When it concerns safety at work, every detail is crucial. Among the most important accessories to protect hands from burn hazards are fire retardant gloves. But how do you know if a glove is truly fire-resistant? In this article, we will explore the key aspects you need to consider to identify a fire retardant glove, with a focus on materials and EN 407:2020 certification.
Fire retardant gloves: What does ‘’fire resistant‘’ mean?
A glove described as "fire retardant" is a personal protective equipment designed to offer resistance to heat and flame. However, not all gloves that look fire-resistant really are. To be effective, they must meet precise technical characteristics that make them suitable for protection against high temperatures.
Fire-resistant gloves are essential to protect hands from high temperatures, flames and hazards in hazardous work environments. Among the main models, those offering maximum protection include:
- Aramid Fibre Gloves: Made of aramid fibres, heat and fire resistant. Ideal for foundries, firefighters and industrial applications.
- Heat Resistant Leather Gloves: Treated to resist heat and flame, they offer mechanical protection and are perfect for welding work.
- Aluminised Gloves: Offer advanced protection against heat and molten metal splashes, ideal for the metal industry and goldsmithing.
- Welding Gloves: Made of thick leather, they protect against sparks and intense heat, ideal for welders.
- Firefighter's Gloves: Resistant to flames and high temperatures, made of specialised materials to ensure safety in emergency situations.
Choose the right glove to protect you in high temperature environments!
EN 407:2020 certification
When purchasing a Fire Retardant Glove, it is essential that it is certified according to international safety standards. The EN 407:2020 standard is the one that regulates protection characteristics against heat and flame. A glove certified to this standard has passed a series of rigorous tests to ensure its effectiveness.
EN 407:2020 sets out a number of requirements that a glove must meet, including:
- Limited flame propagation
- Resistance to contact heat
- Resistance to convective heat
- Resistance to radiant heat
- Resistance to small splashes of molten metal
- Resistance to large splashes of molten metal
If the glove carries the EN 407:2020 certification mark, it means it has been tested to withstand these conditions and offers adequate protection against heat and flame.
For more information, read our guide on how to read the test levels of EN 407:2020.
All the information on the EN 407:2020 thermal resistance tests that are performed during certification can be found on the label.
In addition to the full address of the manufacturer, the PPE category and product traceability, the manufacturer must state the reference standards with pictograms and levels.
If you have difficulty reading the label on Coval Safety's PPE, don't worry! Consult our guide on how to correctly interpret the labels of our Personal Protective Equipment.
How to check if a glove is fire retardant?
When purchasing fire retardant gloves, consider these crucial aspects:
- Material: Check whether the glove is made of flame-retardant materials, such as aramid, fibreglass or para-aramid fabrics. If they are not present, the glove may not offer adequate protection against fire.
- Certification: Make sure the glove is EN 407:2020 certified, which guarantees resistance to heat and flame. Check the label or data sheet to confirm the certification.
- Heat resistance: Check that the glove offers protection against different heat sources, such as direct or convective contact, depending on the intended use. Check the protection levels in EN 407:2020.
By following these simple steps, you will ensure maximum safety with certified flame retardant gloves suitable for your work.
To ensure your safety in high-temperature environments, it is essential to choose EN 407:2020-certified fire-resistant gloves made of heat- and flame-resistant materials.
If you are in doubt about your choice of PPE, consult an RSPP for professional guidance. Coval Safety offers certified protective equipment for reliable safety. For more information on fire retardant gloves and other solutions, visit our website or contact us for personalised advice.