Hands-On PPE PROTECCIÓN LABORAL 84 | 3oTrimestre15 48 Hybridization for multi-use applications The future of chemical hand protection seems to be shifting toward products that protect against multiple hazards. Hybrids, for lack of a better term, are a growing segment in the industry. Glove manufacturers like Showa have found ways to manipulate cutting edge yarns and fibers into a construction that can support cut and chemical hazards while maintaining high flexibility and reduce glove weight, without compromising che- mical or cut performance levels, such as Showa 3416 and KV660. Manufacturers are taking additional twists with thermal plastics/resins for pinch and impact protection as well as providing chemical and cut attributes. New fringe technologies ranging from “smart fibers” that respond to various sti- muli such as detecting certain chemicals, to new engineered yarns, to enhanced coatings will continue to be incorporated into protective gloves in all areas based in part by customer demand. Rationalization and optimization of acquisition cost The goal is to move toward the “one glove solution” as much as possible for the selection for these critical tasks. Industries such as chemical refineries, oil and gas segments, and fracking are just a few strong candidates to immediately benefit from this type of technology, but the audience that will benefit is vast. With R&D teams moving in this direc- tion, there are already products that pos- sess these varying protective qualities and it appears only more will become available to multiple industries. One such evolution has been in the area of seamless liner construction which provides the comfort end users require for the critical tasks at hand Smart, Ergonomically Fit Products Ergonomics is a critically-important mandate in all areas of hand protection against chemical products. Glove manu- facturers look for new ways to increase dexterity and comfort for the user, whilst simultaneously increasing their protecti- ve properties and performance. It is this delicate balance that manufacturers (and end users) strive for. One such evo- lution has been in the area of seamless liner construction which provides the comfort end users require for the critical tasks at hand. One of the most compro- mising attributes which leads to glove abandonment is discomfort. Thick stit- ching and seams inside classic gloves results in chafing and blisters; they also create weak points in the gloves' cons- truction. Seamless liners provide a snug- ger fit, better tactility with non-slip grips, an even grasp on objects and much less hand fatigue in oily, chemically heavy conditions. This enables hands to operate at peak performance without ever letting comfort or dexterity falter. Within our product suite, seamless, ergonomically sound liner construction can be seen wit- hin products such as Showa’s new 379 coupled with its double-dipped nitrile technology and the addition of chemi- cal/cut resistant technology in Showa 3416 featuring HPPE cut resistance and high chemical protection, to name a few. Conclusion The future of chemical hand protection is moving into a broader scope of protection for users. Glove manufacturers will continue to push and stretch the boundaries of the yarns, fibers, and truly revolutionary materials at their disposal – from the design, to the construction, to the coating, to the fabric and feel – chemical resistant gloves will continue to be created better to perform and protect better. It’s anyone’s guess just where it will lead, but the end user will most certainly benefit.