Leading the Way in Welding Glove Certification Since 2011
Leading the Way in Welding Glove Certification Since 2011
In January 2011, Elliotts became the first company to have welding gloves certified to Australian standards. It was a decision we made because we believed welders deserved to know that the heat rating on their gloves had been checked by an independent body, not just the company selling them.
That belief hasn't changed. This year, we've taken the next step and moved the heat and flame certification of our welding gloves to EN 407:2020, the current edition of the standard.
Why we first chose certification
Fifteen years ago, it was common for welding gloves to be chosen on feel and familiarity. That made sense to a point, but it meant buyers were often relying on the supplier's word for how a glove would perform against heat and molten metal. Independent certification gave our customers that confidence, and we've maintained it across our welding range ever since.
Why we moved to EN 407:2020
The Australian standard for heat and flame protection in gloves, AS/NZS 2161.4:1999, is based on EN 407:1994, a version of the European standard that is now more than 30 years old. It hasn't been revised since 1999.
In the years since, EN 407 has been revised. The 2020 edition introduced updated test methods, a more rigorous approach to how each rating is set, and clearer markings on the glove itself. As the Australian standard hadn't been revised to reflect these changes, we decided the right thing to do was to certify our gloves to the current edition.
When we moved our certification to Intertek SAI Global, we made that change across our welding range. Elliotts was the first company certified by SAI Global to EN 407:2020.
What our welding gloves are certified to
Our welding gloves are independently certified by Intertek SAI Global to:
EN 407:2020 for protection against heat and flame
EN 12477:2001+A1:2005, the standard for welders' gloves (Type A, Type B or Type A+B, depending on the glove)
EN 388:2016 for protection against abrasion, cut, tear and puncture
AS/NZS 2161.2:2020 for general requirements, including sizing and dexterity
AS/NZS 2161.3:2020 for protection against mechanical risks
We've also tested every welding glove in our range to EN 1149-2 for electrostatic properties. This is particularly relevant for anyone welding near fuels, gases or combustible dust, where a static discharge could become an ignition source.
What certification means in practice
Certification goes further than testing a sample. Intertek SAI Global certifies each glove, audits our manufacturing, reviews the test reports and labelling, and continues to check over time. The Certified Product mark on an Elliotts cuff is a sign of that ongoing oversight.
What you'll see on the glove
The updated markings are rolling out across our welding range over the coming months, and every new glove we launch will carry them, starting with Big Red CRX Impact next week. On the cuff you'll find the standard and edition year above each pictogram, the performance ratings underneath, and the Certified Product mark with a licence number you can look up.
For a while you may see both the previous and updated markings on the shelf. Gloves made before the change carry the earlier certification, which was valid at the time they were made.
Why it matters
For safety managers, a current, independently certified rating gives you a clear and defensible basis for your risk assessments and PPE specifications. For welders, it means the glove you're wearing has been tested in line with how heat and flame hazards are assessed today.
Over the coming months, we'll be sharing more about what each of these standards means, how to read the markings on any welding glove, and what to look for when choosing one.
To find out more, talk to your Elliotts representative or visit www.elliotts.net
CONTACT US
If you'd like to learn about our safety products or need some expert advice on which safety gear to get for your needs, feel free to contact us at Elliotts Australia. We would love to assist you! Call us on 07 3265 2944 or send us a message.
