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How to Choose Heat Resistant Gloves |

How to Choose Heat Resistant Gloves

heat resistant gloves

Heat resistant gloves are essential for workers who are exposed to heat hazards. It is important to properly understand the type of gloves you need for your workplace. There are many different types of heat hazards. You can use the legislation EN 407 to help you find the right heat proof gloves for your environment.

Heat resistant gloves are rated according to EN 407. EN 407 ratings have 6 numbers and each show the gloves resistance to a certain type of hazard. Understanding these numbers is the best way to find the right heat protection gloves for you.

 

EN 407 Ratings

The first number in an EN 407 rating shows the resistance to flammability. This is tested by stretching the glove material and placing it above a flame for 15 seconds. The time that the heat resistant glove then spends glowing or burning is measured and this is used to determine the flame resistance. This number will be between 1 and 4, with higher numbers being more resistant. In locations where workers may be exposed to naked flames, heat gloves with a higher resistance rating to flammability are vital.

The second number shows resistance to contact heat. For this test, the hand protection material is exposed to temperatures between 100°C and 500°C. The amount of time it takes for the temperature to increase by 10°C is measured. To pass, this must take at least 15 seconds. The gloves resistance to contact heat rating is based upon the highest temperature at which it can still pass the test. The rating will be between 1 and 5, with higher numbers indicating higher levels of contact heat resistance.

The next number in the EN 407 rating indicates resistance to convective heat. This is tested by exposing the gloves material to heat from a gas flame. The amount of time it takes to raise the temperature inside the glove by 24°C is measured. The longer this takes, the higher the gloves resistance to convective heat. The number for this rating will be between 1 and 4.

The fourth number in the EN 407 rating shows you the gloves resistance to radiant heat. This is tested by measuring how long the glove is able to delay the transfer of heat from a radiant heat source. Gloves with a higher rating in this category are more resistant to radiant heat, so offer better protection.

The fifth number shows the work gloves resistance to small splashes of molten metal. This is tested by dropping small amounts of molten metal onto the glove. The test measures how many drops are required to raise the temperature inside by 40°C. The rating is between 1 and 4, with higher numbers being more protective.

The final number indicates the gloves resistance to large splashes of molten metal. The test measures how much molten metal is required to damage material inside the glove. Gloves with a higher rating provide more protection against molten metal.

How to Choose the Best Heat Protection Gloves

To determine the best thermal gloves, you will need to carry out a comprehensive risk assessment of heat hazards in your workplace. Once you know the type of dangers workers face, you can determine the kind of gloves they need. Here is a quick guide to EN 407 ratings:

EN 407 NumberRating RangeProtection Type
1 1-4 Flammability
2 1-5 Contact Heat
3 1-4 Convective Heat
4 1-4 Radiant Heat
5 1-4 Molten Metal (small splashes)
6 1-4 Molten Metal (large splashes)

Using these ratings, you can ensure your gloves will protect your workers. You can browse our wide range of heat protection gloves to find the right solutions for your workplace today.

 
 

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