Last Updated on July 27, 2021 by Emma W. Thomas
Kevlar gloves are a kind of PPE (personal protective equipment) made of a robust synthetic material known as Kevlar. They are used to protect workers from cuts, heat, and abrasion. These safety gloves are comfortable, flexible, and lightweight and are also used in various industries instead of nylon, polyester, or poly-ethylene gloves.
People who work in the steel, metal, glass, and automotive industries wear Kevlar gloves to protect their hands against heat and cuts. These protective tools provide safe grip, puncture and cut resistance, and they are also impressive heat resistors.
Can Kevlar Gloves Stop A Bullet?
Kevlar is known for its antiballistic properties. It is a synthetic fiber constructed from chained-together molecules similar to those found in reinforced concrete. This material is commonly used to make knife-proof body armor and bulletproof vests. A lot of energy is used to break through the fiber with knives and bullets.
Kevlar is tightly woven, and it dissipates and soaks up energy, so even if the fibers are forced apart, the force slows down, leading to less damage. Kevlar is ideal for safety gloves used where cut, and puncture resistance is needed such as metal-assembly and engineering works. A perfect example is Polyco Reflex KN plus gloves with a high EN 388 European Standard testing score for mechanical hazards. This glove also provides the user with great flexibility, and it is sensitive to the touch.
Qualities Of Kevlar Gloves
Besides being antiballistic, Kevlar gloves have other attributes that make them perfect as protective gear. These include;
1. Heat Resistance
When working in hot environments such as glass and metal forming, you require heat-resistant gloves to remain safe and productive. Kevlar gloves offer excellent performance necessary for workers who are exposed to hot surfaces and objects. Unlike most plastic, this fabric does not support combustion, burn, or melt.
Kevlar fiber is inherently flame-resistant and does not decompose at temperatures below 450oC, higher than in most working environments. Gloves such as Polyco Ingot Heat-beater can withstand temperatures of up to 500oC for 62-seconds and are thus suitable for use in glass manufacturing and foundry work.
2. Lightweight
Kevlar is thinner and lighter than most traditional equivalents making its gloves perfect for heavy-duty applications such as welding. It is also beneficial for application in areas such as food preparation and gardening. These gloves are lightweight and form-fitting, and therefore, give the use of the utmost skill that is vital in tasks like cutting vegetables on a mandolin.
Looking for a good quality Kevlar glove? Here is one that we recommend:
Are Kevlar gloves Cut Resistant?
Kevlar fiber, used in Kevlar gloves’ construction, is an incredibly dynamic, lightweight, and rugged material. The material resists heat, flame, and cut. Kevlar gloves are ideal for a variety of high-performance and demanding professional activities. They can be used for tactical & police works, recreational activities such as bike riding, or oyster shucking.
The cut-resistant gloves protect the user against hand and finger injuries while on the job.
What Is The Use Of Cut-Resistant Gloves?
Cut-resistant gloves protect the user against sharp objects such as knives, but they provide little protection from puncture injuries. Although there may be a loss of skill when using the gloves, the user is safe from the cut by sharp objects.
These gloves are suitable when handling ceramic, metal sheets, tubing, or glass sheet with sharp edges, or machined parts with sharp edges. You can also use these cut-resistant gloves when using razor blades, hand saws, knives, etc. However, it is necessary to note that cut-resistant gloves cannot be used as protection against powered blades such as drills, mills, or saws.
Using this gear close to powered equipment can lead to severe injuries if caught in moving the required protection level. You may not get the necessary protection while using the gloves since they are rated for little puncture protection.
Safety Precautions When Using Kevlar Gloves
Ensure that you inspect your gloves before using for possible tears, weak areas, or holes. If necessary, clean these tools every time after use and store them so that they will dry inside and outside. You can wash these items with water and soap but ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
The durability of Kevlar glove depends on how frequently you use them, conditions of cleaning and storage, as well as the kind of use. Ensure that you dispose of the used gloves as ordinary trash unless contaminated with the hazardous material.
What Is Level 5 Cut-Resistant Gloves?
A level 5 cut resistant glove is one that can endure at least7.7 pounds or 3,500 grams on the blade without the material getting cut through. EN 388 is also another standard glove that uses a rotating circulating blade instead of a straight razor.
What Is A Cut Level?
Different standards are applied in determining the hardness of glove material to cut through or its resistance to cutting. These standards use a five-level scale to rate cut-resistance, but they end up with the same results.
How To Choose The Right Cut-Level A Task
Some jobs may have specific cut-level requirements stated, but it is essential to know the protection offered by different gloves. The following information is worth looking at;
1. Cut Level 1
Cut level 1 gloves are used on shallow cut hazard areas, and they protect your hands from light scratches and paper cuts but not against real blades. The items are ideal for jobs that do not involve sharp objects like landscaping or car maintenance work.
2. Cut Level 2
These types of gloves are used in low cut hazard jobs. This level of protection is suitable for automotive assembly, construction work, or packaging projects.
3. Cut Level 3
Ideal for moderate hazard jobs, this level of gloves protects metal stamping and glass handling jobs.
4. Cut Level 4
These gloves are suitable for high cut hazards such as most metal stamping and glass handling jobs and food service.
5. Cut Level 5
Cut level 5 gloves are perfect for use in extreme cut hazard jobs that involve exceptionally sharp blades. They are suitable for use in meat butchery, plate glass, or heavy metal stamping work.
Final Word
Kevlar gloves are protective gear used to protect workers from cut, abrasion, or burns. Ensure that you choose the right tools for your job and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to use, clean, and maintain.
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
