Start with the hazard and read the EN 388 code: its digits rate abrasion, coupe cut, tear and puncture, the letter after them is the TDM cut level from A to F, and a final P means impact protection. For light handling and assembly in dry conditions, coated knit gloves such as the Delta Plus VE702 (PU, EN 388 3121X) or Karam's PU and nitrile palm gloves on polyester liners give good finger feel. For sharp glass and sheet metal, move to cut resistant gloves: the Delta Plus VENICUT and Karam HPPE ranges run through cut levels B, C and D up to level F on the Delta Plus VENICUT F XTREM CUT and Karam's fine gauge NFT glove, both listed at ANSI A6. For knocks as well as cuts, the Delta Plus EOS NOCUT VV910 (EN 388 4X43DP) and Karam's glove with TPR guards protect the back of the hand, and the Delta Plus NYSOS VV904 adds EN ISO 10819 anti-vibration pads for tools that shake.
Then pick the coating and fit. PU suits dry, precise work, and Karam lists its low lint PU gloves for electronics and pharmaceutical handling; nitrile and foam nitrile grip in oily and greasy work, and fully coated nitrile, such as the Delta Plus NI155 and NI175 or Karam's fully nitrile coated gloves, keeps oil off the back of the hand too; crinkle or embossed latex grips wet and rough items. The Delta Plus VE702PESD is stated to EN 16350 for areas with an electrostatic discharge hazard. Gauge describes the knit: gauge 13 and 15 liners are finer for finger feel, gauge 7 and 10 knits are thicker. Karam lists letter sizes such as M, L and XL, some up to 3XL, and Delta Plus numbered sizes such as 6 to 11.
For heat, read the EN 407 code, where the second digit is contact heat. The Delta Plus VENICUTD02 and VENICUTDX0 are listed at contact heat level 2 (250°C for 15 seconds), the TERK500 XTREM HEAT up to 500°C for 30 seconds, and Karam's Kevlar and para-aramid knits pass the EN 407:2020 contact heat test. Welders need gloves to EN 12477: the Delta Plus TERK400, TER250, TC716 and CA615K are Type A, and Karam's Frontier split leather gauntlets come in 14 and 16 inch lengths with heat resistance from 100°C for 15 seconds up to 350°C for 15 seconds on the double palm version. For cold, the Delta Plus THRYM VV736 is rated to EN 511 for work down to -30°C, and the CRYOG glove is made for handling liquid nitrogen.
For chemicals, choose by EN ISO 374-1 type and the test letters printed with it, which name the chemicals tested: Type A gloves, such as the Delta Plus TOUTRAVO neoprene and NITREX VE802 nitrile or Karam's green nitrile, neoprene blend and PVC gauntlets, are tested against the most chemicals, Type B and Type C against fewer. Length matters for splashes: 30 to 38 cm on the TOUTRAVO, 62 cm full arm on the PETRO VE766 PVC, and 12 to 18 inch on Karam's Frontier PVC gloves. Delta Plus disposable nitrile, latex and vinyl gloves come in boxes of 100 or 50, several listed for food work, and Karam's disposable nitrile runs from 3.2 mil for touch to 8 mil with a long cuff for splash work. Arm sleeves from both brands extend cut and heat protection to the forearm.