When working in high heat environments, having the proper protective gear is crucial for safety. Heat resistant gloves are an essential piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) that provide a barrier between the skin and potential burn hazards. Selecting gloves that can withstand extreme temperatures will reduce the risk of accidental burns. But with so many options on the market, how do you determine which are the most heat resistant gloves?
There are several key factors to consider when choosing the right pair of extreme heat gloves:
- Temperature rating – This indicates the maximum temperature the gloves are designed to withstand before the material breaks down. Look for gloves rated for 500°F or higher.
- Material – Leather, meta-aramid, and carbonized fabrics tend to be more heat resistant than natural fabrics like cotton.
- Dexterity – The thicker the glove, the more protection offered. But dexterity is reduced. Choose the right balance for your specific tasks.
- Certifications – Look for gloves that meet standards set by organizations like EN, NFPA, ISO, and ASTMF.
In this article, we will explore some of the top heat resistant glove options on the market based on temperature resistance, material technology, and key certifications.
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Leather Gloves
Leather is a traditional material used for heat protection. Advantages of leather gloves include:
- Withstands temperatures up to 500°F
- Durable and abrasion resistant
- Allow some dexterity due to flexible nature
However, leather loses its protective abilities when wet. It can also shrink when exposed to high heat for prolonged periods.
Some top leather gloves include:
Tillman 1430 Welding Gloves
- Cowhide split leather construction
- Withstands up to 500°F heat
- Gunn cut design for finger dexterity
- Heat resistant Kevlar stitching
- Gauntlet style cuff
Steiner 212-L Welding Gloves
- Premium goatskin leather
- Resists temperatures up to 500°F
- Reinforced palm and finger design
- EN 407 certified
- Gauntlet cuff for added wrist protection
John Tillman JTILL930L Heat Resistant Gloves
- Premium pigskin leather construction
- Withstands up to 932°F heat
- Wing thumb style for mobility
- Meets EN 407 standard
- Gauntlet cuff with adjustable strap
Meta-Aramid Gloves
Meta-aramid fibers like Nomex or Kevlar are engineered for extreme heat protection. Key benefits include:
- Withstand continuous exposure to temperatures over 500°F
- Lightweight and thin for great dexterity
- Does not melt, drip, or support combustion
Popular meta-aramid glove options include:
SHOWALIEN Heat Resistant Gloves
- Meta-aramid and cotton lining
- Protects up to 932°F heat
- Reinforced palm and fingers
- EN 407 and ISO 9001 certified
- Extended wrist cuff
Hyflex 11-801 Nomex Gloves
- Knit Nomex and Kevlar blend
- Withstands up to 500°F
- Lightweight with breathable liner
- ASTM F496 compliant
- Elastic wrist for snug fit
Magid Y618BR Heat Resistant Gloves
- 100% Nomex construction
- Rated for temperatures up to 500°F
- Reinforced thumb crotch
- Meets NFPA 1971 requirements
- Knit wrist for security
Carbonized Fabric Gloves
Carbonized fabrics are blended with carbon to improve heat resistance. Benefits include:
- Carbonized materials withstand 700°F+ temperatures
- Better grip than leather or meta-aramid
- High cut resistance
Some top carbonized fabric glove options:
Ironclad Heavy Heat Resistant Gloves
- CarbonX carbonized fabric exterior
- Withstands contact heat up to 932°F
- Silicone grip enhances handling
- Meets EN 407 standards
- Extended split leather cuff
FireForce Heat Resistant Gloves
- Made of Protex by Ansell carbonized fabric
- Rated for 700°F+ direct heat
- Gunn cut style for dextrous fingers
- Certified to NFPA 1971 requirements
- Kevlar stitched and extended cuff
HOT SHIELDS Heat Resistant Gloves
- CarbonX carbonized blend
- Resists up to 932°F heat
- Textured grip pattern
- Compliant with EN 407 standards
- Long split cowhide cuff
Comparison of Key Heat Resistant Glove Options
| Glove | Material | Temp. Rating | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tillman 1430 | Cowhide leather | 500°F | Gunn cut fingers, Kevlar stitched |
| Steiner 212-L | Goatskin leather | 500°F | Reinforced palm, EN 407 certified |
| JTILL930L | Pigskin leather | 932°F | Wing thumb, EN 407 compliant |
| SHOWALIEN | Meta-aramid | 932°F | Reinforced fingers, EN 407 and ISO certified |
| Hyflex 11-801 | Nomex/Kevlar | 500°F | Breathable liner, ASTM compliant |
| Magid Y618BR | Nomex | 500°F | Reinforced thumb, NFPA approved |
| Ironclad | CarbonX | 932°F | Silicone grip, EN 407 rated |
| FireForce | Protex | 700°F+ | Gunn cut, NFPA certified |
| HOT SHIELDS | CarbonX | 932°F | Textured grip, EN 407 compliant |
Key Factors in Selecting Heat Resistant Gloves
When choosing the right pair of extreme heat gloves, here are some key considerations:
Temperature Rating
Match the temperature rating to the heat levels expected. For most high temperature applications, look for gloves rated 500°F or above. Leather and meta-aramids like Nomex typically offer 500°F protection. Carbonized materials can resist 700°F+.
Dexterity
The thicker the gloves, the higher the heat protection but the lower the dexterity. Assess the detail and precision required for the tasks and strike the right balance.
Material Properties
Leather is prone to shrinkage over time. Nomex is lightweight with good breathability. Carbonized fabrics offer better grip. Choose materials suited to the environment and demands of the job.
Certifications
Look for gloves meeting established standards from organizations like EN, NFPA, ISO, ASTMF, etc. This indicates they have passed testing procedures.
Cuff Style
Gauntlet style cuffs provide extra wrist protection from radiant heat and sparks. Knit or elastic cuffs ensure a snug fit.
Comfort
The gloves should be worn for extended periods comfortably. Look for breathable liners and flexible, pre-curved fingers.
Conclusion
When working in welding, foundry, or other extreme heat environments, having heat resistant gloves is a must. Leather, meta-aramid, and carbonized materials can withstand temperatures from 500°F to over 900°F. Look for gloves that balance protection, dexterity, grip, certifications, and comfort features. Properly rated fire retardant hand protection reduces the risk of accidental burns and injuries. Safety managers should compare the leading glove options to select the right solution for their specific applications and keep workers’ hands shielded from high heat hazards.