Why All Welders Need To Wear Gloves on the Job

Impact-resistant welding gloves are an essential part of any welder’s personal protective equipment for multiple reasons, the most obvious of which being that their hands are always closest to the actual act of welding. To get a more thorough understanding of the kinds of gloves welders need to accomplish their jobs safely, let’s talk about why all welders need to wear gloves on the job.

Heat Resistance

Welders are known to work with intensive heat that’s capable of melting metals, so imagine the kind of burns and injuries that could occur if that flame of a welder came into contact with skin. This is the most basic function of a welder’s gloves, as their hands are always the closest body part to the flames and heat. However, the heat necessary for different materials can vary, and thus the material of your gloves will need to change.

• If welding with over 90 amps, the gloves should have a Kevlar thread.
• If over 125 amps, gloves should have cotton insulation.
• If over 250 amps, gloves should have cotton and foam insulation
• If over 500 amps, gloves should have a black hand pad or a reflective material on the back of the glove.

Physical Protection

Another reason why all welders need to wear gloves on the job is that welders will be using and working around a lot of intense and heavy machinery. Cuts, abrasions, blunt force, and more are common in such industrial settings, so even while they’re not welding, a welder’s gloves protect their hands from physical damage. Another factor to consider is the weather and how it plays a role in a welder’s conditions. In the winter or when it’s particularly humid outside, the insulation within gloves will shield a welder’s hands from the cold or keep them dry from the blistering humidity.

Comfortable Fit

While you would think comfort should be sacrificed if it’s in favor of more protective measures, comfort is incredibly important. Welding is a grueling job, and the gloves need to not only protect the user from the welding process but from the lifestyle of the work environment itself. Because the job is particularly hard on one’s hands, welding gloves that are properly fitted will absorb sweat to prevent steam burns and reduce the stress, wear, and tear on your hands as you handle gear, material, and products. With a good pair of gloves, you shouldn’t have to end the day with hands that have gone raw and ragged from hard work.