MCR Safety has expanded the ForceFlex line of multi-task gloves. It is the first...
MCR Safety has expanded the ForceFlex line of multi-task gloves. It is the first to offer D3O technology protection both in the palm and back of hand in this type glove. The D3O material is shock-absorbing yet thin, allowing full flexibility and range of motion. According to glove testing, back-of-hand impact dissipation is up to 54 per cent better and 57 per cent thinner than similar materials, and impact dissipation on fingers is up to 46 per cent better and 37 per cent thinner.
“D3O is actively supplying their material in the military, sports, motorcycling and electronics industries. We also incorporate premium materials in its construction to maximize the protection, comfort, dexterity and efficiency of workers in the oil and gas, mining, construction, recycling and heavy manufacturing arenas,” said Paul Harris, vice-president of product strategy and innovations for MCR Safety in Collierville, Tenn.
The company’s FF2930 ForceFlex series was created for the oil and gas fields specifically to provide greater grip in dry, wet and oily conditions.
“According to ExxonMobil, over 90 per cent of their hand injuries are pinch and crush due to impact. The example is squeezing a grape until it bursts. This is what is happening to workers’ fingertips on the rigs,” said Harris.
Distinguishing characteristics of the glove includes two-way spandex back, hybrid forchettes and reinforced thumb crotch for greater durability, as well as expansion gussets for ease of donning. Additional features are the slip-on cuff with gusset, pull tab and ID panel for personalization.
The glove meets ANSI/ISEA 105 Cut Level A2, Abrasion Level 4 and Puncture Resistance Level 3. When the upcoming ANSI/ISEA 138 Performance and Classification for Impact Resistant Hand Protection standard is released later this year for the North American market, it will “separate the pretenders from the contenders,” said Harris, with performance levels 1 through 3 that are based on certain levels of impact dissipation achieved at both fingers and knuckles.
This write-up originally appeared in the August/September 2018 issue of COS.
