The welding field is a profession that carries much more risks than others. Exposure to extreme heats and powerful equipment’s daily means it is vitally important that PPE is taken seriously. Personal protective equipment should be the most thought out step before starting any weld process, ensuring you are safe every step of the way.
Welding gloves protect the hands of welders from the various hazards. These gloves allow digit articulation while protecting the operator from many risks. Risks during a weld include electrical shock, extreme heats, ultraviolet and infrared radiation, and abrasion.
Gloves may dry out over time due to the exposure to high heat. The most common point of glove failure is along the trapezium bone. This is where welders grasp and apply pressure to the gun. Well-designed welding gloves have an additional layer of leather on the thumb, index finger and across the metacarpus area on the hand. Double-stitched Kevlar seams will also add to the durability of the glove.
While your gauntlets are for safety, they need to be comfortable. Make sure that you can easily manoeuvre in your gloves or gauntlets. While some welding gloves are designed ‘one size fits all’, these are rarely the best option. Making sure your gloves are comfortable and appropriately fitted will ensure you have the best control when operating.
Welding gloves are commonly categorised into three levels of comfort:
TIG Welding Gloves
These are typically made of goat, cow or pig hides and are designed to provide finger sensitivity with adequate protection.
MIG Welding Gloves
MIG welding gloves are meant to provide the maximum protection. These gloves are usually made from pig, cow, or deer hides.
Stick Welding Gloves
These gloves tend to be the most robust and therefore are made from cow or elk hides.
At the Welding Superstore, they stock a wide range of Welding Gloves and Gauntlets which are ideal for both welding and grinding. All gloves provide heat resistance as well as protecting against splashes of hot metal and abrasions. Find out more here: https://weldingsuperstore.co.uk/safety-equipment/personal-protection/welding-gauntlets-protective-gloves.html