Are Asbestos Gloves Safe for Welding? Seeking Urgent Advice on Alternatives and Safety

Inquiry About Asbestos Gloves in Welding Operations

We use asbestos gloves in butt welding operations. Are asbestos gloves banned? I am aware that asbestos is banned in construction, but what about gloves? If so, what is the alternative? Urgent. Please reply.

Regards,
SSM

Any item made of asbestos is banned. You can opt for Kevlar clothing as a substitute for this. It's costly but very effective. A pair of Kevlar hand gloves, 10 inches in size, costs around 600 INR. We are using the same in our plant.

As Dipil said, asbestos is banned. Instead of Kevlar gloves, I can suggest leather gloves for welding operations.

Kevlar for Handling Hot Materials

Dipil, Kevlar can be suggested for handling hot materials. What do you feel about this?

As per my knowledge, asbestos is used where high heat resistance is required. Normally, asbestos hand gloves are not used for welding operations. Since Kevlar is also heat-resistant clothing, we recommend using it as a replacement in situations where exposure to high temperatures is necessary.

For welding, I agree that leather hand gloves are acceptable.

Thank you.

Regards,

Dear Mr. KVS & Mr. Dipil, Thank you both for your input. The welding I mentioned here is butt welding, where the process itself is different. In this process, the two ends of a steel job are melted at a high temperature (nearly 800°C approximately) and fused together at high pressure. Would leather gloves be suitable in this temperature range, or should I consider Kevlar gloves? Please advise.

Regards,
SSM

I suggest that you go ahead with Kevlar. Leather is not a substitute for asbestos. I request seniors to provide your comments if I have suggested anything wrong.

Details About Kevlar® Gloves

Kevlar® para-aramid-based fabric is a remarkable fiber that provides strength to protect under extreme conditions. These Kevlar® gloves are a substitute for asbestos gloves and are most suitable for handling high-temperature items. Kevlar® gloves provide excellent hand protection without sacrificing manual dexterity or comfort and offer exceptional resistance to cuts, slashes, and heat. Gloves made of Kevlar® fabric do not burn and will not melt, making them the most suitable substitute for asbestos gloves. Kevlar® gloves are most suitable against open flames and hot metal splashes and can withstand temperatures up to 350°C and, with heavy woolen insulation, up to 550°C.

Hope it may be helpful to all...