Heat Resistant Sleeves

Materials and EN407 Certification

Kevlar (para-aramid) sleeves maintain structural integrity up to 427°C before degradation begins. The fibres won't ignite, melt, drip, or support combustion—they self-extinguish when flame source is removed. That inherent flame resistance makes Kevlar heat resistant arm sleeves ideal for welding adjacent work, hot metal handling, and environments combining thermal hazards with mechanical risks.

Aluminised fabrics use metallic aluminium coating on aramid or cotton base materials. The reflective surface bounces 95-97% of radiant heat back toward the source, preventing heat penetration to skin. Aluminised sleeves handle radiant heat up to 1,000°C+ near furnaces, ovens, and molten metal pours, though they offer less flexibility than plain Kevlar.

EN407:2020 tests sleeves across six thermal hazard categories, each rated 0-4. Contact Heat Performance (Level 1-4) measures temperature threshold causing second-degree burn through 15 seconds of contact: Level 1 protects to 100°C, Level 2 to 250°C, Level 3 to 350°C, Level 4 to 500°C. Most Kevlar heat resistant sleeve options achieve Level 1-2; double-ply or aluminised models reach Level 3-4. Products in this collection include EN407-compliant options; verify exact performance levels on each product page.

Key Selection Criteria

Length determines coverage. 14-inch sleeves protect wrist to below elbow (standard for most applications). 18-inch sleeves extend wrist to mid-bicep (welding, foundry work). 22-inch sleeves provide wrist to shoulder coverage for glass handling and extreme radiant heat exposure.

Double-ply construction layers two heat-resistant fabrics—typically Kevlar outer with cotton inner—creating enhanced thermal insulation at high-risk contact points. The cotton inner wicks perspiration, maintaining comfort during extended wear. Single-ply construction provides lighter weight and better breathability for lower-temperature environments (100-200°C contact hazards).

Thumbholes at wrist keep sleeves from riding up during overhead work or when reaching into ovens. Without thumbholes, dangerous gaps can expose skin between sleeve and glove. Elastic bands at wrist and bicep maintain positioning without heat-trapping constriction.

Care and Replacement

Machine wash heat resistant sleeves for arms at 40°C maximum using mild detergent. Avoid bleach or fabric softener—chemicals compromise thermal protection. Air dry only; never tumble dry as heat damages protective treatments. Many Kevlar heat resistant sleeves retain heat resistance through 50+ launderings.

Replace sleeves when: • Kevlar shows charring or embrittlement from heat exposure • Aluminised coating flakes or separates from base fabric • Leather develops cracks or becomes stiff • Elastic loses tension allowing dangerous gaps

Common Specification Mistakes

The most common mistake: relying on sleeves alone without proper hand protection. Heat resistant sleeves work alongside heat resistant gloves—sleeves protect forearms whilst gloves protect hands and fingers. The sleeve should overlap glove cuff by 2-5cm, preventing gaps that expose skin to heat. Never use sleeves as standalone protection in high-temperature environments.