European Standard · Hand Protection
EN 407 – Gloves Protecting Against Thermal Risks
EN 407 is the European standard specifying requirements and test methods for gloves protecting the hands against heat and/or fire, covering flammability, contact heat, convective heat, radiant heat, small splashes of molten metal, and large quantities of molten metal.
1. Scope
EN 407 applies to gloves used in environments involving heat or flame hazards such as welding, foundry work, glass manufacturing, and firefighting support roles. It does not cover cold protection, which falls under EN 511.
2. Exclusions & Related Standards
- Often combined with mechanical protection under EN 388 for gloves facing both heat and cut/abrasion hazards.
- Complements heat and flame protective clothing under EN ISO 11612.
- Distinct from cold protection gloves – see EN 511.
3. Key Requirements & Marking
Gloves display a shield pictogram with six performance levels covering: burning behaviour, contact heat resistance, convective heat resistance, radiant heat resistance, small splash molten metal resistance, and large quantity molten metal resistance, each rated from 0 (not tested/lowest) upward.
4. Testing Overview
Testing includes timed flame contact for burning behaviour, contact heat plate testing at specified temperatures, convective and radiant heat transfer measurement, and molten metal splash and pour resistance tests using controlled quantities of molten material.
5. Selection Guide
Match glove performance levels to the specific heat hazards of the task: welders need strong contact and radiant heat resistance, foundry workers need molten metal splash protection, and general hot-surface handling requires adequate contact heat ratings above all else.
6. Inspection, Care and Maintenance
- Inspect for charring, thinning or hardened areas that indicate reduced thermal protection
- Replace gloves immediately after significant heat or flame exposure even without visible damage
- Keep gloves dry and free from oil or flammable contamination that could ignite
- Follow manufacturer washing instructions since thermal-resistant treatments can be degraded by improper cleaning
7. Frequently Asked Questions
What do the six numbers on EN 407 gloves mean?
They represent performance levels for burning behaviour, contact heat, convective heat, radiant heat, small splash molten metal, and large quantity molten metal resistance, each rated on its own scale.
Are EN 407 gloves the same as welding gloves?
Many welding gloves are certified to EN 407, but always check the specific performance levels match the welding process and heat exposure involved.
Do EN 407 gloves protect against cuts as well as heat?
Only if they are also separately rated under EN 388 for mechanical risks; EN 407 alone addresses heat and flame protection only.
What is the highest level of heat protection under EN 407?
Level 4 is the maximum rating achievable in each of the six test categories, indicating the highest tested performance for that specific hazard.
Can EN 407 gloves be used in a foundry?
Yes, provided they have adequate molten metal splash or pour resistance ratings matching the specific foundry hazards involved.