PPE Gloves & Hand Protection Products
Protect your hands and clothing while at work with our range of PPE safety gloves and hand protection products. Whether you need medical grade or food grade disposable gloves, we have the gloves for you. Check out our selection below.
A sporty safety trainer for the fashion conscious, which provides all the safety of a traditional safety shoe.
Steelite Lusum Saftey Trainers from Portwest have a steel midsole and toe cap for excellent protection in a range of work environments. These traners are heat resistant, slip resistant and anti static. The energy absorbing heel and dual density sole provide superb comfort. This product conforms to EN ISO 20345: 2011 and ASTM F2413-11.
FW36 - Steelite Loire Low Cut Trainer is a modern styled trainer with all the comfort and safety needed for all day wear. This Portwest safety trainer has a steel toe cap and mid sole for all round protection. The lightweight EVA/Rubber sole provides comfort, whilst it's anti-static, slip resistant properties give added safety in the work place. An absorbing heel provides all day comfort. The sole is heat resistant up to temperatures of 300°C. This product conforms to EN ISO 20345: 2011. Made using cow Suede with an EVA/Rubber outsole. Available in sizes 39 to 47 (Euro).
These safety sandals are ideal for warmer climates with perforated uppers to allow air to circulate. They have a steel toe cap and anti slip sole. This obra safety sandal from Portwest is perforated which makes it breathable, which keeps feet cool in warmer climates. It has a steel toe cap for protection, and is anti static. These sandals have an energy absorbing heel for comfort and a slip and oil resistant outsole. This product conforms to EN ISO 20345: 2011.
Stylish Brogue safety shoe combines all the safety features of a traditional safety shoe with added executive style.
A practical full leather safety shoe with steel toe cap and mid sole as well as a dual density sole for comfort.
A lightweight safety sandal with easy fit hook and loop fastening, a safety toe cap and non slip sole. the breathable upper makes this sandal ideal for warmer environments.
FW57 - Steelite All Weather Boot
Sturdy Portwest safety FW59 - Steelite Mustang Shoe with reinforced ankle support system and steel toe cap and mid sole. These sturdy Portwest shoes provide both comfort and stability. They are made a strong water and oil resistant leather, with reinforced steel toe caps and mid soles. The durable dual density PU sole is anti static and anti slip and there is an inbuilt ankle support for extra stability. This product conforms to EN ISO 20345:2011.
A great all round boot providing full steel protection as well as comfort and support. S1P Trekker boot in a workwear friendly colour combination of black/grey with breathable inner lining and closed eyelets. A superb range of safety footwear manufactured using the finest materials and components. Steelite footwear contains protective steel toecaps and/or steel midsoles.
This shoe provides excellent all round safety and comfort. Steel toe cap and mid sole
These Steelite taskforce boots from Portwest have been designed for use by security personnel and military. These are designed to be entirley comfortable with a breathable lining as well as anti static properties.
FW66 - Steelite All Weather Hiker Boot
A hard wearing leather safety boot, which is water and oil resistant and has a steel toe cap and mid sole.
These Microfibre safety shoes are light and practical for the food and medical industries. They are washable at 30 degrees and have a steel toe cap for added safety.
Lightweight microfiber safety shoe designed for use in food and medical industries. Featuring a steel toe cap with energy absorbing heel and anti slip sole.
The FW82 Steelite Safety Clog is a robust protective shoe designed for industrial, healthcare, and food processing environments. With a steel toe, slip-resistant sole, and ergonomic design, it ensures safety, comfort, and durability for professionals on their feet all day.
A comfortable slip on boot with toe protection and self cleaning sole, for additional safety and hygiene
These lightweight FW88 - Steelite Albus Lace Boot lace up boots have a safety toe cap for protection and a non slip sole, making them ideal for janitorial work. Safety at an affordable price. Water resistant upper with safety toecap antistatic and slip resistant dual density outsole. Laced version is ideal for janitorial work.
