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Spark Heat vs. Contact Heat Protection: Choosing the Right Work Gloves for Thermal Safety

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Workplace safety remains critical in industries where thermal hazards are prevalent. For workers in fields like welding, grinding, and metalworking, exposure to heat is a daily reality. Selecting the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) can mean the difference between protection and severe injury.

Heat exposure can be categorized into two main types: spark heat and contact heat. Each presents unique risks and requires specific protective features in gloves. In this guide, we break down the key differences between spark and contact heat, the applications for each, and offer tips to help ensure your team is equipped with the proper hand protection for thermal safety.

Understanding Heat Protection in Work Gloves

What is Spark Heat?

Spark heat is caused by:

  • Activities: Applications such as welding, grinding, or cutting metal that generate bursts of high-temperature sparks.
  • Duration: Exposure to spark heat is typically brief and sporadic.
  • Impact on Gloves: Sparks briefly touch the glove surface, so the gloves must be able to resist igniting, melting, or burning upon exposure.

What is Contact Heat?

Contact heat occurs from:

  • Activities: Handling hot materials, operating heated machinery, or touching molten surfaces.
  • Duration: The exposure is prolonged or continuous, requiring sustained hand protection against heat transfer.
  • Impact on Gloves: These gloves are designed to insulate and resist thermal penetration over time, ensuring heat does not transfer to the skin.

Key Differences: Spark Heat vs. Contact Heat

FeatureSpark HeatContact Heat
SourceSparks from welding or grindingHot objects or surfaces
DurationBrief, intermittent burstsContinuous or sustained
Glove RequirementsDo not ignite, melt, or burnHigh insulation, heat-resistant

Applications for Each Type of Heat Protection

Industries That Require Spark Heat Protection

  • Welding: Sparks generated during arc welding processes like MIG (Metal Inert Gas) and Stick Welding (Shielded Metal Arc Welding).
  • Metal Cutting and Grinding: Sparks produced when grinding, cutting, or abrasive blasting metal surfaces, creating intense bursts of heat due to friction between metal and tools.
  • Fabrication Shops: Processes such as welding, grinding, or cutting metal components that create frequent bursts of sparks during assembly and shaping tasks.

Industries That Require Contact Heat Protection

  • Welding: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures generated during TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, where precise and controlled heat is applied to metal surfaces.
  • Manufacturing: Handling heated machinery or components, such as hot pipes, tools, and equipment, requiring prolonged heat resistance.
  • Glass and Ceramic Production: Moving hot materials, like molten glass or ceramic products, during fabrication.
  • Metal Casting: Contact with molds, pipes, or molten metal, where high levels of heat are transferred to the gloves and hands.

Choosing the Right Heat Protection Work Gloves

  • Understand Your Workplace Hazards: Conduct a risk assessment to identify the type and level of heat exposure in your work environment.
  • Check Industry Standards:
    • EN 407: An internationally recognized standard that evaluates glove performance under high-temperature exposure.
    • ASTM F1060: Based on ANSI/ISEA 105 guidelines, this North American standard classifies gloves for heat protection.
    • For more detailed insights into heat protection ratings and industry standards, read our blog, Mastering Workplace Safety: Understanding Heat Protection in Work Gloves.
  • Fit and Comfort Test: Ensure gloves provide sufficient dexterity and comfort without compromising protection.

Checklist to Ensuring Worker Safety

  • Conduct regular PPE training on proper glove selection and usage.
  • Perform frequent equipment checks to ensure gloves meet safety standards.
  • Replace gloves at the first signs of wear, such as thin spots or burns.

Heat protection in the workplace is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Understanding the key differences between spark and contact heat is essential for selecting the proper PPE. Whether facing the quick bursts of spark heat or managing the demands of contact heat, the right gloves can make all the difference. Equip your team with the proper protection to confidently tackle thermal hazards and maintain a safe working environment.

Discover the ECODEXTM 700B Air-Urea Welding and Grinding Work Gloves

At Liberty Safety, we offer the ECODEX 700B Welding and Grinding Gloves as a solution to combat thermal hazards.

Key Features and Benefits

  • Spark Heat Protection: Engineered for welding, grinding, and metal cutting. These gloves won’t ignite, melt, or burn from incidental contact with sparks or flames.
  • High Dexterity: The ergonomic fit delivers exceptional dexterity, allowing workers to easily handle small parts like welding rods, torches, and grinders.
  • Air-Urea™ Coating Technology: A 70% water-based formula that provides 360° breathability, helping to keep hands cool by maintaining body temperature control. Over time, they conform to the natural shape of the hand, offering a “bare-hand” feel for enhanced grip and dexterity.

