Safety magazine

In professional kitchens and the food industry, heat isn’t the only enemy. Often, the most insidious danger comes in the form of water steam. If you work near convection ovens, braising pans or large boiling pots, you know full well that a ‘cloud’ of steam can penetrate a glove in a matter of seconds, causing painful burns that simple thermal insulation cannot stop. Understanding the difference between dry heat and moist heat is essential for preventing serious injuries. Let’s examine the technical reasons why standard kitchen gloves fail to prevent steam burns and how the addition of a breathable inner membrane is redefining safety standards for professional kitchen teams. The ‘weak point’ of traditional gloves Standard heat-resistant gloves made of fabric or leather have a porous structure. When water vapour comes into contact with these materials, it instantly seeps through the fibres, turning the glove into a heat conductor. The wearer feels pain because the scalding moisture is transferred directly to the skin. As we have already explored in our guide to choosing the most suitable solution for the kitchen, not all PPE is the same: the choice of material must depend strictly on the type of heat (dry or moist) with which one comes into contact. The solution: an invisible yet impenetrable barrier The gloves in the Silitherm Cook range feature a breathable inner membrane that serves two vital functions: Vapour and heat barrier: prevents external moisture from reaching the hand. Comfort and skin health: as it is breathable, it allows sweat to evaporate, keeping hands dry. This prevents uncomfortable overheating and skin irritation, even after hours of intensive use. Consistent thermal insulation: by preventing the inner insulating layer from becoming wet, the membrane ensures that the glove retains its protective properties throughout the entire shift, preventing the PPE from losing effectiveness due to absorbed moisture. Silitherm technology: better grip, fewer risks The real innovation lies in the combination of aramid fabric (which is highly heat-resistant) and a special outer coating. This combination is at the heart of the Silitherm Cook range, designed to overcome the limitations of split leather or plain fabric gloves. Superior Water Repellency: The outer coating makes the glove completely resistant to water, oils and greases. It offers ideal protection in both oily environments and where steam is present. Grip and Precision: Unlike the bulky gloves of the past, the Silitherm offers greater stability when handling equipment, enabling accurate and safe work. Maximum Strength: The Kevlar®-reinforced seams and the coated aramid fabric cuff ensure that the PPE does not fail at the points of greatest stress. Impeccable Hygiene and Quick Maintenance In a professional kitchen, cleanliness is just as important as safety. Silitherm Cook products are designed to be sanitised in seconds: No residue: the coating prevents grease from soaking into the fabric and leaves no fibre residue in food. Easy to wash: the glove can be cleaned simply with a damp cloth or rinsed under running water with mild soap, then hung up to dry using the loop provided. Barrier against contamination: the smooth, water-repellent surface prevents the proliferation of bacteria and mould that often lurk between the fibres of traditional fabric gloves, ensuring a working environment that always meets the highest standards. If you’d like to find out more about why this material is so effective, we invite you to read the 4 benefits of using siliconised fabric, where we explain the versatility of this solution across industry and catering. The Silitherm Cook Range: a solution for every task All our models feature a cotton fleece-lined interior, making them pleasant and comfortable to wear for long periods. S2XKS-25 glove: offers excellent protection against contact heat up to 350°C and acts as a complete barrier against water vapour. F2XKS-25 Mitten: Designed for those who need to be able to put on and take off gloves as quickly as possible during busy periods in the kitchen, without compromising on the breathable membrane. LTXKS Heat-Resistant Apron: Provides protection up to 250°C. Thanks to its special coating, it does not absorb oils or fats, protecting the wearer’s body from hot splashes and radiant heat. In a high-intensity production environment such as the Food & Ho.Re.Ca sector, managing the risks posed by steam cannot be left to chance. Choosing Coval Safety’s Silitherm Cook technology means investing in high-performance PPE that optimises processes, reduces downtime caused by accidents and ensures maximum durability thanks to its resistance to oils and fats. Improving thermal protection standards is not merely a matter of regulatory compliance, but a strategic choice aimed at safeguarding business productivity and the well-being of the workforce. Contact us for advice or to find the model best suited to your needs.

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