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A GUIDE FOR HEAT SAFETY GLOVES
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Direct exposure to heat can cause a serious burn injury to the skin. Burn injuries can be a minor med
ical problem or a life-threatening emergency based on exposure and contact with heat. The severity of these workplace injuries can be anywhere from first-degree burns (surface damage) to third-degree burns (leaving skin charred and causing nerve damage). Avoiding heat-related injuries is easy with the proper protective gloves.
While each test offers vital information regarding the true protective qualities of the product from heat, sparks and arc flash, it is essential for Safety Managers to analyze the various factors that can influence an individual’s reaction to and resilience against heat exposure in the work setting- such as the temperature of the heat and the duration of contact or exposure.
The information provided in this article is intended to clarify the differences between each heat protection test and help users make an educated and optimal PPE decision for the job being performed so they can return home safely every day.
ASTM F1060-08 CONDUCTIVE HEAT RESISTANCE
For a work glove to be considered heat-resistant, it must be rated within a standard scale that specifies thermal performance for protective gloves against heat. The ANSI 105-2024 is the testing standard for North American classification of specific performance properties, and the ASTM F1060-18 test method is to be used to determine the proper contact heat resistance.
The ASTM F1060-08 conductive heat resistance test measures the thermal insulation provided by gloves or protective sleeves when in contact with a hot surface. The test measures the time it takes for the wearer to develop a second degree burn when exposed to a certain temperature. The test measures three points:
THREE IMPORTANT MEASUREMENTS TAKEN:
- TIME TO BURN – Amount of time for a person to get a 2nd degree burn through the PPE
- TIME TO PAIN – The amount of time for a person to feel pain through PPE
- ALARM TIME* – The difference between time to pain and alarm time = equates to the window of time the person has to remove their hand from the hazard before significant damage occurs.
*Alarm time must be greater than 4 seconds and time to 2nd degree burn must be greater than 15 second at the above temperatures to achieve rating. This test is exclusively for thermal contact heat resistance, does not indicate FR performance of product
GLOVE MARKING
The conductive heat-resistant level is represented with an ANSI shield with the heat level (1-5).
- LEVEL 1 176°F (80°C)
- LEVEL 2 284°F (140°C)
- LEVEL 3 392°F (200°C)
- LEVEL 4 500°F (260°C)
- LEVEL 5 608°F (320°C)
Each level provides the maximum temperature for the tested PPE in which the wearer has:
- 15 seconds to react until second degree burn occurs
- 4 seconds of alarm time (19 total seconds) to react before instant pain is felt from that burn
VERTICAL FLAME TEST – ASTM F1358-08
This is the standard test method that measures the effects of flame impingement on materials used that are not specifically designated for flame resistance. The test is performed by exposing a specimen to a gas flame for a set duration (either 3 or 12 seconds depending on initial ignition) and measuring the afterflame time, afterglow time and burn distance.
- AFTERFLAME: Seconds during which there is visible flame remaining on the fabric (afterflame cannot exceed 2 seconds)
- AFTERGLOW: Seconds during which there is a visible glow remaining on the fabric
- BURN DISTANCE: The length in inches of fabric destroyed by the flame.
- LEVEL 0 Time Exposed to Flame(s) 3 Seconds After-Flame Time(s) > 2 Seconds
- LEVEL 1 Time Exposed to Flame(s) 3 Seconds After-Flame Time(s) ≤ 2 Seconds
- LEVEL 2 Time Exposed to Flame(s) 12 Seconds After-Flame Time(s) > 2 Seconds
- LEVEL 3 Time Exposed to Flame(s) 12 Seconds After-Flame Time(s) ≤ 2 Seconds
- LEVEL 4 NO IGNITION IN EITHER 3 OR 12 SECOND EXPOSURE PERIODS
ARC TEST – ASTM F2675
An arc flash is a sudden electric arc generating a heat flux of greater than 2 cal/cm2. OSHA mandates that workers with exposure to electrical hazards must have arc rated PPE available to them.
This is the standard test method for determining the arc rating for gloves and sleeves. The test determines the heat transfer response through gloves and sleeves when exposed to the thermal energy of an electric arc.
During testing the incident energy passing through the glove or sleeve is measured and compared to the stoll curve to determine a level of survivable burn. If the stoll criteria has not yet been met and the fabric begins to crack or exhibits holes of a specified size, this point becomes the arc rating.
The ATPV (arc thermal performance value) or EBT (energy breakopen threshold) are functional equivalents. The lowest of these two points is designated as the “arc Rating” of the glove.
NFPA 70E HAZARD RISK CATEGORIES
- LEVEL 1 Hazard Risk Category 4 cal/cm²
- LEVEL 2 Hazard Risk Category 8 cal/cm²
- LEVEL 3 Hazard Risk Category 25 cal/cm²
- LEVEL 4 Hazard Risk Category 40 cal/cm²
WARNING: Arc testing is not an indication of protecting against shock or voltage.
When it comes to choosing the best style of heat-resistant gloves for the job, factors are important. For example, the temperature of the object will determine what type of fiber is required. And, if having a full range of movement in your hands is crucial for getting the job done, you won’t want to be wearing a glove that provides excellent heat protection but is extremely bulky and hard to maneuver. For this reason, it’s crucial that when choosing your next pair of heat-resistant gloves, you keep your work conditions and job requirements top of mind.
We've explained the differences among the many heat-resistant gloves in detail. Now all you need to do is shop and find yours! Browse MDS for heat-resistant safety gloves that are measured to North American Standard ASTM F1060-08 and provide consumers with a vast line of ANSI / ISEA 105-2024 heat rated industrial work gloves, mitts, sleeves and pads. Now all you need to do ia tap the link and ….
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