FW94 - Classic Steelite Safety wellingtons are manufactured from virgin PVC/Nitrile in a seamless watertight construction. Portwest presents these safety wellingtons which are fully waterproof with an energy absorbing heel for added comfort and to prevent foot fatigue
Galvanised Scourer is a circular scourer made from fine metal mesh, ideal for cleaning burnt-on stains from grills, barbeques and metal pans.
Gildan is the second largest T-shirt brand in the world.It has a tubular body so will not keep its shape as well as a garment with side seams but for the price it is a great option.Buy Online today, for fast delivery.
The Gildan Ultra Cotton T-Shirt (GD02) is a heavyweight, durable everyday tee designed for comfort, structure and long-lasting wear. Made from preshrunk cotton with a classic fit, it’s one of the most widely used blank garments for workwear, uniforms and custom printing.
The Gildan Heavy Cotton T-Shirt (GD05) is a reliable, everyday heavyweight tee designed for durability, comfort and excellent print performance. With a classic fit and robust cotton construction, it’s a go-to choice for workwear, uniforms, events and custom branded clothing.
The Gildan Hammer Heavyweight T-Shirt (GD21) is a premium, durable cotton tee designed for a more substantial feel, improved structure and excellent printability. With a modern classic fit and heavyweight fabric, it’s ideal for workwear, uniforms, merchandising and high-quality custom printing.
The Gildan Hammer Heavyweight Long Sleeve T-Shirt (GD22) is a premium, durable long sleeve tee designed for structure, comfort and high-quality print performance. Made from ringspun cotton with a modern classic fit, it’s ideal for workwear, uniforms, branding and cooler weather layering.
The Gildan Softstyle Double Piqué Polo Shirt (GD35) is a soft, lightweight, modern‑fit polo made from 100% ringspun cotton (with fibre blends in heather shades). Featuring a double piqué knit, three‑button placket, and clean, contemporary silhouette, it’s ideal for uniforms, retail teams, events and everyday branded workwear.
The Gildan DryBlend Jersey Polo Shirt (GD40) is a soft, easy‑care polo made from a 50/50 cotton–polyester DryBlend fabric designed to wick moisture and keep the wearer comfortable. With a classic fit, three‑button placket, and clean jersey finish, it’s ideal for uniforms, events, hospitality and everyday workwear.
The Gildan Hammer Piqué Polo Shirt (GD43) is a premium‑weight, durable cotton polo made from 100% ringspun combed cotton (with blends in heather shades). Featuring a classic fit, three‑button placket, and heavy piqué knit, it delivers a structured, professional look ideal for uniforms, hospitality, retail and branded workwear.
The Gildan DryBlend® Sweatshirt is available in a range of colors, so you can choose the one that best suits your style. Buy Online today, for fast delivery.
Gildan DryBlend® Hooded Sweatshirt is a double fabric hood with self-color drawcord provides added protection from the elements,Online today, for fast delivery.
The tubular knit construction ensures that this Gildan Heavy Blend™ Sweatshirt is durable and long-lasting, so you can wear it for years to come. Buy Online today, for fast delivery.
Gloves - What is the difference?
Who would've thought there was so much to disposable gloves? It is important to make sure your wearing the glove that protects you most... Read here to see what gloves you should be wearing and when!
Over the past 5 years, there has been an enormous surge in the prices of all types of gloves, such as vinyl, latex and nitrile. This is due to the increases in raw materials, manufacturing and environment challenges. This blog is set out to describe the different reasons for this and to educate you on all things gloves…
To help gauge which protective gloves are most useful in different situations, listed below are the advantages and disadvantages of each raw material, this is to make it easier for you to decide which gloves are best for you!
Why do we need gloves?
In many situations, gloves can be vital to someone’s health and safety. When working with hazardous chemicals or anything harmful for that matter, it is extremely important to use gloves. They protect our hands from any injury, infections or becoming contaminated. Nitrile gloves are usually the gloves used to protect an individual against most chemicals and infectious agents.
Nitrile Gloves
Nitrile is often used as a latex alternative for those who have a latex allergy; it is a synthetic rubber compound, which is formed by carbon and nitrogen atoms. Butadiene is the main molecule used in the production of nitrile rubber. However, in the last few years a significant increase in Butadiene’s price has been noticed. In September 2016, Butadiene’s price per ton was averaging around £720; it is now costing between £1500-2000 per ton.
