Weld and Safety_ How to Select and Maintain Gloves That Protect You Best

1. Weld and Safety: How to Select & Maintain Gloves That Protect You Why wait for a blister, burn, or chemical splash to remind you your gloves are overdue for an upgrade? Here's what I've learned after three decades inspecting Australian workshops: weld and safety isn't just about helmets and fume extractors — it's also about the gear you wear on your hands. Just last month, I witnessed a welder suffer second-degree burns because his 18-month-old leather gloves had lost their heat resistance. This guide answers the questions I’m most frequently asked by Aussie welders, supervisors, and workshop managers. Do welding gloves expire? Which gloves are best suited for specific applications? And how can you tell when it’s time to replace them? Let’s dive in and explore the answers.

2. Do Welding Gloves Actually Expire? The Short Answer: Yes, All Gloves Degrade Over Time As welders often ask me, "Do my gloves have an expiry date?" While they don't come with use-by dates like milk, welding gloves absolutely lose their protective properties over time. I've tested gloves that looked fine but had lost 40% of their heat resistance after just 6 months of regular use. Why Gloves Wear Down Before You Notice Heat exposure breaks down leather fibres at the molecular level. Even if your gloves look intact, they're losing protection with every welding session. Chemical contamination weakens synthetic materials gradually - often invisibly until catastrophic failure occurs. Signs of Degradation by Material Type Leather Gloves - The Tell-Tale Signs: ● Stiffening and cracking around stress points (usually appears first at thumb joints) ● Loss of natural flexibility when you flex your fingers ● Visible thinning in palm areas - hold them up to light

3. ● Discolouration from heat exposure turning leather grey or brown Synthetic Gloves - Red Flags: ● Brittleness when flexed (they should bend, not crack) ● Surface tackiness or stickiness that doesn't wash off ● Chemical odours that persist after cleaning ● Visible swelling or distortion of original shape Compliance Risk: PPE Expiration and WHS Audit Failures During my WHS audits, I've seen companies fined thousands for using degraded PPE. Under Australian WHS regulations, employers must ensure PPE remains effective throughout its service life. Real Example: A Perth workshop I audited received a $15,000 fine because three welders were using gloves that had clearly exceeded their safe service life, despite looking "okay" to management. What Australian Standards Actually Say About Your Gloves

4. AS/NZS 2161: Your Legal Protection Framework AS/NZS 2161 isn't just paperwork - it's your legal shield. When I testify in workplace injury cases, proper standards compliance often determines liability outcomes. Decoding Glove Markings: EN388 and EN407 Made Simple EN388 (Mechanical Risks) - What the Numbers Mean: ● First digit (1-4): Abrasion resistance - higher is better for rough materials ● Second digit (1-5): Cut resistance - essential for grinding operations ● Third digit (1-4): Tear resistance - crucial for heavy-duty work ● Fourth digit (1-4): Puncture resistance - vital for sharp object handling EN407 (Thermal Risks) - Heat Protection Levels: Six performance levels covering heat, flame, and molten metal resistance. For welding, you want level 3 or higher in relevant categories. Quick Decision Tool: If you're unsure which rating you need, ask yourself: "What's the worst-case scenario for my hands in this job?" Then select gloves rated above that threshold.

5. The Complete Glove Selection Guide The Complete Glove Selection Matrix Glove Type Best For Primary Risk Replacement Frequency Welding Gloves MIG, TIG, Stick Burns, heat, sparks 3-6 months heavy welding use Cut 5 & Heat Grinding, sharp Cuts, hot metal contact 2-4 months heavy Resistant Gloves metal use Electrical Insulating Electrical repair, Electrocution Annual testing Gloves testing required

6. Chemical Gloves Cleaning, surface Chemical burns Replace after prep contamination Mechanical Gloves Tool handling, Impact, vibration 1-3 months assembly regular use Process-Specific Requirements: What Really Works MIG Welding Requirements: ● Medium-weight leather for extended comfort ● Heat resistance rating: minimum 250°C ● Flexible enough for wire feeding operations TIG Welding Specifications: ● Thin, flexible construction for precision control ● Excellent dexterity for filler rod manipulation ● Heat protection without bulk Stick Welding Demands: ● Heavy-duty protection for high-amperage work ● Extended cuff coverage (minimum 15cm) ● Maximum heat resistance available Critical Warning: Wrong Glove = Voided Protection Using inappropriate gloves doesn't just reduce protection - it can void your insurance coverage entirely. I've seen insurance claims denied because workers used general-purpose gloves for specialised welding tasks.

