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There is a widespread habit in workplaces that may seem like cost-saving, but actually represents a risk: using gloves until they break. As long as there is no obvious hole, they continue to be used. The problem is that safety gloves can lose their protective capacity long before the damage becomes visible to the naked eye. A worn-out glove does not protect. And the most dangerous part is that the worker wearing it believes it does. Do Gloves Have an Expiration Date? Unlike other PPE such as helmets, safety gloves do not have a fixed expiration date. Their service life depends on three factors: the material they are made of, the conditions they are exposed to, and the intensity of daily use. A split leather glove used in continuous welding for eight hours a day does not have the same lifespan as a nitrile glove used for occasional part inspection a few hours a week. What regulations do establish is the obligation to manage replacement. NOM-017-STPS-2024, in force since September 2025, requires employers to have written procedures for PPE use, inspection, replacement, maintenance, and disposal, as well as documented records of each replacement. This means that “replacing them when they break” is no longer sufficient—neither from a legal standpoint nor from a real safety perspective. Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Gloves Beyond timelines, there are clear warning signs that should never be ignored: Visible Damage Punctures, cuts, tears, or open seams are the most obvious signs. Any opening in the material eliminates the protective barrier in that area—usually where exposure to risk is highest. Stiffness or Loss of Flexibility Split leather and synthetic materials degrade with repeated exposure to heat, oils, or chemicals. When a glove becomes stiff, dexterity is reduced, physical effort increases, and the risk of accidents rises. Discoloration or Persistent Stains For gloves exposed to chemicals, discoloration may indicate that the material has been penetrated or weakened. A glove that has absorbed a solvent or acid may have lost its chemical resistance, even without visible perforations. Poor Fit A glove that has stretched, deformed, or no longer fits properly is just as dangerous as a damaged one. Loose gloves can get caught in machinery or reduce tool control, while overly tight gloves cause fatigue and restrict circulation. NOM-017-STPS-2024 explicitly states that PPE must match the worker’s size and measurements, as improper fit can create additional risks. Persistent Chemical Odor In gloves used for handling solvents, paints, or acids, a lingering odor—even after cleaning—is a sign that the material has been permeated. At that point, the glove no longer provides the chemical barrier it was designed for. After an Incident If the worker has experienced significant exposure to a hazardous substance, a major spark, a cut that nearly penetrated the glove, or any high-risk situation, the glove must be removed and evaluated before being used again—even if no visible damage is present. The Mistake of Washing Gloves That Shouldn’t Be Washed Another factor that reduces glove lifespan—and one that many companies overlook—is improper cleaning. Not all materials can be washed with soap and water. Split leather gloves, for example, may harden and lose flexibility if cleaned incorrectly. Rubber or nitrile gloves may degrade when exposed to certain detergents. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and storage. Gloves should be kept in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight to preserve their properties. What the Standard Requires and What It Means for Businesses and Distributors For companies, keeping a glove replacement record is not bureaucracy—it is legal protection during a labor inspection and, more importantly, proof that worker safety is being actively managed. NOM-017-STPS-2024 requires this record to include the type of equipment provided, delivery and replacement dates, and the worker’s signature. For distributors, understanding these replacement cycles is a direct business opportunity: a customer properly advised on the real lifespan of their gloves becomes a recurring buyer, trusts their supplier, and is better prepared for regulatory inspections. At LICA, We Have the Next Pair Ready When the Previous One Reaches Its Limit Having a reliable supplier with available inventory is just as important as knowing when to replace gloves. At LICA, we offer a complete line of gloves for mechanical, thermal, chemical, and specialized risks—from split leather models like GCC and GCL to the Level 5 cut-resistant GLANTICUT, along with our range of nitrile- and latex-coated gloves. All products are certified and available for companies and distributors throughout Mexico. Because protection that is interrupted is no longer protection. Do you want to implement a glove replacement program for your company or expand your product catalog as a distributor? Contact us, we’re here to help. Sources Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) — NOM-017-STPS-2024, published in the Official Gazette on March 28, 2025IMSS — Occupational Risk Statistics, 2013–2022Work City — Signs of Wear and Replacement of Safety Gloves, 2025EPP México — PPE Expiration: Service Life and Replacement, 2025Santamarina + Steta — Analysis of NOM-017-STPS-2024, April 2025

