Hands are close to the product, which makes gloves an important part of ESD and contamination control. Operators touch boards, displays, connectors, films, lenses, and finished assemblies many times during production. Ordinary gloves may create static or shed contamination, while bare hands can introduce oils and handling marks.
Why ESD gloves are different
ESD gloves are made with materials that help control static while still allowing dexterity. Marvel Products’ Antistatic Gloves are knitted gloves with ESD versions, PU coated palm or fingertip options, and a surface resistivity range suitable for electronics-related work.
Where gloves help most
- PCB assembly and final inspection
- Semiconductor and microprocessor handling
- Display, optical, and photo film handling
- Connector and cable assembly
- Clean packing of finished electronics
Gloves do not replace grounding
Gloves help reduce risk at the hand-product interface, but they should not replace wrist straps, ESD footwear, mats, or entry testing. Operators at benches should still use grounding items from Personnel Grounding, and critical stations should be tested with relevant ESD Instruments.
Choose gloves based on the task: palm coating for grip, fingertip coating for fine handling, and breathable construction for long shifts. A comfortable glove is more likely to be worn correctly throughout the day.