Portwest Nitrile Knitwrist Gloves - General Handling and Assembly

Portwest Nitrile Knitwrist Gloves

The Portwest Nitrile Knitwrist Glove is a lightweight general handling glove built for tasks where dexterity and comfort matter as much as protection. A 12-gauge seamless jersey cotton liner provides a close, comfortable fit that reduces hand fatigue during sustained use, whilst the 3/4 smooth nitrile coating covers the palm, knuckles, and finger backs with an oil-resistant, abrasion-resistant layer that performs in both wet and dry conditions. The open-back design allows air to circulate across the hand during warm or physically demanding tasks, making this a more practical all-day glove than a fully coated alternative of equivalent specification. Certified to EN 388:2016 + A1:2018 with a score of 4121X, the glove delivers Level 4 abrasion resistance and Level 2 tear resistance, confirming its suitability for the general handling and light assembly environments it is designed for.

Why choose the Portwest Nitrile Knitwrist Gloves

• Open back reduces hand fatigue: The uncoated dorsal surface allows ventilation during physically demanding tasks, keeping the hand cooler and more comfortable over a full shift than a fully dipped alternative.

• Dexterity Level 5: The 12-gauge seamless liner achieves the highest dexterity rating under EN ISO 21420:2020, allowing operatives to handle small components, fastenings, and precision parts without removing the glove.

• Smooth nitrile coating grips in wet and dry conditions: The heavy smooth nitrile is oil-resistant and maintains grip on components, tools, and materials in both dry and damp environments.

• Level 4 abrasion resistance: EN 388 abrasion score of 4 out of 4 confirms the coating withstands sustained surface contact, extending the working life of the glove in high-frequency handling tasks.

• Level 2 tear resistance: The 4121X score includes a Level 2 tear rating, providing greater confidence in tasks involving edges, packaging materials, and rough surfaces.

• Knitwrist for a secure, debris-free fit: The elasticated knit cuff seats the glove firmly at the wrist, preventing soil and debris ingress during outdoor and site-based tasks.

• Supplied as a single pair: Practical for individual operative issue alongside bulk inner pack and carton options for site stores and framework procurement.

What's included

1 x pair of Portwest Nitrile Knitwrist Gloves in size 10 (XL).

 Specifications

Compatibility

Who is this for?

The Portwest Nitrile Knitwrist Glove is specified by site managers, warehouse supervisors, facilities managers, and procurement teams supplying gloves for general handling, assembly, and light maintenance tasks across construction, manufacturing, logistics, and engineering environments. The dexterity Level 5 rating makes it particularly practical for operatives handling small components, packaging, or tools where a lower-dexterity glove would reduce precision and increase error rates. It suits any operative who needs sustained mechanical protection without sacrificing the hand feel required for detailed manual work.

Typical applications

• General material handling in warehouse, logistics, and distribution environments

• Small parts assembly and component handling in manufacturing and engineering facilities

• Light maintenance and general construction site tasks involving tool use and material movement

• Paper and card handling in packaging, print, and logistics operations

• Assembly line work requiring sustained glove wear over a full shift

• Engineering maintenance involving oily components and small fastenings in wet or dry conditions

• Public works and utilities tasks involving general groundwork, inspection, and manual handling

How to use

1. Confirm size 10 (XL) by measuring palm circumference at its widest point. Size 10 corresponds to approximately 254 mm palm circumference and 204 mm hand length.

2. Inspect the glove before each use. Check for holes, stiffening, tears, or coating separation. Discard any damaged glove.

3. Don the glove with the printed label visible on the back of the hand and the knit cuff seated securely at the wrist.

4. Use for general handling, assembly, and light maintenance only. This glove is not rated for heat, cut protection beyond Level 1, chemical protection, or electrical hazards.

5. Do not use near moving machinery where there is a risk of entanglement from the knitted liner or cuff.

6. Remove promptly when damage is identified. Where the glove surface is contaminated, ease left and right gloves off alternately to avoid skin contact with contaminants.