There is a recurring mistake in workplaces across the country: workers are wearing gloves, yet they still suffer hand injuries. The issue is usually not the lack of PPE availability. The problem is that the glove provided was not suitable for the specific risk they were exposed to. Hands are the most affected body part in workplace accidents in Mexico. According to IMSS data from 2013–2022, hands and wrists account for 38.77% of all occupational injuries. In concrete terms, nearly 201,000 work absences due to hand injuries were recorded in 2023—more than 550 such accidents every day nationwide. A figure that should be enough to rethink how hand PPE is selected in many companies. Gloves Are Not Generic—And Neither Are Risks The first mistake in glove selection is treating them as a uniform product. There are different glove families designed for completely different risks, and using the wrong one can create a false sense of protection that is more dangerous than wearing none at all. The main types of risk that determine glove selection are: Mechanical Risk: Cuts, Abrasion, Puncture, and Tear This is the most common risk in manufacturing, construction, logistics, and metalworking. For material handling, metal parts, or tools, split leather gloves provide natural resistance to abrasion and tearing. At LICA, we offer models GCC (short) and GCL (long with sleeve) for extended forearm protection. When higher precision and grip are required, coated gloves are the best option. Models GLNN (nylon with nitrile coating) and GLNSPANDEX9—both certified under EN 388—offer mechanical protection with greater flexibility and comfort. For severe cut risks, the GLANTICUT model is a cut-resistant glove rated Level 5—the highest classification under EN 388—ideal for handling sharp materials such as sheet metal, glass, or industrial blades. Thermal Risk: Heat, Flames, and Sparks This risk is present in welding, foundry work, furnaces, and high-temperature processes. The SG-5400 model from LICA is made of chrome-tanned split leather with double oil treatment and padded inner lining, sewn with Kevlar thread. It is specifically designed for manual welding and metal cutting. For exposure to sparks in electrical installation or maintenance with moderate heat, the B182RG-L model—a cowhide glove with split leather cuff and elastic wrist—is a lighter, more versatile alternative. Chemical Risk: Contact with Oils, Paints, Petroleum Derivatives, and Grease Here, glove material is critical, as not all synthetics protect against all chemicals. The GLNA9 model, featuring a nitrile coating over cotton and EN 388 certification, provides resistance to oils, paints, and petroleum derivatives. It is a solid choice for automotive mechanics, industrial maintenance, and lubrication-related tasks. For general handling with liquid exposure risk, the GLLATPS10 model—a canvas glove with latex coating—offers good grip and protection against moisture and water-based substances. Electrical Risk: Shock and Arc Flash The only gloves that protect against this risk are dielectric gloves, made from natural or synthetic rubber and classified by voltage levels. A split leather glove does not provide electrical insulation on its own. However, for tasks where the main risk is sparks and moderate heat—not high voltage—models A182RG and A184RG from LICA, with leather palm and split leather back, are designed for electricians working in installation and construction. Special Mechanical Risk: Vibration and Impact Operators of drills, grinders, or pneumatic hammers face a commonly overlooked risk: sustained vibration and impact on the back of the hand. The GLANTIB10 model features an anti-vibration system in the foam nitrile palm and impact protection on the back, specifically designed for these applications. Biological Risk: Contact with Fluids, Microorganisms, or Contaminated Materials This risk is common in the food industry, waste management, and healthcare. Latex, nitrile, or vinyl gloves—generally disposable—are used to create an effective barrier against infectious agents. NOM-017-STPS-2024 clearly states that gloves must not be shared between workers and should be strictly for personal use. What to Check Before Choosing Beyond the type of risk, other factors determine whether