6 minute read

Mark Neck, Product Development Manager Published 25th Mar, 2026 Updated 18th Sep, 2026

INTRODUCING THE AQUASHIELD+ RANGE OF WATERPROOF WORKING GLOVES

Wet and oily conditions make safe handling harder. Reduced grip increases the risk of dropped tools, errors, and avoidable disruption across operations.

The AQUASHIELD+ range of waterproof working gloves is built to perform where conditions are demanding, helping keep hands dry, grip consistent, and teams working with confidence.

From reliable general handling gloves to cut-resistant gloves for high-risk environments, the range is designed to fit roles in every field.

With double-dipped construction, industry-standard cut resistance, and specialised coatings, these gloves help your teams work safely while supporting operational efficiency.

Find out which AQUASHIELD+ glove in the range is the best fit for your team.

WHY AQUASHIELD+ GLOVES ARE RIGHT FOR YOUR BUSINESS

AQUASHIELD+ gloves are designed to deliver protection, performance, and peace of mind.

How the range benefits your business and workforce:

FEATURE	BENEFIT TO YOUR BUSINESS	IMPACT FOR YOUR WORKFORCE
Double-dipped coating	Reduces replacements and downtime	Hands stay dry and durable for all-day use
Crinkle latex or sandy palms	Minimises slips and the risk of dropped tools	Improved grip in wet and oily conditions
HPPE or polyester liners	Meets EN 388 safety standards	Cut resistance without limiting dexterity
Elasticated knitted wrist	Reduces contamination and prevents lost gloves	Keeps gloves secure and debris out
Industry-standard compliance	Ensures regulatory adherence	Confidence in certified protection
High dexterity (Level 5)	Maintains efficiency and precision in operations	Comfortable handling and reduced fatigue

WHY DOUBLE-DIPPED GLOVES MAKE A DIFFERENCE

All AQUASHIELD+ gloves are double-dipped, combining a base coating with an additional layer to deliver waterproof and oil-resistant protection.

This dual-dip construction offers key benefits:

Fewer replacements - coating the glove twice increases durability, reducing costs
Improved staff safety - consistent grip in wet or oily conditions lowers the risk of slips and dropped tools
Regulatory compliance - coatings support EN 388 and other safety standards, demonstrating compliance to auditors

Key benefits for your workforce:

Hands stay dry - moisture is repelled, keeping staff comfortable all day
Better grip and control - workers can handle equipment with confidence
Durable and long-lasting - gloves retain performance for longer, reducing interruptions

THE AQUASHIELD+ RANGE EXPLAINED

AQUASHIELD+ SECURE GLOVE (LEVEL A)

For everyday tasks, flexibility matters.

The Secure glove is a waterproof general handling glove built for comfort, control, and repetitive use in wet or oily environments. Its double-dipped latex coating keeps hands dry, while the crinkled latex palm enhances grip for safer handling of tools and materials.

Ideal for tasks where dexterity and ease of use is key.

Conforms to:

EN ISO 21420 Dexterity Level 5
EN 388:2016 + A1:2018 3131X

Performance levels:

Tear: 50N - resists minor rips during use
Puncture: 150N – suitable for low-risk environments
Abrasion: 2000 cycles - durable for general handling tasks
Cut: 1.2 cycles (Coup test) - tested for basic cut resistance

AQUASHIELD+ ENDURANCE GLOVE (LEVEL D)

When grip and durability are critical, the Endurance glove leads the range.

It's a premium waterproof, oil-resistant, cut-resistant glove, designed for high-risk, demanding environments. The double-dipped nitrile coating repels liquids, while the sandy nitrile palm provides superior grip on oily surfaces, reducing slips and dropped tools in challenging conditions.

The 13-gauge HPPE liner provides high cut resistance (TDM test) without sacrificing dexterity, and the elasticated knitted wrist keeps gloves secure and debris out.

