Protective sleeves cover a worker's arm from the wrist to shoulder and prevent the skin from coming into contact with dangerous objects and materials. Protective sleeves that protect the arms from liquids can be disposable or washable. Typically, protective sleeves information provided by manufacturers includes the sleeve's material, length and intended purpose. Some protective sleeves protect against multiple hazards. Searching through a protective sleeves directory can provide you more options in one place.

You generally wear protective sleeves with similar protective gloves. Some sleeves have elastic cuffs or slip over the thumb, which prevents the sleeve from slipping, even during strenuous physical activity. When purchasing protective sleeves, consider the following:

1. Prevent injuries with cut-resistant protective sleeves.

2. Use chemical-resistant protective sleeves when working with hazardous materials.

3. Protect against burns with fire-retardant protective sleeves.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find protective sleeves that are cut and puncture resistant

Cut- and puncture-resistant protective sleeves are constructed of materials that's impervious to sharp objects. This type of sleeve can be worn whenever a worker is in danger of unexpectedly coming into contact with dangerous moving objects, such as machinery parts. People who work with large wild animals also frequently wear puncture-resistant protective sleeves.

I recommend: Browse the protective sleeves list at Grainger. This protective sleeves provider offers cut-resistant protective sleeves with and without thumb holes. Gallaway Safety and Supply offers 19-inch length, cut and puncture resistant protective sleeves. Find cut-resistant Kevlar protective sleeves at Magid Glove and Safety Manufacturing Company.

Use protective sleeves when working with hazardous chemicals

Chemical-resistant protective sleeves should be worn anytime a worker is exposed to dry or liquid hazardous chemicals. Often lab coats aren't enough to protect workers from a splashing chemical. Those who work with pesticides should also wear chemical-resistant protective sleeves to prevent burns and irritation.

I recommend: Order chemical-resistant protective sleeves at ABC Safety Mart. The DuPont sleeves offer protection against many inorganic acids, bases and dry chemicals. ALPHASOURCE offers a variety of protective sleeve options including flame resistant, cut resistant and chemical resistant.

Wear fire-retardant protective sleeves

Fire-retardant protective sleeves won't ignite even when exposed to sparks, cinders and flames. This type of protective sleeve is ideal for firefighters, welders and other workers routinely exposed to extreme conditions. Ideally, fire-retardant protective sleeves are constructed of lightweight materials that don't increase a worker's body temperature.

I recommend: Order Cotton Duck Sleeves from Safety Rescue Gear. These fire-retardant sleeves prevent cuts and chafing and are lightweight for use in physically demanding occupations. Web Soft Safety Solutions offers Kevlar sleeves that resist temperatures up to 900 degrees F. Purchase fire-retardant protective sleeves from Galeton. These sleeves have elastic cuffs so they stay secure.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  You can use protective sleeves made from Kevlar to protect workers from cuts, punctures, high temperatures and fire, eliminating the need for multiple sleeves.