Standards and labels

• EN 407:2020

  EN 407:2020 is a European standard that specifies the safety requirements for protective gloves for thermal risks. It sets rules for the design, construction, and testing of gloves that protect users from heat and fire. Testing includes measurements of contact heat, convective heat, radiant heat, small splashes of molten metal, and flame resistance. The standard also includes requirements for labeling and instructions for use. This standard is an updated version of EN 407:2004, it includes new requirements, testing methods and performance levels to ensure that the gloves provide better protection against thermal risks such as heat, fire and molten metal splash.

  Test results

  Molten Metal Resistance Level 0

  The standard EN 407:2020 categorizes Level 0 in Molten Metal Resistance as indicating no protection against molten metal splashes. This result means that materials or personal protective equipment (PPE) graded at Level 0 have not met the requirements for shielding against any molten metal splash during testing. The test method used involves subjecting the material or equipment to specific amounts of molten metal to see if it can resist penetration and protect the user. For materials or equipment graded as Level 0, practical implications include its unsuitability for use in environments where exposure to molten metal splashes is a risk. Users utilizing such materials or equipment in relevant hazardous environments could be at increased risk of injury from molten metal. This level of resistance or lack thereof is critical information for procurement and safety protocols in industries like metal casting or welding.

  Heat Contact Level 1

  EN 407:2020 sets the standard for evaluating the performance of protective gloves against thermal risks. A result of Level 1 for Heat Contact indicates minimal protection, where the glove material can delay the transfer of heat from a surface at 100°C for at least 15 seconds. This test result is established through method EN ISO 12127-1, where a glove sample is exposed to a hot surface at a specified temperature and the time is measured until the glove's interior temperature rises by a certain degree. For procurement professionals, a Level 1 rating suggests suitability for environments with low heat risks, providing brief contact protection that can be crucial for tasks involving occasional, quick contact with warm objects without continuous exposure to high heat.

  Burning Behaviour Level 0

  The EN 407:2020 standard specifies the requirements for protective gloves meant to guard against thermal risks like heat and/or fire. A Level 0 Burning Behaviour result signifies that the gloves did not meet the minimum requirements of the test for protection against burning behavior. This test assesses how materials used in protective gloves react when exposed to fire or intense heat. For a performance Level 0, the gloves likely either caught fire, continued to burn, or both after being exposed to a small flame. The test involves applying a defined flame for a certain period and observes whether the glove material ignites, and if so, how long it burns after the flame source is removed. The practical implication of a Level 0 score is significant, indicating that the gloves are not suitable for environments where there is any risk of coming into contact with open flames or high temperatures, as they provide no certified protection against these hazards.

  Heat Convection Level 0

  In the context of EN 407:2020, the Heat Convection result Level 0 indicates that the item tested did not meet the minimum requirements specified in the standard for protection against heat convection. This level of performance suggests that the product offers limited, if any, protection against the heat transferred through convection. The test method used involves exposing the material to a controlled source of heat that mimics the convection process, where heat transmission occurs through the movement of fluids or gases. Typically, during this test, a specified heat source is applied at a regulated temperature and flow condition, and the energy transfer through the material is measured over time. If a material is classified as Level 0, it indicates that the heat transfer rate through the material is sufficiently high, such that it fails to reduce or slow down the heat flow to a degree that meets the standard's minimal protective criterion. Understanding this performance level is crucial for professionals procuring products in environments where protection from convection heat is a primary concern, as it guides them to seek alternatives that offer higher levels of protection denoted by higher numerical levels within the same standard.

  Radiant Heat Level 0

  The EN 407:2020 standard specifies performance requirements for gloves protecting against thermal risks, where a Radiant Heat result of Level 0 implies the lowest or no resistance to radiant heat exposure. This result indicates that the gloves do not protect the wearer against this specific type of heat hazard, suitable for environments where radiant heat is not a concern. The test measures how well a glove can protect against heat radiating from a source, like an oven or furnace, where the radiant heat transfer is evaluated. During this test, the glove's material is exposed to a heat source at a specific distance, and the time it takes for the inside of the glove to reach a certain temperature increase is measured.

  Metal Splash Resistance Level 0

  The EN 407:2020 standard, particularly concerning Metal Splash Resistance Level 0, is designed to categorize the protective capabilities of gloves against molten metal splashes. A result of Level 0 signifies that the gloves have not met the minimum requirement to provide protection against molten metal splash, as per the specific tests outlined in this standard. The test method used involves exposing the glove material to molten metal splashes and assessing the degree of degradation or penetration to the glove. This involves the assessment process such as measuring the mass of molten metal required to cause pinholing or damage to the glove material. Practically speaking, a Level 0 result means that these gloves should not be used in environments where exposure to molten metal splashes is possible, as they do not offer the necessary protection. For environments involving such hazards, gloves with a higher performance level as specified by the same standard would be required to ensure the safety of the user.

• EN 420:2003+A1:2009

  EN 420:2003+A1:2009 is a European standard that sets out the general requirements for hand protection, including comfort, fit, and dexterity. Performance requirements include resistance to abrasion, cut, tear, puncture, and impact. Test results should show the gloves meet these requirements.

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• EN ISO 6330:2021

  EN ISO 6330:2021 is a standard that sets guidelines for testing the resistance of plastic materials to abrasion. It defines abrasion as the wear caused by rubbing or friction on the surface of the plastic. It also sets performance requirements for how much abrasion a plastic should be able to withstand before showing signs of damage. This particular version of the standard, 2021, may have updates in the test methods and/or performance requirements from the previous versions. The test results will include the level of abrasion on the plastic and whether it meets the performance requirements set by the standard, including any updates made in the 2021 version.

