Standards and labels

• 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

  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.

  Cut Resistance, Coup Test Level 3

  The standard EN 388:2016 specifies Cut Resistance for protective gloves, among other standards. A result of 'Level 3' on the Coup Test means that the gloves are certified to withstand at least 5 but less than 10 cycles before being penetrated by a blade. This is based on a specific scale from Level 1 to Level 5, where Level 5 offers the highest protection against cuts. The Coup Test involves using a rotating circular blade under a fixed load moving back and forth across the glove material until cut through occurs. The number of cycles the blade can go through before cutting the fabric determines the cut resistance level. In practical terms, a Level 3 rating in cut resistance indicates that the gloves offer suitable protection for activities involving handling of materials with some sharp edges, such as construction or light assembly tasks, providing a balance between dexterity and cut protection. This level is typically recommended for tasks where there is a moderate risk of cuts and slashes.

  Abrasion Resistance Level 1

  In the EN 388:2016 standard, the Abrasion Resistance result Level 1 signifies that the tested gloves or protective materials can withstand 100 cycles of sandpaper abrasion under pressure, before developing a hole. This is considered the lowest performance level in abrasion resistance according to the standard. Generally, Level 1 abrasion resistance would be underperforming for tasks that involve frequent contact with abrasive surfaces, and might be more suitable for situations where light abrasion is the primary risk. Higher numbers (up to 4) in this test indicate stronger abrasion resistance.

  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.

  Puncture Resistance Level 3

  The European Norm (EN) 388:2016 standard includes guidelines for assessing the puncture resistance of gloves, where a Puncture Resistance result of Level 3 signifies that the glove material can withstand a force of between 100 to 149 Newtons before being punctured. This result is crucial for ensuring that gloves provide an adequate level of protection against punctures when used in moderate risk environments, offering users safety from potentially harmful sharp objects. The test procedure for determining this metric involves measuring the amount of force required to puncture the glove using a standard-sized stylus. The stylus is pressed against the glove material at a constant speed until a puncture occurs. The weight needed to achieve the puncture is then recorded as the glove's puncture resistance level. For procurement professionals, this result implies that gloves rated at this level are suitable for tasks where there is a significant risk of encountering puncturing hazards, such as handling building materials, waste management, or assembly line work involving mid-level sharp objects.

• EN 407:2004

  EN 407:2004 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 407:1994 and it's intended to protect the users against thermal risks, such as heat and flame, and to help them to choose a suitable glove for their specific application.

  Test results

  Burning Behaviour Level X

  The EN 407:2004 standard addresses the burning behavior of gloves protecting from heat and/or fire. A performance level X in this context indicates that the glove has not been submitted for testing under the specified part of the standard or failed the test.

  Radiant Heat Level X

  EN 407:2004 is a European standard that sets the requirements for protective gloves to defend against various thermal hazards, including radiant heat. The designation Radiant Heat Level X indicates that the gloves have not been tested for this specific type of protection, or they did not meet the minimum criteria established by the standard for resisting radiant heat. This means that these gloves are not certified for protection against radiant heat, which involves the transmission of heat through infrared rays from a heat source without direct contact. The lack of a specific radiant heat protection level suggests that users should not rely on these gloves for tasks where significant exposure to radiant heat is expected. Instead, these gloves might be suitable for other types of thermal risks for which they are certified, ensuring users select the appropriate type of protective glove based on the specific hazards present in their working environment. This classification assists in preventing inappropriate glove use and enhancing worker safety by clearly indicating the limitations of the glove's protective capabilities.

  Heat Contact Level 2

  The standard EN 407:2004 concerns Protective gloves against thermal risks (heat and/or fire) and includes a range of prescribed thermal tests, each designed to assess specific properties of safety gloves intended for various heat-related applications. The test result labeled Heat Contact Level 2 specifically evaluates the thermal insulation capacity of the glove material. A glove that achieves Level 2 has exhibited sufficient insulation to delay a temperature rise of 250°C for at least 15 seconds when its surface is in contact with a heated probe. This test involves placing the glove material against a hot probe of defined dimensions and temperature while monitoring temperature changes with a calorimeter embedded inside the glove to measure the rate at which the inner temperature rises. A Level 2 performance rating informs procurement professionals that the glove offers moderate protection against contact heat, suitable for environments or tasks where brief contact with moderately hot surfaces could occur, but where extensive or prolonged exposure does not exist. This ensures adequate protection for scenarios requiring such specific levels of thermal resistance without being over-specced for less demanding conditions.

  Heat Convection Level X

  The EN 407:2004 European standard and its annexure for Heat Convection Level X is designed to gauge the protective capability of gloves when exposed to heat transmitted through a fluid medium, such as air or steam. The designation of Level X specifically indicates that the material did not meet the minimum requirements set forth in the test, or wasn't tested due to being deemed unsuitable for this type of exposure based on the nature of the material. The test method for determining this involves measuring the time it takes for the material to increase in temperature by 24°C under standardized conditions of convection heat exposure. This test is important for defining the efficacy of protective gear under various industrial conditions where heat convection is a risk.

  Metal Splash Resistance Level X

  The EN 407:2004 standard specifies different levels of protection for gloves against thermal risks, including metal splash resistance. A result marked as 'Level X' under this standard symbolizes that the glove material either did not meet the minimum requirements for testing or that no specific test was conducted for this hazard. The test for Metal Splash Resistance in EN 407:2004 involves exposing the glove material to molten metal splashes to determine how much molten metal is required to heat the glove material to a degree that it would cause pain or injury to the wearer. The practical implication of a 'Level X' rating is that gloves marked as such should not be relied upon for protection against risks of molten metal splashes, making them unsuitable for use in environments where exposure to this hazard is likely.

  Molten Metal Resistance Level X

  EN 407:2004 is a European standard that provides specifications for protective gloves to safeguard against thermal risks, including the exposure to molten metals. The designation Molten Metal Resistance Level X indicates that the gloves have not been tested for this specific risk, or they failed to meet the minimum requirements set out in the standard for protection against molten metal splashes. This means that the gloves are either unsuitable for use in environments where there is a risk of contact with molten metals, or additional testing is required to determine their suitability. Typically, such a classification implies that the gloves should not be used for handling molten metals and should only be considered for other types of thermal risks specified in the standard, where molten metal exposure is not a concern. This classification helps in ensuring that users select the right type of glove based on the specific hazards present in their working environment, thereby preventing inappropriate use and enhancing safety.

• 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.

• 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.