Protective Sleeve Buyers Guide

When it comes to arm protection, you don't have to settle for what's already out there. Each work environment, task and person provide a different set of variables that affect the type of protection required for the job. Those same factors affect the fit, feel and function of the protection worn.

PIP® manufactures sleeves right here in the U.S.A., providing you the opportunity to customize arm protection for your particular application and needs. When it comes to arm protection, we provide a new definition to "best available."

Why should I use protective sleeves?

If you're already wearing protective gloves, or any PPE for that matter, consider why. Simply put, there is a risk for injury and good reason to prevent it. The same logic applies to sleeves.

Are you an HVAC worker who has to reach into ceiling vents or around obstructions? Or are you handling large objects, such as sheet metal or even packages? Any task that presents the possibility of scrapes, abrasions or cuts on your arm - anywhere past your glove - are environments where protective sleeves should be worn to help prevent costly injuries.

A customized solution...is it complicated?

Not at all, and we help you every step of the way. Start with a hazard identification to determine your particular safety needs. Our field sales team can work with you to provide an analysis of injury risks and provide consultation.

You can even use your phone to take video of an operator working, upload it to Facebook, Instagram or YouTube, tag us in the post and we'll take it from there.

Protection needs

With a hazard identification analysis (site survey), the protection needs are identified. This is the first step to developing the optimal solution needed for your given work environment and task.

• Cut Protection: to help avoid cuts, abrasions, and scrapes
• Heat Protection: for handling hot materials or welding applications
• Additional Standards: that need to be met given the industry, such as complying with FDA 21CRF 170-199 for food handling requirements

Each factor is straightforward, though critical in the decision-making process. With a comprehensive offering of technologies available, PIP can help meet those needs.

• DuPont™ Kevlar® is the first choice for heavy duty applications and where light heat may be present during handling operations
• Dyneema® combines maximum strength - 15 times stronger than quality steel - with minimum weight to deliver protection and comfort
• ACP™ Technology offers increased performance and value, delivering exceptional abrasion and cut resistance at a lower cost per use
• Kut-Gard® is a USA-made brand that delivers the highest level of cut protection for workers in manufacturing facilities
• Claw Cover® is designed for high-risk food industry operations where direct, indirect and incidental contact with food may occur
• PriTex™ is an antimicrobial fabric that provides exceptional comfort and protection against abrasions and cuts

Enhanced with the right options

A basic understanding of PPE demonstrates that it can't protect when it's not worn, or not worn properly. So what can be done to ensure protective sleeves are being worn properly?

Start with the top of the arm: several options are available to help keep the sleeve in place and prevent it from rolling down and exposing the arm. This includes elastic bands, clips or hook & loop closures.

The other area of concern is at the wrist and ensuring the glove maintains an overlap with the sleeve. Adding a thumb hole or a thumb slot ensures the protective sleeve stays firmly in place up to the base of your knuckles.

Sizing up your sleeve

Choosing the right size depends both on the coverage of protection required and the individual. The process is very similar to providing work shirts or hi-vis vests to a worker. PIP offers a wide range of sizes - 10-26" lengths and 3-4" widths - so no worker has to be left without arm protection.

During a site survey, your PIP representative will have samples of sleeves on hand to help determine the appropriate sizes for the team. As a starting point, for the average male (approximately 5'9"), a 14" sleeve will reach just beyond the elbow and an 18" sleeve will extend just beyond the bicep. For the average female (approximately 5'4"), subtract 4" from those lengths. And, while the 3-4" width comfortably covers most arms, we can develop sleeves beyond that range to meet the needs of each worker.

Where do I start?

If you have questions or would like to schedule a site survey, contact us. We'll work with you and your preferred PIP distributor to understand your needs to develop the optimal arm protection solution.