What are heat resistant gloves? Types and applications

Heat resistant gloves are essential personal protective equipment (PPE). They are designed to protect hands from burns and injuries when working in high-temperature environments. These gloves are widely used in industries such as metalworking, welding, food processing, and heavy manufacturing.

In this article, we’ll explore what heat resistant safety gloves are, the most common types, and their real-world applications.

What are heat resistant gloves?

Heat resistant gloves are specialized safety gloves made to withstand high temperatures. They protect the wearer from burns caused by direct or indirect heat exposure.

These gloves are typically made from heat-insulating materials such as Kevlar, Nomex, fiberglass, natural leather, or high-performance synthetic fibers. Depending on the type, they can resist heat ranging from 150°C to over 1000°C.

In addition to heat protection, many modern models include features like cut resistance, chemical resistance, and anti-slip grip. This makes them suitable for a wide range of industries and working conditions.

Common types of heat resistant gloves and their applications

Leather heat resistant gloves

– Features: Made from high-quality cowhide, goatskin, or sheepskin. These leather welding gloves offer strong heat insulation and resistance to abrasion. Many include cotton or heat-resistant linings for comfort.

– Applications: Common in metalworking, mechanical work, and welding. Ideal for handling hot surfaces or working in high-heat environments.

Fiberglass or synthetic fiber gloves

– Features: Made from fiberglass, aramid, or composite fibers. These gloves can withstand temperatures between 300°C and 800°C, with some models reaching up to 1000°C. They resist flames, sparks, and both direct and indirect heat exposure.

– Applications: Suitable for steel production, metal casting, and heavy-duty industrial operations involving hot materials.

Kevlar heat resistant gloves/Nomex gloves

– Features: Kevlar and Nomex are high-strength synthetic fibers. They offer exceptional heat resistance, flame resistance, and cut protection. Nomex gloves and kevlar heat resistant gloves typically withstand heat levels from 200°C to 500°C.

– Applications: Used in automotive, aerospace, firefighting, and rescue operations.

Aluminized or reflective heat resistant gloves

– Features: The outer surface is coated with aluminum or reflective material. These heat resistant safety gloves reflect radiant heat and infrared radiation, reducing heat absorption. Inner layers are made of high-insulation fabric.

– Applications: Ideal for glass manufacturing, steel foundries, and molten metal handling.

Heat resistant safety gloves for food processing

– Features: Made from heat-resistant fabric or silicone. These gloves are flame-resistant, oil-resistant, and easy to clean. Most offer excellent grip and anti-slip properties.

– Applications: Commonly used in industrial kitchens, restaurant kitchens, and hot food production lines.

Levels of heat resistance in gloves

Contact heat resistance

This refers to a glove’s ability to withstand direct contact with a hot surface for a short time. Heat resistant gloves can typically endure between 150°C and 1000°C, depending on the material. Certified gloves are tested under standards like EN 407 (European) or ASTM (American) to determine their heat resistance levels.

Flame resistance

Made from materials such as Kevlar, Nomex, or Aramid, these gloves resist ignition and do not melt or deform under brief flame exposure. They are essential for welding gloves and jobs in environments with fire or explosion risks.

Convective heat resistance

This type of heat is transferred through hot air, such as in ovens or heated environments. Gloves built for convective heat are made with multiple layers of insulation to slow heat transfer. These are especially useful in food processing and drying systems.

Radiant heat resistance

Radiant heat occurs in high-temperature environments with infrared radiation. Gloves coated with aluminum or reflective layers can reflect up to 95% of radiant heat, making them ideal for steel mills, glass kilns, or metal melting facilities.

Protection against metal splashes

During welding or metal casting, molten metal splashes can cause burns. Gloves for these tasks must be made from thick leather or aramid fibers, providing both heat resistance and spark protection.

Resistance to large quantities of molten metal

This is the highest level of thermal protection. These heat resistant safety gloves are used in extremely hazardous environments like steel and aluminum casting. They feature multiple layers, extended cuffs to protect the forearm, and must be tested to withstand direct metal contact without burning the skin.

How to choose the right heat resistant gloves

When choosing heat resistant gloves, consider these key factors:

– Working temperature: Identify the maximum heat level your job requires – ranging from 150°C to over 1000°C.

– Materials: Choose Kevlar, Nomex, Aramid, genuine leather, or aluminized fabric for superior insulation.

– Extra features: If needed, look for flame resistance, cut resistance, anti-slip, or chemical resistance.

– Design: Go for long gloves that cover the wrist and forearm. Adjustable cuffs or elastic closures improve protection.

– Safety standards: Prefer gloves certified by EN 407, EN 388, or ANSI/ISEA 105 for protection against heat, cuts, and abrasions.

– Reputable brands: Always purchase from trusted manufacturers to ensure consistent quality and after-sales support.

Lapro heat resistant gloves – A trusted choice for extreme heat environments

Lapro (under THACO INDUSTRIES), is a leading manufacturer of heat resistant gloves in Vietnam. Lapro provides premium safety gloves designed for use in metalworking, welding, foundries, and food processing, and more.

Why choose Lapro?

– High production capacity: Equipped with 1,600 modern automatic knitting machines (10G, 13G, 15G, 18G), with an annual capacity of 90 million pairs.

– Wide heat resistance range: Lapro gloves handle temperatures from 150°C to over 1000°C.

– Advanced materials: Uses Kevlar, Nomex, and aluminized fabrics for superior heat insulation and durability.

– Global certifications: Production meets ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015; besides, product certified for WRAP, and WCA standards.

– Custom production: Offers tailored manufacturing to suit specific industries and usage needs.

Besides heat resistant gloves, Lapro also supplies a wide range of PPE gloves:

– Cotton, polyester, nylon gloves

– PU-coated, latex-coated, nitrile-coated gloves

– PVC dotted gloves, cut-resistant gloves, touchscreen gloves, and fabric-based gloves

Need high-quality heat resistant gloves for your business?

Contact Lapro now at (+84) 348 620 063 or message us on our official Facebook fanpage for expert consultation and special pricing.