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Portwest
In Stock
Commercial PU Palm Glove | Black Work Glove | Size M | Portwest BA183-M
£1.10
/ exc vat
£1.32/ inc vat
- Smooth PU Coating
- Palm Dipped Design
- Dexterity Level 5
- CE Food Safe Certified
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Product Overview
When your team is handling everything from prep to packing, the right pair of gloves makes all the difference. Introducing the Portwest BA183-M, a workhorse glove designed for the non-stop pace of a commercial environment. It’s not just about protection; it’s about giving your staff the confidence and dexterity to work safely and efficiently, shift after shift. These aren't just any gloves; they're an essential bit of kit for any professional setup.
Specifically crafted for tasks requiring a delicate touch but robust protection, these black palm coated work gloves are perfect for kitchen porters, warehouse operatives, and anyone in food production. The snug medium fit and lightweight design mean they feel less like bulky safety gear and more like a second skin. Being CE food safe, they are cleared for direct contact with ingredients, making them a brilliant, versatile choice for food handling and general duties.
Featuring a smooth polyurethane (PU) palm coating for excellent abrasion resistance and a palm-dipped design for superior dexterity, these gloves are built for performance. If you're looking to equip your staff with reliable, comfortable, and certified hand protection, the Portwest black PU palm gloves medium are an outstanding choice that ticks all the boxes. They help reduce minor accidents and improve handling, which is a win for everyone.
Key Features and Benefits
- Smooth PU Coating: Provides fantastic resistance to scrapes without feeling bulky or stiff.
- Palm Dipped Design: Maximises your finger dexterity and keeps hands cool during long shifts.
- Dexterity Level 5: The highest rating for feel and touch, perfect for intricate tasks.
- CE Food Safe Certified: Completely safe for handling food, from prep stations to packing lines.
- ANSI Cut Level A1: Offers dependable protection against minor nicks and cuts in busy environments.
- Lightweight Construction: So comfortable your team will forget they're even wearing them.
- 13-Gauge Liner: A close, comfortable fit that doesn’t bunch up or get in the way.
- Seamless Breathable Liner: Reduces hand fatigue and sweat, ideal for all-day wear and comfort.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Portwest
- SKU: BA183-M
- Size: Medium (Size 8)
- Coating: Smooth Polyurethane (PU)
- Dexterity Level (EN 420): Level 5
- Cut Resistance (ANSI/ISEA 105): Level A1
- Food Safety: CE Certified Food Safe
- Colour: Black
- Weight (per glove): Approx. 0.02 kg
- Gauge: 13g liner for a snug fit
Expert Review and Insights
In any professional kitchen, staff comfort and safety are paramount. The Portwest BA183-M gloves strike an impressive balance. They offer a tangible sense of security without the clumsiness you get from heavier gloves. The PU coating gives just the right amount of grip for handling boxes or prepping veg, making them a solid, everyday essential for the back-of-house team.
Sophie Brooks – Chef Tools View Profile →
- The Feel: Unbelievably lightweight with fantastic dexterity for this level of protection.
- The Limitation: Not designed for heat resistance, so keep them for general duties only.
Case Study: Real Business, Real Results
A busy contract caterer in Manchester was looking for a better hand-protection solution for their central production kitchen staff, who were complaining of hand fatigue and minor scrapes from handling crates and equipment.
"We switched to the Portwest BA183-M gloves six months ago, and the feedback from the team has been brilliant. They're comfortable enough to wear for a full shift, and the grip has made a noticeable difference. It’s a small change that has had a big positive impact on our daily operations."
Michael Davies – Operations Manager
Since the switch, the company has reported a significant drop in minor hand injuries and a 15% improvement in manual packing efficiency.
Installation and Maintenance Guide
Getting Started
- Before first use, always inspect each glove for any tears or imperfections.
- Ensure you have the correct size; a glove that's too loose or tight can be a hazard.
- Wash your hands before putting them on to maintain internal hygiene, especially in food environments.
- These are not ambidextrous; make sure the correct glove is on the correct hand for the best fit.
Keeping Them Going
- To clean, gently rinse with cold water and a mild detergent, then allow to air dry. Avoid machine washing or tumble drying.
- Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent the PU coating from degrading.
- Do not use with harsh chemicals, as this can compromise the material's integrity.
- Replace the gloves immediately if you notice any holes, tears, or if the coating starts to peel away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are these gloves certified for handling food?
A: Yes, they are fully CE certified as food safe, making them perfect for use in commercial kitchens and food production environments.
Q: What does Dexterity Level 5 actually mean?
A: It's the highest possible rating under the EN 420 standard. It means the gloves are designed to minimise any impact on your ability to feel and handle small or intricate items.
Q: Can I wash these gloves?
A: We recommend a gentle hand rinse with cold water and mild soap, then letting them air dry. Machine washing or tumble drying can damage the PU coating and the glove's structure.
Q: What is ANSI Cut Level A1 protection suitable for?
A: It’s designed to protect against low-risk hazards like scrapes from cardboard, wood splinters, or minor nicks from non-serrated blades. It is not intended for protection against sharp, direct cuts.
Q: Are these gloves waterproof?
A: The PU coating on the palm is water-resistant, but the back of the glove is a breathable fabric and is not waterproof. They are not designed for submersion in liquids.
Q: Will these gloves protect my hands from heat?
A: No, these are not thermally insulated gloves. They offer no protection from hot surfaces, ovens, or hot liquids.
Q: What is the benefit of a PU coating over other types?
A: PU provides excellent grip and high abrasion resistance while remaining extremely flexible and lightweight, making it ideal for tasks that require a delicate touch.
Q: Is the black colour likely to transfer onto food or other items?
A: No, the materials and dyes used are stable and certified food-safe, so there is no risk of colour transfer during normal use.
The Portwest Promise: Protection You Can Rely On
With over a century of experience, Portwest has become a byword for trust and innovation in protective workwear. These gloves aren't just a product; they're a reflection of that legacy. Choosing Portwest means investing in the long-term wellbeing of your staff and the smooth running of your business. The durability of the PU coating and the quality of the 13-gauge liner translate to fewer replacements and lower long-term costs. More importantly, providing comfortable, effective protection like these black PU palm coated work gloves medium demonstrates a commitment to your team's safety, which can boost morale and reduce staff turnover. It's the kind of smart, practical decision that pays dividends far beyond the initial purchase, ensuring your operations are not only efficient but also fully compliant and safe.
Explore more from PortwestHow a PU Coating Gives You a Better Grip
Ever wondered what 'PU Coated' actually means? It stands for Polyurethane, a polymer that's applied to the glove's palm and fingers. Think of it like the performance tread on a car tyre, but for your hands. It’s not just a layer of plastic; it's a micro-porous surface that provides a fantastic grip on both dry and slightly oily surfaces without being sticky. This is why you can handle a cardboard box, a metal utensil, or a vegetable with the same level of confidence. Unlike thicker coatings that make gloves clumsy, the PU layer is incredibly thin, which is the secret behind achieving the maximum dexterity rating (Level 5). It gives you protection from scrapes while letting you feel what you’re working on.
Who Should Buy This?
- Catering Companies: Ideal for food prep staff who need grip and protection while chopping vegetables or assembling dishes.
- Warehouse & Logistics Teams: Perfect for packing, picking, and handling boxes, protecting hands from paper cuts and scrapes all day.
- General Kitchen Staff: A must-have for kitchen porters and assistants for general cleaning and handling of non-heated equipment.
- Food Production Lines: Essential for workers in assembly lines needing certified food-safe gloves with high dexterity for repetitive tasks.
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