Welding gloves protect hands during welding operations by limiting exposure to contact heat, flames, splashes and mechanical stress. They are aimed at welders working in workshops and on site, as well as maintenance teams in metalworking, construction, energy and shipbuilding. Groupe RG supports the choice of models suited to TIG, MIG/MAG and MMA processes, based on a rigorous reading of markings, traceability and standardisation needs.
Choosing a welding glove: uses, processes and hazards covered
The glove intended for welding protects during tacking, welding and finishing of parts, as well as during surrounding phases such as positioning, clamping and handling of still-hot elements. TIG welding requires high tactile sensitivity and great precision, which points towards a thinner, more flexible glove. MIG/MAG requires a trade-off between splash protection and manoeuvrability, while MMA requires greater thickness and a more covering cuff. To compare the options available for your trades and constraints, see all our work gloves.
The long cuff protects the wrist and forearm when the welding position brings the heat source closer to the arm or when splashes are frequent. It must remain compatible with the sleeve of a flame-resistant jacket to avoid exposed areas during movement. In addition, protective sleeves can reinforce coverage when the workstation combines welding and handling of abrasive parts.
To limit selection mistakes, link each workstation to a usage profile that combines process, working position and level of splashing. This approach makes the choice easier when teams alternate between workshop and site or when an SME needs to equip several trades.
- Define a precision TIG profile for fine movements and a low level of splashing.
- Define a MIG/MAG workshop profile for more frequent splashing and a trade-off in manoeuvrability.
- Define an MMA site profile for significant thermal constraints and actions close to the hot zone.
- Cover peripheral phases such as clamping and handling with suitable mechanical requirements.
Standards, certifications and markings to check on welding gloves
Protective gloves fall under Regulation (EU) 2016/425. EN 12477 is the reference standard for welding and distinguishes type A, focused on thermal protection and splashes, from type B, focused on dexterity and TIG. EN 407 and EN 388 markings complete the assessment by providing levels of resistance to thermal and mechanical hazards.
Traceability relies on the EU declaration of conformity, the instruction leaflet and legible markings on the glove or its packaging. Keep references, sizes, batch numbers and receipt dates to make investigation easier after an incident and to document a choice during an HSE audit.
For an unambiguous purchase, compare the levels indicated on the technical data sheet with the workstation's main hazard and confirm with a field trial rather than relying solely on leather thickness.
| Reference | What the standard helps check | When it is particularly useful |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation (EU) 2016/425 | CE marking, documentation and PPE obligations | Purchasing, audits and multi-site compliance |
| EN 12477 | Specific welding requirements and type A / type B distinction | Choice according to TIG, MIG/MAG and MMA |
| EN 407 | Levels linked to thermal hazards and splashes | Workstations with contact heat, convection and molten metal |
| EN 388 | Levels linked to mechanical hazards during part preparation | Deburring, edge handling, associated grinding phases |
Selection criteria for a professional welder: materials, dexterity and durability
Split leather offers good resistance to heat and abrasion and often suits MIG/MAG and MMA workstations. Full-grain leather is more flexible and makes precision easier, making it suited to TIG. Linings improve thermal comfort but sometimes reduce tactile sensitivity.
Critical areas, such as the palm, thumb base and between the fingers, should have reinforced seams and aramid thread to limit wear and tearing. Size should be confirmed on representative movements, as a poorly fitted glove impairs control and increases fatigue. Finally, check compatibility with the sleeve of the flame-resistant jacket to avoid exposed areas at the wrist.
To refine your choice, compare the materials and design of the glove with the actual conditions of use, then confirm the reference directly at the workstation. The pointers below help find a consistent trade-off without confusing comfort when worn with the level of protection:
- Choose split leather for abrasion and splashes, prioritising heat resistance.
- Choose full-grain leather for flexibility and precision, particularly for TIG.
- Check for reinforced seams and the presence of aramid thread on stress areas.
- Confirm size and cut on representative movements to limit fatigue and loss of control.
Groupe RG support for securing your choices and supply
Groupe RG formalises the approach around workstation hazards, expected standards and logistics constraints. A field trial validates dexterity, thermal resistance and PPE compatibility, making it easier for on-site prescribers to buy in. Multi-site standardisation is built by defining a few standard profiles and linking each profile to a reference, a size chart and validated equivalents.
Monitoring consumption by workshop or site, with order thresholds and size rotation, improves availability and simplifies restocking. For large accounts, this makes documentation easier during audits and ensures consistency between sites. For an SME, this approach reduces protection gaps between teams and simplifies stock management.
The welding workstation must also incorporate consistent protection for the face, eyes and feet, alongside gloves. Select our welding hoods and masks, welding goggles and heat-resistant shoes consistent with the process, working position and levels of splashing.
FAQ: frequently asked questions about welding gloves
How do I choose a welding glove suited to my welding process?
Match the welding process and working posture to the type defined by the EN 12477 standard, then compare the performance indicated on the technical data sheet with the workstation's actual requirements. Then confirm manoeuvrability by means of a real-condition test, to reduce the risk of a poor choice and to decide between a model favouring precise movements and a reference more focused on protection.
What standards and markings must welding gloves comply with in France?
Check the CE marking under Regulation (EU) 2016/425 and compliance with the EN 12477 standard. Then check the EN 407 and EN 388 levels on the technical data sheet and keep the EU declaration of conformity and the instruction leaflet.
Which welding glove materials offer the best trade-off between protection and dexterity?
Split leather favours heat and abrasion resistance, while full-grain leather favours flexibility and precision. Take linings and seams into account, as they influence comfort, dexterity and longevity alike.
How do I buy welding gloves without getting compliance and the level of protection wrong?
Request the full documentation: EU declaration, instruction leaflet and technical data sheet detailing the EN 12477, EN 407 and EN 388 levels. Link these levels to the workstation's dominant hazard and confirm with a field trial.