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Best Heat Protection Gloves for Welding, Foundries, and Fabrication

Best Heat Protection Gloves for Welding, Foundries, and Fabrication

When you’re working in high-heat environments like welding bays, metal foundries, or heavy fabrication workshops, standard work gloves simply won’t cut it. The risks in these settings – including radiant heat, molten splash, and prolonged thermal exposure – demand hand protection that’s built to withstand extreme conditions.

Whether you’re holding a welding torch for hours, pouring molten metal, or grinding hot steel, choosing the right heat protection glove isn’t just about comfort . It’s about long-term safety and performance. Here’s what to look for, and how to make sure your gloves are up to the task.

Understanding the Hazards of Heat-Intensive Work

High-temperature work environments present a unique combination of risks:

  • Radiant and contact heat from hot surfaces or direct flames
  • >Molten splash from welding, casting, or grinding
  • >Mechanical abrasion and sharp edges from fabricated materials
  • Loss of grip or dexterity under extreme thermal stress

In these environments, even a moment of unprotected contact can lead to serious burns, reduced productivity, or permanent injury. That’s why conformance to Australian Standard AS/NZS 2161.4:1999 – which aligns with ISO 11611 and ISO 11612 – is critical when assessing heat protection gloves. This standard ensures gloves are tested for thermal protection, ignition resistance, contact heat, and durability under high temperatures.

Top Features of Heat Protection Gloves

Not all heat protection gloves are the same – and the difference comes down to design, materials, and the specific hazards you’re guarding against. Here are key features to look for:

1. Heat-Resistant Materials

  • Split leather (typically cowhide or elk) offers excellent durability and heat resistance.
  • Kevlar® or Nomex linings add flame resistance and reduce the risk of burns from radiant or convective heat.
  • Aluminised backings help deflect radiant heat, ideal in foundries or near furnaces.

2. Insulation Layers

Gloves designed for prolonged thermal contact often include multiple insulating layers to resist burn-through, without compromising too much dexterity.

3. Extended Gauntlets

Extra-long cuffs are a must when working near sparks or molten splash. Look for gloves with reinforced cuffs that protect the wrist and forearm without restricting movement.

4. Heat-Resistant Stitching

Standard thread won’t hold up under high heat. Quality gloves use Kevlar® stitching, which is more resistant to melting and wear in hot applications.

Best Gloves by Application

Welding (TIG, MIG, and Stick)

  • TIG: Thin goatskin or deerskin for dexterity, minimal insulation
  • MIG: Cowhide or pigskin with moderate lining and reinforced palm
  • Stick: Heavy-duty split cowhide with thick insulation and long gauntlets

Foundries and Metal Casting

  • Gloves must withstand molten splash, radiant heat, and sustained thermal exposure.
  • Aluminised gloves or heavy split leather with full lining and gauntlet cuffs are essential.

Fabrication and Hot Work

  • Often involves grinding, bending, and welding – welding gloves must resist both mechanical and thermal stress.
  • Look for welding gloves with a good balance between abrasion resistance and heat protection.

Certification to Look For

When selecting gloves, always check for:

  • AS/NZS 2161.4 compliance
  • Heat contact ratings (up to 500°C for some applications)
  • Clear labelling of application class and thermal performance

Your hands are your most valuable tools – and in heat-intensive industries, they need serious protection. Investing in the right gloves means fewer injuries, better work performance, and compliance with national safety standards.

At Beaver Brands, our hand Frontier heat and welding gloves range is designed with Australian worksites in mind – meeting the demands of welding, foundries, smelters and fabrication without compromising on comfort or quality.

Explore the full range of heat and welding protection gloves, or speak to our team for help finding the right fit.

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