Hygostar Coolman Leather Oven Gloves, 36 cm, Grey

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

  Tear Resistance Level 1

  EN 388:2016 is a European standard that outlines the testing requirements for gloves to determine their level of protection against mechanical hazards, including tear resistance. The Tear Resistance Level 1 classification signifies that the gloves offer basic protection against tearing. The test method involves applying a force to a sample of the glove material to tear it, and the force measured reflects the glove's ability to resist tearing. Level 1 tear resistance means the gloves can withstand a force of between 10 to 25 Newtons before tearing. This basic level of protection is suitable for tasks where there is a minimal risk of tearing due to light manual handling or where gloves are used to prevent scratches or minor abrasions. Gloves with Level 1 tear resistance are appropriate for general activities that do not involve handling sharp or jagged materials.

  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.

  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.

  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.

  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.

• 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

  Heat Contact Level 4

  The Heat Contact result Level 4 in the standard EN 407:2004 signifies that the material tested can withstand contact with a hot item at a minimum temperature of 500°C for at least 15 seconds without the user feeling pain or getting a second degree burn. This performance level is part of a standardized method used within the EU to determine how well materials used in protective gloves, for instance, can resist thermal risks, including exposure to fire, contact heat, convective heat, radiant heat, small splashes or large quantities of molten metal. Specifically, the test involves placing a cylindrical rod, heated to a standard temperature, against the glove material. The duration it takes for the temperature on the inside of the glove to increase by 10°C from the start temperature (nominally 25°C) is measured. Achieving Level 4 implies a higher level of protection, making gloves that satisfy this requirement suitable for high-risk jobs such as those in foundries or for handling extremely hot materials safely.

  Heat Convection Level 3

  EN 407:2004 is a European Standard that specifies the requirements and test methods for protective gloves intended to protect against thermal risks, including heat from convection. The standard classifies the level of protection gloves provide against different forms of heat and fire. For the test result "Level 3" under EN 407:2004 in the category of Heat Convection, this level indicates that the glove provides moderate protection against convective heat. Specifically, it signifies that the glove can withstand a heat transfer index (HTI) of 10 to 20 seconds before the user would begin to feel pain from a heat source, offering substantial protection in environments where exposure to moderate levels of convective heat occurs.

  Metal Splash Resistance Level 3

  EN 407:2004 is a European standard that outlines the performance requirements and test methods for protective gloves designed to shield against thermal risks, such as exposure to molten metal. Metal Splash Resistance Level 3 indicates a high level of protection where the gloves are capable of withstanding molten metal splashes more effectively. This level of performance means that the gloves can resist the penetration and adherence of at least 25 droplets of molten metal, maintaining their integrity and protecting the wearer’s hands. The test involves dripping molten metal onto the glove material to observe the number of droplets it can withstand before the heat penetrates through to the inside of the glove. Gloves meeting Level 3 are suitable for use in environments with significant exposure to molten metal, such as in heavy metal fabrication, foundries, or other settings where larger quantities of molten metal are handled regularly. These gloves provide enhanced safety and are crucial for preventing severe burns and other serious injuries in high-risk thermal environments.

  Burning Behaviour Level 3

  Level 3 protection means that the material must have an afterflame time of no more than 3 seconds and an afterglow time of no more than 25 seconds. This level is appropriate for situations requiring more robust protection against brief but more intense exposure to fire.

  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.

  Radiant Heat Level 3

  EN 407:2004 is a European standard that outlines the performance requirements for protective gloves intended to shield against various thermal risks, including radiant heat. Radiant Heat Level 3 signifies a higher degree of protection, indicating that the gloves are designed to effectively delay significant heat transfer from a radiant source. This level ensures that the gloves can protect the wearer for a minimum of 50 seconds before the temperature inside the glove increases. The test method involves exposing the glove to a controlled source of radiant heat and measuring the duration it takes for the heat to penetrate through the glove material to the point where it increases the inner temperature to a defined threshold. Gloves achieving Level 3 protection are suitable for more intense radiant heat environments, such as those found in steel mills, glass handling, and other industrial settings where substantial exposure to high levels of radiant heat occurs regularly. This enhanced protection is critical for maintaining safety and preventing thermal burns during prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

• 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.

• 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.