team look out for:

• Reduced grip
• Holes or tears
• Damaged seams
• Deterioration to the liner
• Changes to fit or flexibility
• Damaged or worn conditions

If your team's gloves no longer provide the protection required, it's time to issue replacements.

FAQs

Do WATERPROOF WORK GLOVES reduce dexterity?

Not necessarily. Dexterity depends on the glove's construction, coating, fit, and level of protection.

Choosing the right size and specification can help balance water resistance with the freedom of movement needed for the job.

How long do waterproof work gloves last?

There's no set lifespan for a pair of gloves.

How long a pair lasts depends on the task, frequency of use, working conditions, and exposure to abrasive materials.

Make sure that your team are regularly checking the coating, seams, liner, and grip surface for signs of wear and damage.

Are waterproof gloves also suitable for cold weather?

Yes, some waterproof gloves include thermal insulation to maintain warmth in low temperatures.

For colder environments, choose a glove that also provides the appropriate level of thermal protection.