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• EN ISO 21420:2020

  Test results

  General Requirements Guide

  EN ISO 21420:2020 is a standard that outlines general requirements and guidelines for protective gloves, aiming to ensure their quality, performance, and suitability for various applications. When a product meets the requirements outlined in the General Requirements section of EN ISO 21420:2020, it signifies that the gloves comply with fundamental quality and performance criteria, including factors such as size, fit, ergonomics, and dexterity. The practical implications of this compliance are significant, as it assures users of the gloves' basic functionality and suitability for general hand protection purposes across a range of industries and applications. The test method involves evaluating various aspects of the gloves, including dimensions, construction, materials, and labeling, to ensure conformity with the specified requirements. Compliance with these general requirements enhances user confidence in the protective gloves' reliability and effectiveness, promoting workplace safety and facilitating compliance with regulatory standards.

• EN 388:2016

  EN 388:2016 is a European standard for measuring the performance of protective gloves against mechanical risks (abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture). The standard includes test methods and performance requirements for gloves to be considered compliant. Test results are reported using a series of four numbers, each representing the performance level achieved in one of the tests.

  Test results

  Abrasion Resistance Level 4

  EN 388:2016 uses a specific test method to measure abrasion resistance of safety gloves; the gloves’ material is subjected to sandpaper under pressure to observe the number of cycles needed to wear through the material. Level 4 in this standard indicates that the material withstood 8,000 cycles before a hole was made. Practically, this means that gloves rated at Level 4 for abrasion resistance offer very high resilience against wearing through, making them suitable for tasks involving significant contact with rough surfaces .

  Tear Resistance Level 2

  EN 388:2016 is a European standard that sets criteria for testing the mechanical risks for protective gloves, including abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture resistance. The Tear Resistance Level 2 designation indicates that the gloves have a moderate level of resistance to tearing. The test for tear resistance involves subjecting a sample of the glove material to a force until it tears, and the force required to initiate and propagate the tear is measured. Gloves that achieve Level 2 tear resistance can withstand between 25 to 50 Newtons of force. This level of tear resistance is suitable for tasks where gloves might face moderate stresses that could cause tearing, such as general handling and light industrial work where sharp or jagged materials are handled less frequently. These gloves provide reliable protection and durability in scenarios where some degree of mechanical risk is present but not excessively severe.

  Cut Resistance, Coup Test Level 1

  The EN 388:2016 standard is dedicated to gauging the mechanical risks for hand protection where a Cut Resistance, Coup Test Level 1 indicates minimal resistance to cutting because material achieved between 1.2 and 2.5 cycles before being cut through during the test. It means that the product tested at this level offers basic protection against shallow cuts, suitable for tasks with low risk of cut injuries. The test method used involves a rotating circular blade under a fixed force making contact with the fabric or material being tested. The blade moves back and forth across the material until a cut-through is achieved. The number of cycles required to cut through the sample at a consistent speed determines the cut resistance, with Level 1 being the second lowest rating after level 0. Products at this level are applicable in scenarios where there are minimal hazards from sharp objects, hence ideal for light duties where there is no significant risk of deep cuts.

  Cut Resistance, ISO 13997 Level X

  The standard EN 388:2016, specifically its segment referring to ISO 13997 test, is designed to assess the cut resistance of materials used in protective gloves. A result denoted as 'Level X' means that test is not performed and the cut resistance of the product cannot be guaranteed.

  Puncture Resistance Level 1

  The European standard EN 388:2016 addresses the puncture resistance of protective gloves, with puncture resistance classified from Levels 1 to 4. Specifically, a Level 1 result indicates minimal puncture resistance. This level of resistance is determined by a test involving a standardized stylus with a specified diameter and force. During the test, the stylus is pressed against the material with a force up to 20 Newtons to assess how well the glove can withstand penetration. A Level 1 rating signifies that the glove provides basic protection against small punctures or stabs, appropriate for areas with minimal risk. Practical implications for this test result suggest the gloves are suitable for light tasks where major risks of punctures are not anticipated, but are not adequate for handling sharp tools or heavy equipment where higher penetration resistance would be necessary.

• PPE Category 2

  PPE stands for "personal protective equipment." PPE Category 2 refers to equipment that is more complex, and has a higher level of risk. Examples of PPE Category 2 include safety helmets, ear protection, and fall arrest equipment. In Europe, PPE Category 2 must meet certain safety standards set by the European Union, which means that it must be designed and manufactured to protect the user without causing harm. Companies that make or sell PPE must prove that it meets these standards. They also must have a quality management system in place and have to be audited regularly by a notified body.

• CE Marking

  CE Marking is a label that shows a product meets certain safety and environmental standards set by the European Union. To get the CE Marking, a company must test and certify their product meets these standards. CE Marking is required for many products sold in the EU, including electronics, machinery, toys and medical devices. It helps ensure that products are safe for consumers and the environment, and allows for easy trade within the EU.

• Food Safe

  Food safe refers to the safety of food products that are used or consumed by people. In Europe, food safety is regulated by the European Union (EU) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). These organizations set standards and requirements for food products to ensure they are safe to eat. To be considered "food safe" in Europe, a product must meet these standards and be free of harmful substances. This includes being free of harmful bacteria, pesticides, and other contaminants. Food products that do not meet these standards cannot be sold or used in the EU.