When working in high temperature environments, such as foundries or metal processing plants, choosing the right heat protection glove is essential to ensure maximum safety. But what are the key aspects to consider when choosing thermal protective gloves?
1. Identifying Thermal and Mechanical Risks
The first step in selecting protective gloves is to understand the specific risks of the work process. A thorough assessment enables the type of protection needed to be identified. Some of the main hazards to consider include:
- High operating temperature
- Molten metal splashes
- Heat from direct contact
- Radiant heat
- Additional mechanical hazards such as cuts, abrasions and punctures
Do you want to know which occupations are most exposed to heat in foundries? Find out in our in-depth study: Heat hazards in foundries: which roles are most risky.
2. Comfort and Ergonomics: Key Factors for Safety
Protection is not the only parameter to consider: comfort and fit are equally important. Gloves that are uncomfortable or too stiff can impair manual dexterity, increasing the risk of errors and injuries.
An ergonomic glove must:
1. Allow adequate freedom of movement
2. Fit the operator's hand correctly
3. Be made of materials suitable for the specific application (e.g. split leather, aramid fibre fabric, etc.).
Find out more in our dedicated in-depth blog on The Importance of Ergonomic Gloves for Worker Protection and Safety.
3. Types of Heat Resistant Gloves: 5, 3 or 2 Finger?
Not all heat-resistant gloves are the same. The structure of the fingers greatly influences dexterity and insulation. Here is a comparison:
- 5-finger glove: provides maximum mobility and precision, ideal for detailed work, but can be less easy to remove quickly in an emergency.
- 2-finger (mitten) glove: provides the best thermal insulation and is easier to remove quickly. Perfect for environments with extreme heat.
- 3-finger glove: represents a good compromise between protection and grip, useful when both heat resistance and discreet handling are required.
For more details, see our complete guide available at How to choose the right glove: 5, 3 or 2 fingers?
4. Reference Standards: EN 388 and EN 407
When selecting a work glove, it is essential to check its compliance with European standards:
- EN 388:2016+A1:2018 - Protective gloves against mechanical hazards (abrasion, blade cut, tear, puncture, cut EN ISO 13997, impact)
- EN 407:2020 - Protective gloves against mechanical risks (fire behaviour, contact heat, convective heat, radiant heat, small molten metal splashes, large molten metal projections)
Gloves certified according to these standards have a specific marking and are accompanied by technical documentation certifying their performance.
We have dedicated an entire article to the EN 407 Standard: everything you need to know, with clear explanations of the performance levels and tests required.
The Coval Safety Solution: Certified Heat Resistant Gloves for Every Need
At Coval Safety, we understand how crucial it is to have the right gloves for every type of thermal hazard. That's why we offer a complete range of professional heat-resistant gloves, designed to ensure:
- Maximum protection from heat (contact, radiant, convective)
- Resistance to molten metal splashes
- Advanced ergonomics and prolonged comfort
- Compliance with EN 388 and EN 407 standards
Among our solutions you will find:
- S5TK, made of a double layer of aramid fabric laminated with cotton jersey, this glove is ideal for activities involving direct contact heat exposure up to 350°C. Providing thermal protection and comfort, it is perfect for prolonged work at high temperatures.
- F2AGP/18TK, designed for intensive applications, this two-fingered glove in aramid fabric with wool cloth reinforcements and aramid fleece lining offers thermal resistance up to 500°C. The reinforced construction ensures reliable protection in the most extreme conditions.
- SCTKA, a glove combining a splash and direct heat resistant thermal split palm with an aluminised fabric backhand designed to reflect radiant heat. An ideal solution for work where outside temperatures and heat radiation are high.
- Z101/20AT, equipped with a thermal split palm and natural split back, this glove is lined with a technical knitted fabric combining 70% abrasion-resistant and 30% cut-resistant, for extreme resistance in high mechanical and thermal stress environments.
Made from high-quality technical materials - such as treated leathers, aramid fabrics and insulated linings - our gloves are designed for durability and protection in all operating conditions.
Rely on Coval Safety for certified, comfortable and safe heat protection devices.
Choosing the right heat-resistant gloves is a strategic decision that requires attention to several factors: from the type of hazard to the glove's construction and operator comfort. Investing in quality, certified PPE that is suitable for the operational context not only improves safety, but also increases efficiency at work.
Coval Safety stands by companies to provide tailor-made solutions in thermal protection and industrial safety.
Discover the complete range of Coval Safety heat-resistant gloves and find the solution that best suits your needs.
Contact us for a dedicated consultation or request a sample to test the quality in the field.
