Welding gloves
The EU standard EN 12477 establishes requirements for protective gloves used in manual metal welding, cutting, and related processes. Additionally, there are general work glove requirements under EN 420:2003.
The hazards and their magnitude to welder's hands depend on welding processes, and the required capability of gloves (protection and performance) may therefore vary according to use.
Welding gloves must protect both palms and wrists against:
- molten metal splashes;
- short-term flame exposure;
- heat radiation;
- contact heat;
- UV radiation;
- electric shock;
- mechanical hazards.
According to the above, welding gloves are classified as:
- Type A - lower flexibility, used for general welding;
- Type B - high flexibility, TIG welding.
Welding gloves must have the following marking:
- EN 12477
- A (Type A) or B (Type B)
- Pictogram for fire risk and mechanical risk. The pictogram must be accompanied by the respective standard number:
- Fire risk EN 407, which includes:
- burning resistance
- contact heat resistance
- convective heat resistance
- radiant heat resistance
- resistance to small splashes of molten metal
- Mechanical risk EN 388 includes:
- abrasion resistance
- cut resistance
- tear resistance
- puncture resistance
- Fire risk EN 407, which includes:
There are specific requirements for determining each property. Additionally, there are separate requirements for materials used in the gloves.
Using welding gloves without the required marking can pose a serious health risk to the welder and is prohibited.