Welding Glove Standards: Safety, Heat Resistance & Protection

The essential standards for welding gloves are heat resistance and hand protection. You should choose the type and style of welding gloves to wear based on the particular hazards of the job and the type of welding project.

Types

• Welding gloves should be moisture and flame resistant, and electrically and thermally insulated. They should also fit properly and be in good condition with no holes or tears to protect hands from sparks, heat, electric shock, cuts and scratches.

Materials

• Standard welding glove materials include leather, rubber, treated cotton and aluminized materials. Cowhide and calfskin gloves are heat, flame and electrical resistant, while pigskin gloves are oil resistant and fast drying, and rubber gloves provide electrical insulation and are moisture proof. Treated cotton gloves are absorbent and lightweight, while aluminized gloves reflect heat radiation and are heat resistant.

Styles

• Standard styles of welding gloves include protection of the entire hand or protection for the hand, wrist and forearm. Additionally, some styles of welding gloves are made to protect only the fingers and palms. Combination material gloves may have a cowhide palm and a pigskin back.