For more information or to place an order, visit the ECODEX 700B product page online and request a quote today.

Your safety is our priority. It’s all part of our Freedom in Full Gear Promise!

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Mastering Workplace Safety: Understanding Heat Protection in Work Gloves

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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 RatingContact TemperatureThreshold Time
1100°C≥ 15
2250°C≥ 15
3350°C≥ 15
4450°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 RatingContact Temperature
180°C / 176°F
2140°C / 284°F
3200°C / 392°F
4260°C / 500°F
5320°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.

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Winter Wellness Guide: Essential Tips for Staying Warm and Safe

Winter Worker

As winter sets in, outdoor workers and anyone exposed to chilly conditions must take proactive steps toward staying warm and healthy. In this guide, you’ll find essential wellness tips, insights on wind chill, and our top recommended winter products to help keep your team safe and comfortable throughout the season.

Understanding Wind Chill: The Hidden Danger

Wind chill refers to the cooling effect of wind on exposed skin, creating a temperature significantly lower than the actual air temperature. For example, if the air temperature is 45°F with a wind speed of 25 mph, the wind chill drops to 36°F. Being aware of this can help you take the necessary precautions.

Use the Wind Chill Calculator

To understand the potential impact of wind chill, you can use the National Weather Service (NWS) Wind Chill Calculator. Simply input the air temperature and wind speed to determine the wind chill temperature for your area.

Recognizing Cold Stress: Signs and Symptoms

ConditionSigns & SymptomsRecommended Actions
Dehydration– Thirst
– Dry mouth
– Fatigue		– Drink plenty of fluids
– Avoid caffeine and alcohol
– Monitor fluid intake regularly
Hypothermia– Shivering
– Confusion
– Slurred speech		– Seek medical help immediately
– Move to a warm area
– Remove wet clothing and wrap in blankets
Frostbite– Numbness
– Pale or hard skin
– Tingling sensation		– Warm the affected area slowly (do not rub)
– Seek medical attention if severe
– Avoid re-exposure to cold
Trench Foot– Pain or tingling in feet
– Swelling
– Blisters		– Dry and warm feet thoroughly
– Elevate feet to reduce swelling
– Seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Chillblains– Red, itchy patches
– Swelling
– Painful sores		– Keep the area warm and dry
– Avoid scratching the affected area
– Apply a topical cream to soothe irritation

Work/Warm-up Schedule for Cold Environments

The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has developed a comprehensive work/warm-up schedule to help manage the risks of cold environments. This schedule provides guidelines for outdoor workers to adjust their work and rest cycles based on temperature and wind chill conditions.

Work/Warm-up Schedule Overview:

  • Temperature Range: Consider both air temperature and wind speed, as lower wind chill increases the risk of cold stress.
  • For temperatures above 30°F: Schedule breaks every 60 minutes.
  • For temperatures between 20°F and 30°F: Schedule breaks every 30-45 minutes.
  • For temperatures below 20°F: Schedule breaks every 20-30 minutes or as needed based on worker conditions.
  • Break Locations: Ensure breaks are taken in a warm, sheltered area to allow workers to rewarm and hydrate effectively.
  • Monitoring Conditions: Supervisors should continuously monitor weather conditions and worker status, adjusting the schedule based on individual tolerance and workload.
  • Signs of Cold Stress: Encourage open communication among workers. Immediate action should be taken if anyone shows signs of hypothermia or frostbite.

Spotlight on Winter Products

Stay safe and warm this winter by exploring our selection of winter products designed to elevate safety standards in the workplace:

  • Insulated Gloves: Keep your hands warm and functional.
  • Cold Weather Jackets: Our jackets provide superior insulation and protection from the elements, ensuring you stay comfortable on the job.
  • Beanies: Stay cozy and retain body heat with our acrylic knit and fleece beanies.

Explore Our Winter Catalog

Check out our Winter Catalog to discover a full range of products designed to help you stay comfortable and safe in cold conditions.

Conclusion: Prioritize Your Winter Wellness

Taking proactive measures for your wellness during the colder months is essential for anyone exposed to harsh conditions. Equip yourself with the knowledge and gear to ensure a safe and productive winter.

Your safety is our priority. It’s all part of our Freedom in Full Gear Promise!