Advantages of Nitrile Gloves:
- Nitrile gloves are up to 3 times more puncture resistant than latex gloves - this makes them the preferred glove in work places such as hospitals or environments where there is a high risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens or other environmental contaminants.
- Nitrile gloves are often referred to as Medical Grade; this means they have undergone series of tests to ensure they are suitable to be used in these conditions.
- This material is known for having a lower level of friction meaning they can be worn for long durations of time. Again, this is good for medical purpose like surgeries and procedures where individuals may need to be protected by these gloves for a long period.
- Due to nitrile being a manufactured substance, it means the price of it remains stable unlike latex. This is because things such as changes in weather and climate cannot affect it. Being machine-made gives nitrile a longer shelf life than some other forms of disposable gloves meaning there is less possibility of waste.
Disadvantages of Nitrile Gloves:
- As there are several different types of materials used to make disposable gloves, nitrile gloves have been proven to be “better” than latex. However producing synthetic nitrile rubber is a lot more expensive than the produce of vinyl gloves, which is another type of raw material used in manufacturing disposable gloves.
- Nitrile gloves are a lot less tactile than latex, the sensitive is limited because of the nitrile material making it more difficult to feel objects easily.
Vinyl Gloves
Vinyl gloves are made from synthetic material polyvinyl chloride (PVC). They provide a heavy-duty glove that is commonly used in rougher activities. This means they are an excellent option in the food and beverage industry. Also a popular choice in many household and commercial applications.
Advantages of Vinyl Gloves:
- As well as being highly affordable, they are great for low-risk tasks in short durations, this includes professions such as hairstyling, house cleaning, assisted living work etc. They are suitable for use as a protective barrier against low-risk bodily fluids, dyes and detergents.
- Vinyl gloves are waterproof making them a very popular choice in gloves for places such as nurseries, hairdressers and even in your home. They are still highly protective but should be used for less serious scenarios.
- These make of gloves are an ideal choice, as they are latex-free and usually the cheapest.
- Another advantage of vinyl gloves is that they are anti-static meaning they are good for high dust environments, they are useful for activities such as cleaning and decluttering.
Disadvantages of Vinyl Gloves:
- One of the biggest disadvantages of vinyl gloves is the minor protection. They should not be worn for long periods and offer little protection in chemical resistance. They fit loose and are a lot less flexible than latex and nitrile gloves, this can make them very uncomfortable.
- Majority of vinyl gloves are manufactured in China, these manufactures equate to over 50% of the global demand. Across Beijing and much of North-Eastern China there was severe smog/pollution caused by factories, this meant they were forced to shut down as highways had to close and airlines had to cancel flights. Chinese government closed down 1200 vinyl gloves factories overall. Because of these forced closures, there was a significant impact on vinyl glove production and supply.
Latex Gloves
Unlike Nitrile and Vinyl, latex is a natural compound made from rubber trees. White, milky liquid is taken when the trees are scored and processed into latex.
Advantages of Latex Gloves:
- Latex gloves provide a high degree of movement and comfort, the physical properties of the rubber latex makes the gloves extremely elastic and resistant to tearing.
- Latex gloves offer protection against a range of hazards such as biohazard (bacteria and viruses) and certain chemicals.
- This type of disposable gloves are considered the most comfortable material that is available. Because of their snug fit and skin feel, this allows people to perform complex tasks that require a high degree of touch sensitivity.
Disadvantages of Latex Gloves:
- Latex allergies are one of the main disadvantages of latex gloves; it’s not uncommon to be allergic to latex however, it does mean that there is a large group of customers who are unable to purchase this certain type of glove.
- As Latex is a natural substance, several different problems can arise because of this. One of these is the weather, rubber tree plantations flood regularly due to excessive rainfall.
- Latex is currently at the highest market price in history, for every 2% increase in the cost of raw latex; there is a 1% increase in the cost of a glove. In the past year, costs have increased by 97%, resulting in 49% surge in production cost of latex gloves.
