Foundry Gloves: What Features Should High-Temperature PPE Have?

Foundry Gloves: What Features Should High-Temperature PPE Have? How do you choose foundry gloves? Discover the key features and performance levels to consider when protecting hands against heat, molten metal, splashes and mechanical hazards. There is no single high-temperature glove suitable for every foundry operation. The choice of PPE depends on the type of heat the worker is exposed to, the duration and conditions of exposure, the possible presence of molten metal, and any mechanical hazards associated with the task. Foundry work can expose workers’ hands to different hazards, sometimes simultaneously, including contact heat, radiant heat, convective heat, molten metal splashes and mechanical risks. For this reason, choosing foundry gloves means more than simply selecting a model that can withstand high temperatures. It is essential to consider the heat source, the type and duration of exposure, the possible presence of molten metal, and the characteristics of the task being performed. So, which performance characteristics should you assess when choosing heat-resistant gloves for foundry work? Foundry gloves: what are the main risks to hands? Several risk factors can be present simultaneously in a foundry environment. Gloves must therefore be selected based on the specific task and risk assessment, rather than solely on the temperature reached by the heat source. In practice, multiple hazards may be present during the same operation. PPE selection must therefore take into account the overall working conditions and the different stages of the production process. Contact heat Contact heat occurs when a glove comes into direct contact with a hot surface or object. When handling metal components, tools or heated workpieces, the glove must help limit heat transfer to the hand. In this case, considering only the object's temperature is not enough. It is also necessary to assess the foreseeable duration of contact and the actual conditions of use. Temperature and contact time are therefore closely related factors when selecting heat-resistant gloves. Radiant heat Heat can also reach workers’ hands without direct contact with a hot surface. This is the case when working near furnaces, crucibles, incandescent metal and other sources of intense thermal radiation. In these situations, it is important to assess the glove's performance against radiant heat, taking into account the characteristics of the heat source, the distance and the duration of exposure. Reflective materials, such as aluminised fabrics used in certain protective garments for foundry work, may be suitable when the application requires specific protection against thermal radiation. Want to learn more about this hazard? Discover what radiant heat is and which solutions can help protect workers in foundries and steelworks, reading HERE. Convective heat Another hazard to consider, when present in a specific application, is convective heat, which involves heat transfer through moving hot fluids or gases. This type of exposure differs from both contact heat and radiant heat and therefore requires a specific assessment of PPE performance. Molten metal and splashes One of the most characteristic hazards in foundry operations is exposure to molten metal and high-temperature materials. The EN 407 standard specifically distinguishes between performance against small splashes of molten metal and performance against large quantities of molten metal. Gloves must therefore be selected according to the type of exposure that may occur during the specific operation and the performance levels declared by the manufacturer. It is also important to assess the extent of the area requiring protection. If the risk also affects the wrist or forearm, it may be necessary to choose foundry gloves with a long gauntlet cuff or supplement hand protection with other suitable PPE. Abrasion and mechanical hazards Workers' hands may also be exposed to mechanical hazards when handling metal components, tools and materials. For this reason, when selecting foundry gloves, protection against thermal hazards must be assessed alongside the performance required against mechanical risks. Depending on the task, relevant factors may include abrasion, cut, tear and puncture resistance. Selection must therefore take into account all the hazards associated with the operation, rather than focusing on a single glove characteristic. Thermal and mechanical hazards may also vary throughout the different stages of the production process. In our in-depth article on safety during post-casting operations, we examine some of the main risks and the related protection requirements. Read it HERE. EN 407:2020: which performance levels should you assess in gloves for thermal risks? When selecting gloves designed to protect against thermal hazards, one of the main regulatory references is EN 407:2020, which covers gloves and other hand protection devices against heat and/or fire. The standard distinguishes between several types of performance against thermal hazards: Limited flame spread; Contact heat; Convective heat; Radiant heat; Small splashes of molten metal; Large quantities of molten metal. This distinction is particularly important in foundries: gloves must not be assessed solely according to the maximum temperature reached by the heat source, but in relation to the type of exposure and the actual conditions of use. The performance levels specified in EN 407:2020 refer to specific test methods and must be interpreted in relation to the hazards present in the task being performed. To learn more about the test methods and how to interpret performance levels, read our guide to EN 407:2020 for protective gloves against thermal risks. A glove with a specific performance level against contact heat does not automatically provide the same level of protection against radiant heat or molten metal. For this reason, when selecting PPE, it is essential to verify which performance characteristics have actually been tested and which levels have been declared by the manufacturer. How do you choose the right foundry glove? Choosing the most suitable glove starts with an assessment of the specific task and the hazards to which the worker may be exposed. In particular, it is important to: Identify the type of thermal hazard: contact heat, convective heat, radiant heat, flame or molten metal; Assess the duration and conditions of exposure; Check the performance levels declared in accordance with EN 407:2020; Consider any mechanical hazards, such as abrasion, cuts, tears and punctures; Assess the extent of protection required, especially where splashes or high-temperature materials are involved; Consider operational requirements, such as dexterity, grip and the ability to handle components and tools correctly. Gloves must therefore provide an appropriate level of protection against the hazards present while meeting the requirements for carrying out the task safely and effectively. Foundry gloves: selection starts with risk assessment Choosing foundry gloves means assessing several factors simultaneously: type of heat, temperature, duration of exposure, presence of molten metal, mechanical hazards and the characteristics of the task. EN 407:2020 is a key reference for identifying and comparing glove performance against thermal hazards. However, PPE selection must always be based on the actual conditions of use. Depending on the application, Coval Safety offers several key products for foundry work: SCT-4 Gloves, made from premium thermal split leather, feature reinforcements on the palm and fingers, a heat-insulating lining and a flame-retardant cotton gauntlet cuff. They are designed to protect against heat and molten metal splashes in metallurgical applications. C2AGP/18TK Gloves, designed for high-temperature environments, provide contact heat resistance up to 500°C. Their multilayer insulating construction limits heat transfer when handling hot surfaces and objects. PROWEAR D3E3 Jacket and Trousers, made from inherently flame-retardant fabric, retain their protective properties even after repeated washing. They provide thermal insulation and protection against molten metal splashes, including aluminium and iron. Compliant with ISO 11612:2015, with performance codes A1 B1 C1 D3 E3 F1, they are suitable for use in foundries, steelworks and the metallurgical industry. Need help identifying the right gloves for a specific foundry application? Contact COVAL Safety to assess the most suitable protective solution for the hazards present in your operation.

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Amedeo Caporrino

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