You probably think of a few basic pieces of equipment when you think of firefighters: helmets, protective coats, boots, and the like. What you probably don’t think of is gloves. Gloves do a lot to protect and serve firefighters during a blaze. But not every firefighting job is the same; nor are the types of gloves firefighters of all stripes wear. Here’s a brief guide to the different types of firefighter gloves in use.
Structural Firefighting Gloves
Structural firefighters are probably the first responders people think of when they think of firefighting. These crewmembers work in towns and cities fighting fires in homes and other buildings. Structural firefighters require gloves that provide dexterity and grip without sacrificing protection. They’re lightweight and snug and usually made of heat-resistant Kevlar or Nomex to protect against scratches, cuts, and abrasions. Extra string stitching also helps them hold up under heavy use.
Extrication Gloves
Firefighters aren’t always called on to fight fires. Sometimes help after accidents like collapsed buildings and vehicle wrecks. Extrication gloves aren’t usually fire-resistant, though they can be. Often made from materials like Kevlar and possessing padding to protect the knuckles and palms, extrication gloves shield firefighters from harm since they’re not easily torn by sharp glass, metal, and other detritus. Naturally, they fit snugly and allow firefighters the freedom to operate tools and remove debris.
Hazmat Gloves
Fire resistance may not be necessary when firefighters are dealing with a chemical spill or something similar. Hazmat gloves are made of synthetic rubbers like Neoprene. Neoprene offers incredible resistance to acids, oils, solvents, and caustic substances. It’s difficult to tear and puncture a hazmat glove, further preventing damage to the firefighter’s hands by hazardous materials. Firefighter hazmat gloves have long cuffs, offering even more protection up both arms. Hazmat gloves are thick and don’t offer much dexterity, but that’s usually a secondary concern during a spill.
Wildfire Fighting Gloves
A good pair of NFPA wildland gloves must offer protection against embers, debris, and more. They often consist of toughened leather, are lightweight, and are both flame- and water-resistant—two things the wildland firefighter frequently encounters. The leather also safeguards firefighters’ hands from flames and heat and every sharp thing nature can throw at them—branches, thorns, burs, and so forth.
That’s a brief guide to the different types of firefighter gloves. Contact us for your glove and other wildland firefighting equipment needs!