7. Matching Gloves to Arc Welding and Safety Supplies The Fit Factor: Why Size Matters More Than You Think Poor-fitting gloves cause more preventable accidents than any other PPE issue I investigate. Proper Fit Checklist: ● Snug wrist closure without restriction ● Full finger coverage with minimal excess material ● Comfortable grip strength for 2+ hours ● Easy emergency removal (practice this!) Fit Test: Can you pick up a 5mm welding rod while wearing them? If not, they're either too big or wrong for the job. Integration with Complete Safety Systems Your gloves must work seamlessly with welding jackets, face shields, respiratory protection, and other safety supplies in your workshop arsenal.

8. When to Replace Your Gloves The Weekly Inspection Protocol Visual Inspection Points: 1. Surface Integrity: Any cuts, punctures, or thin spots? 2. Stitching Condition: Loose threads or failed seams? 3. Material Flexibility: Still bend naturally or getting stiff? 4. Chemical Contamination: Persistent odours or staining? The Smell Test: Chemical Warning Signs If your gloves smell like: ● Solvents or cleaning chemicals - Replace immediately ● Burnt rubber or plastic - Heat damage, replace now ● Any persistent chemical odour - Material compromise likely Replacement Decision Matrix

9. Condition Action Urgency Minor scuffing, good flexibility Continue use, monitor closely Low Visible thinning in wear areas Plan replacement within 2 weeks Medium Any hole, tear, or stiffening Replace immediately High Chemical contamination Replace before next use Critical Sourcing Quality Welding and Safety Equipment What Quality Australian Suppliers Should Offer

10. When evaluating potential suppliers, look for those who demonstrate genuine industry expertise rather than just product availability. Green Flags - Reliable Suppliers: ● Provide detailed certification documentation upfront ● Ask specific questions about your applications ● Offer technical support for product selection ● Understand Australian WHS requirements Red Flags - Avoid These Suppliers: ● Can't provide standards compliance documentation ● Recommend "universal" solutions for everything ● Limited technical knowledge or support Building Relationships with Industry Specialists The most successful workshops develop ongoing relationships with suppliers who understand their specific challenges and growth plans. What This Looks Like in Practice: ● Regular safety consultations beyond product sales ● Proactive updates on new standards or regulations ● Quick response to urgent replacement needs ● Industry insights that help improve your operations FAQs 1. How long do welding gloves typically last? It depends on usage intensity. Heavy daily welding: 3-6 months. Occasional use: 12-18 months. However, I always recommend inspection-based replacement over time-based schedules. 2. Can I wash my welding gloves?

11. Leather gloves can be lightly cleaned with mild soap and water, but avoid soaking. Chemical-resistant gloves often require specific cleaning procedures - check manufacturer instructions. 3. What's the difference between welding gloves and heat-resistant gloves? Welding gloves are specifically designed for welding hazards (sparks, spatter, UV). Heat-resistant gloves provide thermal protection but may lack other welding-specific features. 4. Are expensive gloves worth it? Quality gloves cost more upfront but typically last longer, provide better protection, and reduce injury risk. Calculate total cost of ownership, not just purchase price. Implementation Guide: Weld and Safety Supplies Programme Step-by-Step Implementation Week 1: Assessment ● Audit current glove inventory ● Identify all workplace hazards ● Document current replacement practices Week 2: Selection and Procurement ● Match glove types to identified hazards ● Source from qualified suppliers ● Establish replacement schedules Week 3: Training and Rollout ● Train supervisors on new protocols

12. ● Educate workers on proper selection and use ● Implement inspection procedures Week 4: Monitoring and Adjustment ● Assess initial compliance and feedback ● Adjust procedures based on real-world use ● Establish ongoing review cycles Action Steps: What to Do Right Now Immediate Actions (This Week): ● Inspect all current gloves using the checklist above ● Identify and replace any obviously degraded gloves ● Document your current glove inventory and usage Short-term Actions (Next Month): ● Implement weekly inspection protocols ● Train key personnel on proper selection criteria ● Establish relationships with reliable suppliers

13. Your Safety Investment Starts Here After three decades in Australian workshops, I've seen the devastating consequences of inadequate hand protection and the remarkable safety improvements that come with proper glove selection and maintenance. The cost of proper glove selection and maintenance is minimal compared to a single preventable injury. I've seen $50 gloves prevent $50,000 injury claims. Ready to Upgrade Your Workshop's Hand Protection? Take the first step by conducting a proper glove assessment using the guidelines above. Your workshop's specific needs deserve a systematic approach to safety - not guesswork. If you need expert guidance selecting the right gloves for your specific applications, or want to discuss developing a comprehensive hand protection program for your team, professional support is available to help you make the right choices. Your hands are irreplaceable. Protect them with the same precision you bring to your welding.