Workplace safety is paramount; equipping your team with the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential to preventing thermal-related injuries. Hazards such as contact heat and spark heat are common risks for workers operating in industries such as welding, grinding, and metalworking.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), over 560,000 welding-related accidents occur annually within the U.S. workforce. In this guide, we’ll explore heat protection ratings, dive into the differences between spark heat and contact heat, and highlight how understanding these factors can help safeguard your workforce on the job.
Spark Heat vs. Contact Heat Protection
Spark heat and contact heat refer to different types of heat exposure that work gloves are designed to protect against.
Spark heat occurs from brief bursts of heat generated by sparks during activities like welding, grinding, or metalworking. These sparks are short-lived and only make contact with the gloves for a brief moment. Although the heat they produce can be intense, it doesn’t last long enough to cause prolonged damage to the gloves or skin.
Contact heat, on the other hand, involves sustained exposure to heat from hot objects or surfaces such as pipes, machinery, or molten metal. This type of heat exposure is constant or prolonged, requiring gloves to protect over an extended period.
In summary, spark heat protection is designed for short, intense bursts, while contact heat protection is aimed at shielding against prolonged heat exposure.
Understanding Contact Heat Ratings
The level of heat protection a glove provides is measured through standardized testing methods, primarily through the EN 407 and ASTM F1060 standards. These tests evaluate gloves’ performance under high temperatures, providing clear ratings that help users select the appropriate gloves for their specific needs.
EN 407:2020 Contact Heat Rating
The EN 407 standard is internationally recognized and evaluates glove performance under exposure to high temperatures. The test involves placing the glove material in contact with a hot plate ranging from 100°C to 500°C. Performance is measured by how long it takes for the temperature on the side opposite the sample to rise by 10°C. This period is referred to as the threshold time. To pass a given level, a glove must withstand an increase of up to 10°C in temperature for at least 15 seconds.
Key Aspects of EN 407:
- Tests are conducted on areas of the glove exposed to contact heat.
- The glove must withstand the rising temperature for at least 15 seconds without causing a second-degree burn.
- Gloves are rated on a scale from 0 to 4, with higher ratings indicating better heat resistance.
- Three samples are tested; the final result is based on the lowest time achieved across all samples.
EN 407 Conductive Heat Levels:
| Performance Level Rating | Contact Temperature | Threshold Time |
| 1 | 100°C | ≥ 15 |
| 2 | 250°C | ≥ 15 |
| 3 | 350°C | ≥ 15 |
| 4 | 450°C | ≥ 15 |
ASTM F1060 Contact Heat Rating
The ASTM F1060 standard, based on ANSI/ISEA 105 guidelines, is the North American classification for heat protection in gloves. This standard evaluates glove performance under heat exposure using a similar testing apparatus to EN 407 but with stricter criteria.
Performance is measured by two key factors: time to pain (the time it takes to feel heat) and time to second-degree burn. Each level corresponds to the maximum temperature at which a glove can withstand heat for at least 15 seconds before causing a second-degree burn, and it must provide a minimum of 4 seconds of warning “time to pain” to allow the user to react and move away from the heat source.
Key Aspects of ASTM F1060:
- Uses the same testing apparatus as EN 407:2020
- The glove must provide at least 4 seconds of warning before pain or injury occurs.
- The glove must withstand the rising temperature for at least 15 seconds without causing a second-degree burn.
- Gloves are rated on a scale from 0 to 5, with higher ratings indicating better heat resistance.
- Five samples are tested; the final result is based on the average time achieved across all samples.
ASTM F1060 Conductive Heat Levels:
| Performance Level Rating | Contact Temperature |
| 1 | 80°C / 176°F |
| 2 | 140°C / 284°F |
| 3 | 200°C / 392°F |
| 4 | 260°C / 500°F |
| 5 | 320°C / 608°F |
Key Differences Between EN 407 and ASTM F1060
- EN 407 tests higher temperatures (up to 500°C), making it ideal for extreme heat applications.
- ASTM F1060 focuses on lower temperatures (up to 320°C) but is considered more stringent due to its requirement for both time to pain and time to second-degree burn for a more comprehensive evaluation.
- EN 407 is more widely used internationally, especially in Europe, while ASTM F1060 is the standard in the United States.
- ASTM F1060’s final result is based on the average time achieved across all samples tested, while EN 407 uses the lowest time achieved across all samples to determine the final rating.
Conclusion: Discover the ECODEXTM 700B Air-Urea Welding and Grinding Gloves
Thermal-related injuries continue to be a significant concern across industries. By understanding the EN 407 and ASTM F1060 heat protection ratings, along with the differences between spark heat and contact heat, you can better protect your workforce.
At Liberty Safety, we offer the ECODEX 700B Welding and Grinding Gloves as a solution to combat thermal hazards. Ergonomically designed, these gloves protect workers in welding, grinding, and metal cutting applications. These gloves won’t ignite, melt, or burn from incidental contact with sparks or flames. They also provide excellent dexterity, allowing workers to handle small parts like welding rods, torches, grinders, and cutting tools with ease.
Key Features and Benefits
- Contact Heat Resistance: Rated for temperatures up to 250°C (EN 407 Level 2).
- Durability: Constructed with a tough 13-gauge aramid/polyester shell for extended wear.
- Air-Urea™ Coating Technology: This eco-friendly, water-based coating (70% water) provides 360° breathability, keeping your hands cool by maintaining body temperature control. The gloves conform to the hand with each wear, creating a “bare-hand” feel that enhances grip and dexterity.
For more information or to place an order, visit the ECODEX 700B product page online and request a quote today.
Join us in reshaping the landscape of workplace safety—one glove at a time.