Perhaps not everyone knows that the types of tasks a firefighter has to perform every day are many and varied: structural firefighting, forest firefighting, rescue or extrication. This is precisely why gloves with different characteristics and strengths are needed, depending on the task the operator has to perform.
So how do we design the right PPE for firefighting, which helps to achieve the best performance while always putting the safety of the worker first? Certainly by starting with the criticality of standard firefighting gloves:
- Uncomfortable and bulky dimensions
- Limited dexterity when using fire-fighting equipment
- Poor breathability of the hands at the expense also of the glove's softness
Structural Fire Fighting Gloves
Designed to shelter the firefighter from all those dangerous situations related to internal structural accidents, such as:
- Thermal energy transfers
- Flames
- Steam/hot liquid
- Electrical discharges
- Chemical substances
- Impacts with sharp objects or parts
In addition to heat protection, they therefore offer an all-round barrier in all hazardous situations, including against mechanical hazards such as cutting, impact or puncture.
One example is the FLAME AIB 659 M gloves from Coval Safety's FIRE line:
Maximum protection: Meta-aramid fabric and knuckle reinforcements provide reliable protection against heat and mechanical hazards.
Lasting comfort: Aramid fabric lining and waterproof, breathable membrane ensure optimal comfort even during long hours of service.
Improved visibility: The reflective band on the back increases visibility in low-light conditions, enhancing safety in the field.
Versatility: Suitable not only for firefighting operations, but also for other related activities and locker fitting.
Wildland fire gloves
These PPE are generally used in non-urban areas, in extreme heat and at very difficult danger levels.
For this type of intervention, it is necessary for rescue teams to wear full equipment to defend themselves against heat stress and to limit possible problems caused by extreme exertion in firefighting.
Not only gloves, but also coveralls, helmets, visors and boots become truly valuable allies for the rescuer's safety.
In this case, theFLAME Wildland firefighting gloves are the ideal solution, thanks to the meta-aramid fabric and water-repellent cowhide leather they are made of.
For this and all PPE in the FIRE line, the raw material is carefully chosen.
The Kevlar thread, used for the seams, also plays an important role in the degree of protection offered to the user, as it is a heat and tear resistant fibre.
Importance of glove size for firefighters
It is also important to determine the correct size of the firefighting glove so that already risky operations can be performed correctly and functionally.
If you are in doubt about which size is right for you, contact us and ask for our size chart.
The importance of the right PPE training
Burns, injuries, abrasions, sicknesses, but also damage to the respiratory system are very frequent consequences in this type of work; even insect bites and animal bites can make rescue operations very difficult.
Therefore, for an important purchase such as fire-fighting PPE, a good technical knowledge of personal protective equipment and the regulations governing its use is first of all necessary.
For this and other information you can contact us and find out about our training programmes.
