When choosing your winter work gloves for snow plowing, there are several factors to keep in mind. Most importantly, you want to keep your hands warm and dry which isn’t always possible with basic leather work gloves. Instead we’re giving you a list of features to look for to avoid discomfort and even frostbite.
As a snow contractor who spends his or her days in the blistery winter weather, you should consider yourself very fortunate (or maybe smart!) if you’ve never suffered from frostbite. In addition to potentially being lethal if neglected, frostbite may also be excruciatingly painful or permanently disabling. We wanted to quickly go through the symptoms of frostbite and what you can do if you think you could be experiencing it since we are aware that you are likely to be working outside in very cold conditions. Of course, prevention is always preferable instead of looking for a cure, which is why the best work gloves for cold weather are important. However, keep reading in case you lose your gloves, or they get wet for a while.
What is Frostbite?
The fingers are among the most often affected body parts by frostbite because they are farthest from the heart during blood circulation. When the skin’s outer part starts to freeze, minor frostbite begins to develop. You may be seeing the first signs of frostbite you notice that your fingers appear to be white. If you see that, it’s wise to respond quickly to protect yourself. Get inside first so that the hands can begin to warm up. Make sure your hands warm up gradually since applying a lot of the heat abruptly or using dry heat may worsen the situation. If you’re going to use water, make sure it’s barely warm. Defrosting fingers may become unpleasant, itchy, or red and swollen.
Frostbite may become more serious if it is not detected in the early stages. The victim’s fingers could start to become gray and numb at this point. These symptoms may sometimes be accompanied by blisters. If so, it is crucial that they not burst. In order for the affected fingers to gradually thaw over the course of roughly an hour, it is crucial that they be exposed to warm air.
Fingers that begin to defrost but are subsequently exposed to cold again might sustain further damage. Additionally, rubbing frozen fingers may worsen the injury. When the temperature returns to normal, it is advisable to wrap each finger in a sterile towel without moving it. You must seek medical help right away if your frostbitten fingers become black, lose their color, or retain their sensation.
How to buy the best winter work gloves to avoid frostbite?
Now you have a basic idea of how frostbite starts and how to overcome it safely. If you want to avoid frostbite when you go out in winter, you should be careful to buy the best winter gloves available out there. Buying work gloves is different than buying gloves for winter recreation. Along with being warm, they should be waterproof and allow for a good grip. Here are some useful tips that you can follow to end up with purchasing the best winter gloves available out there.
Winter work glove weather resistance
Before you purchase any work gloves, it is crucial to take your local weather into account. You need a glove that protects your hands when you are engaging in outside activities like shoveling snow, working on a plow, treating ice, or other winter work tasks. Similar to this, you should get extremely waterproof gloves in case you are working in freezing rain or sleet. Make sure any glove you choose is appropriate before making a purchase, taking in mind the harsh weather conditions in your location.
How are your winter work gloves made?
Winter work gloves come in a variety of materials, and before purchasing any glove, you should be aware of the characteristics and features of different glove options so that you can select the one that is ideal for what you need. Traditionally, the greatest material for gloves would be leather. You know if you choose leather gloves, they normally endure for many years, but leather is not a good solution when it gets wet. Wet leather won’t protect your hands and it can get slippery when wet or stiff when it re-freezes. So leather gloves aren’t the best option for snow contractors in most cases. Instead, PVC-coated gloves with fleece liners can give you the best combination of warmth and waterproof protection.
- Be mindful about the cuff size
When it comes to keeping your hands warm, the length of the cuff is crucial in addition to the lining itself. If your gloves are shorter while you are working in deep snow, a lot of snow will enter your sleeves via the cuffs. For everyday usage, you may choose shorter gloves, while longer gloves are recommended for severe activities. Also, be mindful of the fit – gloves that are too small or too large will be less than ideal for warmth, durability, and grip.
- Winter glove flexibility is key when working
Flexibility refers to your ability to move your fingers comfortably and effortlessly. When working as a snow contractor, you need flexible gloves to grip things both big and small. Whether you are holding a shovel or adjusting a bolt, you need gloves that move with your hands so you don’t need to take them off and expose your skin to the cold. Your hand should be able to work freely in a flexible glove that is also strong, dry, and warm. SISCU supplies winter work gloves that maintain flexibility to -4°F, so even in the lowest temps your fingers can bend easily.
- Winter work gloves should be insulated
Most individuals choose highly insulated gloves, but they soon come to regret their decision since they might cause your hands to perspire. It does not imply that you should not purchase insulated gloves; on the contrary, you should; nevertheless, you must choose ones that provide you with breathable comfort. You may even wear non-insulated gloves on somewhat mild winter days.
- Inspect the quality of winter work gloves
Check to see whether the winter work gloves you’re purchasing have quality construction so you don’t have to replace them frequently. Make sure they are made from a strong material that also has texturizing or grips embedded in them so they aren’t slippery, especially when wet.
Winter Work Gloves from SISCU
We offer some excellent quality winter work gloves, which you can use to stay away from frostbite and discomfort. These gloves are specifically designed to provide warmth to your hands while staying flexible and strong. In fact, they are made with a double-dipped PVC coating, which provides maximum protection to your hands. You don’t need to worry about a lack of dexterity when you use these gloves. They are flexible even in the coldest temps and they have a rough texture grip. Aside from snow and ice, they can even provide protection to your hands against chemicals, oils, and salts.
If you would like a quote on our winter work gloves, just send us a quick message below with the quantity or quantities desired and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Prefer to call instead, just dial 301-986-6900 to talk to someone on our team.