a glove truly performs its function. Fit and sizing are critical. A glove that is too large reduces dexterity and may get caught in machinery. One that is too small causes hand fatigue and is often removed by the worker. Comfort is not a luxury—if the glove is uncomfortable, it will not be worn, and all protection is lost. Certification ensures the glove has been tested under real conditions. In Mexico, NOM-017-STPS-2024 requires PPE to be certified by an accredited body. For mechanical risks, the most common certifications are EN 388 and NMX-S-040, the latter specific to split leather gloves. Service life also matters. A glove with holes, open seams, or degraded material no longer provides protection, even if it is still being used. Regulations require keeping PPE replacement records for this reason. The LICA Glove Portfolio Understanding the risk is the first step. The second is having access to a supplier that offers the right option for every situation. At LICA, we provide a complete line of gloves—split leather, leather, coated, and specialty—to cover the main risks in Mexican industry. All products meet the required certifications and are available for companies and distributors nationwide. Because real hand protection starts with a good purchasing decision—and that decision starts with understanding the risk. Do you need guidance to choose the right glove for your industry? Contact us, we’ll be happy to assist you. Sources IMSS — Occupational Risk Statistics, 2013–2022Mexico City Ministry of Health — International Hand Surgery Congress, 2021Manufactura LATAM — Split Leather Gloves for Industrial Use, 2023STPS — NOM-117-STPS-1995, Protective Gloves Against Chemical SubstancesNMX-S-018-SCFI — Rubber Gloves for Electrical UseNOM-017-STPS-2024 — Personal Protective Equipment: Selection, Use, and Handling

In the industrial world, every step counts. For decades, safety footwear was designed based on male standards, forcing women to wear smaller sizes of men’s models that didn’t fit their anatomy. Today, brands like LICA have revolutionized this by offering lines specifically engineered for the female foot. But do you know what to look for when choosing your next pair? Here is a practical guide to help you make the best decision. 1. The Importance of a Women’s Last It’s not just about colors or smaller sizes. A woman’s foot typically has a narrower heel and a different instep shape. The “Unisex” Risk: Wearing a man’s boot can cause the heel to “slip,” leading to blisters and a lack of stability. The Solution: Look for footwear built with a specific women’s last. This ensures the shoe properly supports the foot, preventing long-term injuries. 2. Identify Your Protection Level (NOM-113-STPS-2009) In Mexico, safety footwear must comply with the NOM-113 standard. Before purchasing, analyze the risks of your specific workspace: Protective Toe Cap: Vital if you handle heavy objects. At LICA, many models use polyamide (composite) caps, which are lighter than steel and do not conduct heat or electricity. Dielectric Protection (D): If you work near electrical circuits, you need boots that resist discharges (commonly up to 14,000 volts). Puncture-Resistant Sole: Ideal for construction or areas with sharp debris. 3. “Anti-Fatigue” Comfort Spending 8 to 12 hours on your feet requires technology. Women are often more prone to circulation issues, so you should prioritize: Foam/PU Insoles: Designed to cushion the impact on the heel. Energy Return Systems: These help reduce joint strain when walking long distances on concrete. Lightweight Design: Heavy footwear drains your energy. Modern materials like polyurethane (PU) in the sole drastically reduce overall weight. 4. Breathability and Materials Leather or synthetic? Water-Repellent Leather (Hidrofugado): Excellent for durability and protection against liquid splashes, though it requires more maintenance. High-Resistance Textile Mesh: This is the trend in “safety sneakers.” They offer superior ventilation, ideal for hot climates or enclosed warehouses. 5. Pro Tip: Maintenance Extends Life A common mistake is neglecting to clean your footwear. According to LICA experts: Never dry your boots in direct sunlight or near radiators; this hardens and cracks the leather. Clean the soles: Accumulated mud or chemicals can degrade anti-slip and dielectric properties. Conclusion Choosing your work boots is not an expense—it’s an investment in your health and performance. Whether you prefer the ruggedness of a classic boot or the agility of a safety sneaker, make sure the model respects your anatomy and carries the necessary certifications. Ready to upgrade your gear? Explore the Women’s Footwear section at LICA and find the perfect balance between safety and style. *** This content was created based on the quality and safety standards of LICA Mexico.