7. Wash hands thoroughly before donning and after removing gloves.

Safety

• CE Cat II, EN 388:2016 + A1:2018, score 4121X. Level 4 abrasion and Level 2 tear resistance. Not rated for cut beyond Level 1, heat, chemical, or electrical hazards.

• Do not use near moving machinery. Products achieving Level 1 or higher in tear resistance are not recommended where entanglement risk exists.

• If a skin reaction occurs during use, remove immediately and seek medical advice.

• Do not use a damaged glove. A compromised coating will not provide the certified level of protection.

• Use within 3 years of purchase to ensure performance characteristics are maintained.

Maintenance

Machine washing and chemical cleaning are not recommended as they can alter the mechanical performance of the nitrile coating. Wipe surface contamination with a damp cloth where possible. Allow wet gloves to dry fully before storing. Store in a well-ventilated area away from extremes of temperature and direct sunlight. Inspect before each use and discard if any damage, coating separation, or stiffening is present.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does dexterity Level 5 mean and why does it matter for assembly work?

 A: EN ISO 21420:2020 dexterity testing measures the ability to pick up small objects whilst wearing the glove, scored 1 to 5 where 5 is the highest. Level 5 means operatives can handle small components, fastenings, and precision parts without removing the glove, which removes the compliance risk of operatives discarding PPE to maintain precision during detailed tasks.

Q: What is the difference between this glove and the Skytec Neon?

 A: Both are cotton-lined 3/4 nitrile coated gloves with Level 4 abrasion resistance. The Portwest Nitrile Knitwrist has an open back for ventilation and a 12-gauge seamless liner giving Level 5 dexterity, making it better suited to assembly, small parts handling, and extended wear. The Skytec Neon has a closed back with an antibacterial treatment and bright yellow coating for high-visibility dirty-task environments. The choice depends on whether dexterity and ventilation or visibility and odour control is the priority.

Q: What does EN 388:2016 + A1:2018 score 4121X mean?

 A: Abrasion resistance Level 4, blade cut Level 1, tear resistance Level 2, puncture resistance Level 1, and X indicating the TDM cut test was not applicable. The primary protection is abrasion, appropriate for general handling and assembly. The Level 2 tear rating provides greater resistance to edge and rough surface contact compared to a Level 1 equivalent.

Q: Why does the glove have an open back?

 A: The open back allows air circulation across the hand during sustained wear. A fully coated glove traps heat and moisture, increasing discomfort and fatigue over a full shift. For general handling and assembly the back of the hand is not the primary contact area, so the open back provides ventilation without reducing protection where it is actually needed.

Q: Is this glove suitable for oily components?

 A: Yes. Nitrile has good resistance to oils and the smooth coating maintains grip on oily components and in damp conditions. It is not certified for specific chemical protection under EN ISO 374, but it is appropriate for incidental oil and water contact in general engineering and maintenance tasks.

Q: Can this glove be washed and reused?

 A: Machine washing and chemical cleaning are not recommended as they can alter the certified mechanical performance. Wipe clean with a damp cloth between uses. Inspect before each use and discard if damage, coating separation, or stiffening is present.

Q: What does CE Category II mean for a PPE specification?

 A: Cat II covers PPE for intermediate risks, independently assessed and certified by a notified body. Specifying a Cat II certified glove provides a defensible audit trail confirming the product has been independently tested to harmonised standards, satisfying the documentation requirements of a formal PPE risk assessment.

Q: Why buy Portwest Nitrile Knitwrist Gloves from CMT Group?

 A: CMT Group is a BSIF Registered Safety Supplier and holds ISO 9001:2015, CHAS Elite, and SSIP accreditations, meaning PPE products are sourced through a verified, compliant supply chain. Most orders are despatched for same or next working day UK mainland delivery when placed by 7pm online. Single pairs are available for individual operative issue, with inner packs of 12. Volume pricing is available through CMT's EDGE procurement portal.