What characteristic is vital when selecting gloves for hazardous tasks?

When selecting gloves for hazardous tasks, understanding the material properties is crucial because different materials offer varying levels of protection against specific hazards. For instance, chemical-resistant gloves are made from materials such as nitrile or latex, which can protect against harmful substances, while cut-resistant gloves are often made from Kevlar or similar materials that can resist cuts and abrasions. Selecting gloves based on their material properties ensures that they provide the necessary barrier and protection from the specific hazards encountered in a task, whether it's chemicals, heat, cuts, or electrical risks.

While elasticity, thickness, and color have their importance in certain contexts—such as comfort and visibility—they do not provide the foundational protective qualities dictated by the material itself, which is why focusing on material properties is the most vital characteristic when selecting gloves for hazardous work.