Conforms to:

EN ISO 21420 Dexterity Level 5
EN 388:2016 + A1:2018 4X43D

Performance levels:

Tear: 75N - strong resistance to rips under stress
Cut: X (Coup Test not suitable), Level D (TDM Test) - high cut protection
Abrasion: 8000 cycles - highly durable for repeated contact with rough surfaces
Puncture: 100N - reliable protection against hazards

AQUASHIELD+ RESILIENCE GLOVE (LEVEL D)

For wet environments where grip and protection must work together, the Resilience glove delivers.

This waterproof, cut-resistant glove is designed for slippery conditions. Its double-dipped latex coating keeps hands dry, while its sandy latex palm enhances grip and control on wet surfaces, helping workers maintain precision while staying protected.

Its 13-gauge HPPE liner provides high cut protection (TDM test), and the elasticated knitted wrist keeps the gloves secure.

Ideal for tasks where precision and protection are equally important.

Conforms to:

EN ISO 21420 Dexterity Level 5
EN 388:2016 + A1:2018 3X44D

Performance levels:

Tear: 75N - strong resistance to rips
Cut: X (Coup Test not suitable), Level D (TDM Test) - high cut protection
Abrasion: 2000 cycles - durable for wet tasks
Puncture: 150N - excellent protection against pointed hazards

UNDERSTANDING EN 388 LEVELS AND WHAT THEY MEAN FOR YOUR BUSINESS

EN 388 ratings measure how gloves perform under four key risks: abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture.

Here’s what each means in practice:

EN 388 CATEGORY	WHAT IT MEASURES	HOW IT’S TESTED	TYPICAL VALUES	PRACTICAL MEANING
ABRASION	Resistance to surface wear	Sandpaper rubbed over the glove under standard pressure	2000-8000 cycles	Higher cycles = glove lasts longer under repeated contact with rough surfaces, reducing replacements
CUT	Resistance to sharp objects	Blade moved across the glove (ISO TDM)	1-X (X = tested above standard)	Higher cut level = better protection from knives, glass, and metal
TEAR	Strength against ripping	Force applied to rip the glove	50-75N	Higher N = glove stays intact under strain or heavy pulling
PUNCTURE	Resistance to pointed objects	Force applied to penetrate the glove	20-150N	Higher N = safer handling around nails, wires, and screws. Protecting hands from penetration in industries.

NOTE: The Secure glove is tested with the Coup method. The Endurance and Resilience gloves are tested using the TDM method for more demanding cut protection.

WHY CHOOSE SMI FOR YOUR HAND PROTECTION NEEDS

At SMI, equipping your workforce with the right waterproof and oil-resistant gloves is simple.

Here’s how we support your business:

97% stock availability
Max 3-hour email response time
5PM order cut-off for next-day delivery on stocked items

Selecting the right hand protection doesn’t have to be complicated.

With SMI and the AQUASHIELD+ range, you get reliable stock, fast service, and expert support, helping you keep your workforce safe and operations running smoothly.

Need help? Chat with our team today!

FAQs

What does the cut level on gloves mean?

The cut level indicates how resistant a glove is to sharp objects.

AQUASHIELD+ gloves are tested to EN 388 standards (Coup or TDM) so you can select the right protection for your workforce.

How does double-dipped construction benefit employees?

Double-dipped gloves provide waterproofing, oil resistance, consistent grip, and durability. Keeping hands safe and comfortable while reducing operational risks.

Are all AQUASHIELD+ gloves suitable for oil-resistant tasks?

The range includes oil-resistant gloves, with the Endurance standing out for exceptional grip on oily surfaces, making it ideal for high-risk, wet, or slippery environments.

The Secure glove is better suited for general handling tasks, while the Resilience glove balances grip and cut protection.

Written by Mark Neck

Mark Neck is Product Development Manager at SMI, where he identifies and develops solutions that help customers tackle workplace challenges. Working closely with manufacturers and suppliers, he brings new products and ideas to market that deliver real value across a wide range of industries.