Protective Gloves

Protective gloves in professional kitchens are a mandatory personal protective equipment in high-risk operations such as knife cutting, handling hot equipment, using chemical cleaning agents and food processing. The right type of glove for each task significantly reduces the risk of workplace injuries and complies with HACCP hygiene requirements. BHS supplies protective gloves to HoReCa businesses across Europe.

Types and uses of protective gloves

Cut-resistant gloves are equipped with HPPE (high-performance polyethylene), Kevlar or stainless steel fabric materials that prevent cut injuries during knife work, mandolin use and meat processing. Classified according to the EN 388 standard with a cut resistance level of A–F. Heat-resistant gloves are made from heat-resistant materials (silicone, Kevlar, nomex) to protect hands when working with hot ovens, grills, fryers and other hot surfaces. Dermatologists recommend gloves with a heat resistance of 100°C and above for handling hot equipment. Food contact gloves (nitrile/latex) are disposable or reusable gloves for food processing that prevent direct hand contact with food. They are mandatory in food handling where hygiene or allergen prevention is required. Chemical protection gloves are thicker rubber or nitrile gloves for use with cleaning chemicals. BHS offers all these types of gloves.

When are protective gloves necessary

Knife work and meat processing require cut-resistant gloves in butcheries, fish filleting and intensive knife work. Knife cuts are one of the most common injuries in professional kitchens. Working with hot equipment such as ovens, grills, fryers and stoves requires heat-resistant gloves to avoid burns. Food processing involving allergens requires food-safe gloves to prevent cross-contamination. Washing dishes with chemical agents requires rubber gloves to protect the skin from cleaning and disinfecting chemicals. BHS helps you choose the right glove for each application.

HACCP and hand hygiene

The HACCP system imposes strict hand hygiene requirements in food processing. Gloves are part of this system but do not replace hand washing. Hands must be washed and disinfected before putting on gloves. Disposable gloves should be changed after each task, after using the toilet and after handling allergen-containing products. Damaged gloves with visible holes or tears must be replaced immediately. Colour coding (different coloured gloves for different types of food) is recommended in the HACCP cross-contamination prevention system. BHS offers HACCP compliant protective gloves.

HoReCa use scenarios

In a restaurant butchery, the chef uses cut-resistant gloves with a CUT F level, providing maximum protection during intensive knife work while maintaining finger sensitivity. In a café patisserie, heat-resistant gloves are a must when working with a 200°C+ oven and hot caramelisation equipment. In a large canteen where 15 people are involved in conveyor-type processing, standardised disposable nitrile gloves for every food processing stage ensure compliance with HACCP requirements. BHS supplies protective gloves to HoReCa businesses.

Frequently asked questions

Which cut resistance level should I choose? For light knife work (vegetable cutting), choose CUT B or C level. For intensive meat processing or filleting, choose CUT D or E. For industrial meat processing, choose CUT F. BHS helps you select the appropriate level based on the type and intensity of the work.

Nitrile or latex gloves for food processing? Nitrile gloves are recommended as they are safer for latex allergies, contain no latex proteins and are less likely to cause allergies. Latex gloves are still used, but it must be ensured that no employee is allergic to latex. Nitrile gloves are thicker and more durable than latex. BHS mainly offers nitrile gloves.

Why choose BHS?

BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.

Delivery

We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.