Skytec Triple-Dipped PVC Gauntlets - Oil Resistant and Chemical Handling with Extended Cuff

Who is this for

Triple-dipped PVC chemical resistant gauntlets at this specification are used primarily by construction operatives, drain clearance workers, oil and gas maintenance staff, and vehicle maintenance technicians who require oilproof, waterproof, and chemical splash protection across the complete hand and forearm throughout demanding wet and chemically active shifts. The extended gauntlet cuff makes these gauntlets suited to deep immersion tasks, drainage work, and splash-intensive environments where standard-length gauntlets leave the forearm unprotected. CAT III classification and CE marking confirm independent third-party assessment at the highest PPE risk category, relevant for procurement teams specifying chemical PPE under COSHH Regulations 2002 for construction, oil and gas, and drain clearance environments.

Typical applications

• Drain clearance and drainage installation tasks involving contaminated water, oils, and biological waste where full arm coverage from the extended cuff prevents liquid run-back over the forearm during deep access work.

• Oil and gas maintenance tasks involving sustained hand and forearm contact with oily pipework, valves, fuels, and hydrocarbon substances where triple-dipped oilproof construction maintains the liquid barrier throughout the shift.

• Vehicle maintenance and automotive tasks involving engine oils, fuels, hydraulic fluids, and greasy components where an oilproof extended cuff gauntlet provides full arm coverage during engine bay and underside work.

• Construction site chemical handling tasks involving cement accelerators, surface treatment acids, cleaning agents, and chemical substances covered by COSHH assessments where EN374 Type B splash protection is required.

• Commercial fishing and maritime handling tasks involving fish oils, brine, deck chemicals, and biological waste where oilproof, waterproof, and bacteria and fungi protection are all required simultaneously.

• Chemical handling and industrial cleaning tasks involving sodium hydroxide, n-heptane, and sulphuric acid splash scenarios where Type B breakthrough protection against the tested chemicals is required.

How to use

Step 1: Select the correct size. Ensure the gauntlet seats correctly at the fingertips with the extended cuff reaching fully up the forearm. An oversized gauntlet allows liquid run-back inside the cuff during immersion and overhead tasks.

Step 2: Inspect the PVC coating thoroughly before each use. Check the fingertips, palm, knuckle line, back of hand, and the full extended cuff surface for any cracking, pinholing, swelling, or discolouration. A single breach in the PVC layer breaks the oilproof, waterproof, and chemical protection barrier completely.

Step 3: Pull the gauntlet fully over the hand and up the forearm, ensuring the extended cuff seats flat against the forearm without folding. Any fold in the cuff creates a channel for liquid run-back during handling tasks.

Step 4: When doffing after oil, chemical, or biological handling, grasp the outside of the gauntlet at the wrist area. Peel away from the hand without touching the contaminated outer surface. Use the gloved hand to remove the second gauntlet by sliding an ungloved finger under the cuff from the inside.

Step 5: After use, wipe the outer PVC surface with a damp cloth to remove oil, chemical residue, and contamination. Do not use solvent-based cleaners. The gauntlets are not washable. Air dry fully before storing.

Step 6: Replace when any cracking, pinholing, swelling, tackiness, or discolouration of the PVC coating is visible, or when grip performance on oily surfaces drops noticeably.

Common mistakes

• Assuming Type B covers all chemicals: EN ISO 374-1 Type B certifies splash protection against the three specific tested chemicals only, J (n-heptane), K (sodium hydroxide 40%), and L (sulphuric acid 96%). Performance against chemicals not in the tested list cannot be assumed. A COSHH assessment must confirm suitability for specific substances before specifying these gauntlets.

• Ignoring the high degradation rate of sulphuric acid: The chemical resistance data shows a degradation rate of 52.8% for sulphuric acid 96%. Whilst breakthrough time exceeds 30 minutes at Level 2, the high degradation rate means the PVC material is physically weakened by sustained sulphuric acid contact. Inspect immediately after any sulphuric acid exposure and replace if any softening or swelling is visible.

• Using for full chemical immersion: Type B covers splash and partial immersion only. Tasks requiring sustained full-hand immersion in chemical solutions require Type A rated gauntlets.

• Selecting the wrong cuff seating for overhead tasks: An extended cuff that folds at the forearm during overhead work creates a liquid channel. Ensure the cuff seats flat and consider rolling a sleeve over the cuff to seal the gap during overhead or deep immersion tasks.

• Using near moving machinery: The gauntlet construction creates an entanglement risk near rotating parts and moving plant. Do not use where entanglement is possible.

• Leaving oil and chemical residue on the coating: Some chemicals degrade PVC over time even after the exposure event. Wipe clean after every use and inspect for swelling, tackiness, or discolouration before reuse.

Safety

These gauntlets are certified to EN ISO 374-1:2016+A1:2018 Type B (J, K, L), EN ISO 374-5:2016+A1:2018, EN388:2016+A1:2018 (4121X), and EN ISO 21420:2020 under UK PPE Regulations, CE marked CAT III. CAT III is the highest risk classification covering protection against serious or mortal risk. Chemical protection is Type B splash only, not suitable for full chemical immersion requiring Type A protection. Note the high degradation rate for sulphuric acid 96% at 52.8%, inspect immediately after any sulphuric acid contact. These gauntlets provide low cut and puncture resistance and must not be used for tasks involving significant cut hazard. They are not suitable for electrical hazard work. Avoid use near moving machinery where entanglement is a risk. A COSHH assessment under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 must confirm suitability for specific chemicals in use before specifying these gauntlets.

Maintenance

Wipe the outer PVC surface with a damp cloth after each use to remove oil, chemical residue, and contamination. These gauntlets are not washable. Do not use solvent-based cleaners. Air dry fully before storing. Store in dry conditions between 10°C and 30°C, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and ozone. Do not exceed 40°C. Inspect the full PVC coating, including the extended cuff, before every shift. Check for cracking, pinholing, swelling, tackiness, or discolouration. Replace immediately when any of these signs are present. When stored correctly, mechanical properties will not change for up to five years from the date of manufacture.