Standards and labels

• 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.

  Reach out to ask about the standard test results

• 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 D

  Cut Resistance according to the ISO 13997 result under the European Standard EN 388:2016 quantifies the level of resistance a material offers against cutting where the required force to cut through the protective material is between 15 and 21 Newtons. This test method involves applying a straight-edge blade under load over the material's surface and determining the load at which the blade cuts through at a standard length of cut. This stringent testing is critical for products like protective gloves or garments, where high cut resistance ensures better safety and durability in environments where sharp objects are handled. Understanding and adhering to this standard helps procure suitable protective gear that meets safety requirements and offers expected protection for specific risk exposures .

  Tear Resistance Level 3

  EN 388:2016 is a European standard that specifies methods for testing the resistance of protective gloves against mechanical hazards, such as abrasion, cuts, punctures, and tearing. The Tear Resistance Level 3 indicates a high level of protection, where the gloves can withstand significant tearing forces. The test for determining tear resistance involves subjecting the glove material to a mechanical force until it tears, measuring the force required to initiate and continue the tear. For Level 3, gloves must withstand a force between 50 to 75 Newtons before tearing. This robust level of tear resistance is particularly suitable for demanding environments where gloves are exposed to activities that might cause extensive wear or tearing, such as handling heavy or rough materials, industrial assembly, and construction tasks. Gloves with this level of tear resistance provide enhanced durability and safety, reducing the risk of injuries and increasing the longevity of the glove in tough working conditions.

  Puncture Resistance Level 2

  The standard EN 388:2016 includes an assessment of Puncture Resistance, where Level 2 signifies that the material has met specific criteria for resistance against puncture. The result of Level 2 in puncture resistance means that the protective glove or material can withstand a force of 60 to 100 newtons before being punctured. The test method used involves using a standardized steel puncture probe that is pushed against the material at a specified speed until it pierces through it. In essence, achieving a Level 2 puncture resistance under EN 388:2006 suggests that the protective equipment offers moderate protection against punctures, making it suitable for environments where there is a risk of encountering sharp objects such as needles, but are not excessively sharp or exert very high force.

  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.

• EN 511:2006

  EN 511:2006 is a European standard that sets requirements for the protection against cold for gloves and mittens. It covers factors such as resistance to cold, water penetration and breathability. Testing must be done by a certified lab and must show that the product meets all requirements of the standard. Possible test results would include pass/fail for each requirement, as well as specific measurement data.

  Test results

  Cold Contact Level 1

  The standard EN 511:2006 specifies requirements for protective gloves that guard against cold environments. Cold contact performance Level 1 indicates a glove's level of protection against transmitted cold via physical contact with cold objects. For Level 1 specifically, the thermal resistance level must be above 0.025 but less than 0.050 m²°C/W. The test for this rating, known as the Contact Cold Test, involves placing the glove material on metal plates that have been pre-cooled to different specific temperatures. The temperature drop across the test sample is then measured to determine how effectively the glove insulates against cold. In practical terms, a glove achieving Level 1 in cold contact provides minimal thermal insulation, suitable for environments where exposure to slight cold is expected but not extreme cold conditions .

  Convective Cold Level 1

  The standard EN 511:2006 specifies requirements and test methods for gloves designed to protect against cold environments, focusing on elements such as convective cold, contact cold, and water permeability. The Convective Cold test, particularly at Level 1, results in a performance level where the thermal insulation (denoted as TR) measured in \(m^2°C/W\) is in the range of 0.10 to less than 0.15. This measurement indicates the glove's ability to provide minimal thermal resistance against cold air. The Convective Cold Test involves placing a glove on an electrically heated hand model, where the power required to maintain the hand at a set temperature (typically around 30°C) in a controlled cooling environment is measured. The glove's performance level is determined based on how much power is needed to keep the hand warm as the surrounding temperature decreases. Level 1 highlights a basic level of insulation against cold air, suitable for environments where slight cold protection is sufficient, but would not be suitable for more severe cold conditions. .

  Water Tightness Level 0

  In the EN 511:2006 standard, a Water Tightness result of Level 0 indicates that the gloves have not demonstrated resistance to water penetration under the testing conditions specified. This means during the test, water was able to penetrate the glove material. The water tightness assessment is conducted to evaluate the glove's ability to provide protection against water penetration when subjected to water exposure. The test involves subjecting the glove to a jet of water and checking if any water penetrates through the glove to the inside. Practically, this result implies that gloves with a Level 0 rating in water tightness are not suitable for environments or tasks where protection against water or other liquid substances is necessary .

• 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.