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Protecting Your Hands in Extreme Temperatures With Heat Resistant Gloves

In industries like manufacturing, construction, and firefighting, workers are often exposed to extreme temperatures that may injure their hands. Whether it's the heat from molten metal or the intense temperatures faced during welding, thermal protection is non-negotiable. In this article, we will focus on the interdependence of gloves and safety, determining how heat-resistant gloves can protect workers from burns, blisters, and other heat-related injuries.

Understanding the Risks of Extreme Temperatures

Workers in environments with high heat, such as metal foundries, kitchens, or during welding, face numerous hazards every day. Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures potentially causes significant damage to the skin and underlying tissues. If left unaddressed, the damage may even escalate to permanent scarring or long-term health issues.
In these high-risk environments, ignoring the importance of gloves and safety can lead to serious consequences. By providing an effective barrier against high temperatures, heat-resistant gloves not only prevent injuries but also reduce costly downtime.

Choosing the Right Heat-Resistant Gloves

Heat-resistant gloves are tested to the EN407 standard. The standard evaluates their protection against contact heat, conductive heat and radiant heat, as well as both small and large amounts of molten metal. Each material of heat-resistant gloves has its advantages and properties. Here are the  factors to consider when choosing the best thermal work gloves for your team:

1. Material

The material of the gloves plays a part in their heat resistance and durability. Some of the most common materials used for thermal protection gloves include:

  • Kevlar

    Known for its strength and heat resistance, Kevlar is a popular choice for gloves used in high-heat environments.

  • Nomex

    A heat-resistant fabric often used in firefighting gear, Nomex offers excellent thermal protection and is highly durable.

  • Leather

    A traditional material for safety gloves in Singapore, leather provides both heat resistance and abrasion protection. These properties make it suitable for various industrial applications.

2. Temperature Rating

Not all heat-resistant gloves are designed to withstand the same level of heat. It’s essential to choose gloves that are rated for the temperature range of the job. For example, welding gloves need to resist much higher temperatures than those used in kitchens or general manufacturing. Be sure to check the gloves' temperature rating to verify their suitability for the specific working conditions.

3. Thermal Hazard

When selecting protective gloves for thermal risks, it's important to consider the specific thermal hazard. Thermal protective gloves, tested under the EN 407 standard, offer varying levels of safety against heat and fire-related hazards. The performance is rated according to specific criteria.

The EN 407 standard defines six key tests to assess glove performance:
  • Limited Flame Spread
    Measures how well gloves resist combustion.
    Level 1: ≤ 15 seconds after-flame
    Level 4: ≤ 2 seconds after-flame
  • Contact Heat
    Tests gloves' ability to withstand hot objects.
    Level 1: 100°C for 15 seconds
    Level 4: 500°C for 15 seconds
  • Convective Heat
    Assesses resistance to heat transfer from air or fluids.
    Level 1: ≥ 4 seconds
    Level 4: ≥ 18 seconds
  • Radiant Heat
    Tests protection against intense heat.
    Level 1: ≥ 7 seconds
    Level 4: ≥ 95 seconds
  • Small Splashes of Molten Metal
    Measures protection from molten metal drops.
    Level 1: ≥ 10 drops
    Level 4: ≥ 35 drops
  • Large Quantities of Molten Metal
    Tests resistance to molten iron.

4. Fit and Comfort

While the importance of gloves and safety cannot be overstated, comfort and fit are equally crucial. Gloves that are too tight tend to restrict movement and cause discomfort. Meanwhile, those that are too loose may hinder dexterity and compromise safety. The key is to allow for easy handling of tools while still providing the necessary protection. So, make sure you opt for thermal work gloves that fit snugly yet comfortably.

Enhanced Protection Features

The selection criteria for heat-resistant and industrial safety gloves should extend beyond basic protection. Look for additional protection features that keep your workers well-equipped:

1. Reinforced Palms and Fingers


Reinforced palms and fingers offer extra protection against heat and abrasion. This feature is especially useful in industries where workers handle hot or sharp materials frequently, such as metalworking or construction.

2. Insulation Layers

Insulation is a key element in thermal protection gloves. Insulated gloves can minimise the risk of burns by enhancing the “defence” between the skin and the heat source.

3. Water-Resistant Properties

In certain industries, workers may come into contact with steam or hot liquids that cause burns. For added protection, they should use heat-resistant gloves with water-resistant properties to prevent these liquids from seeping through.

Glove Types and Performance Levels

All gloves are built differently. Available in various performance levels, they feature different levels of protection to ensure wearers’ safety.

1. Basic (Level 1)


Example: Worksafe N888 Nitrile Palm-Coated Heat-Resistant Mechanical Gloves

These gloves can withstand 100°C for 15 seconds. Ideal for low thermal exposure.

2. Medium Duty (Level 2)


Example 1: ATG Maxitherm Heat-Resistant Cut-Resistant Safety Gloves

They can handle 250°C for at least 15 seconds. Suitable for moderate heat exposure in industrial settings.
Example 2: Mapa TempCook 476 Nitrile Chemical-Resistant Gloves (Food Safe)

These gloves are ideal for kitchen and food-handling applications. They can withstand 250°C for 15 seconds or longer.

3. Heavy Duty (Level 4)


Example: Giordani Finger Gloves with Palm and Sleeve in Aramid Fabric

Rated for EN 407 43324X, these gloves offer robust protection against small splashes of molten metal (≥ 35 droplets of 0.5g). They can be used in high-heat environments and for molten metal handling.
Without proper awareness of gloves and safety, workers are at risk of accidents. The right gloves not only create a safer workplace but also ensure smooth operations. We hope the aforementioned guidelines can help you select the best high-temperature hand protection for your workforce.

With over 25 years of experience, SafetySam offers quality Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safety solutions to businesses throughout Asia. 

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