Standards and labels

• 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

  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.

  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.

  Abrasion Resistance Level 2

  EN 388:2016 is an updated European standard that specifies criteria for testing gloves to protect against mechanical risks, including abrasion, cuts, tears, and puncture. The Abrasion Resistance Level 2 classification within this standard indicates a moderate level of protection against wear from rough materials. The abrasion resistance test involves subjecting the glove material to repeated cycles of sandpaper under pressure until the material wears through. Level 2 abrasion resistance means the gloves can withstand between 500 to 1999 cycles before being penetrated. This level of protection is suitable for tasks that involve handling or coming into contact with abrasive materials but not at an extreme or heavy-duty level. Gloves with Level 2 abrasion resistance are well-suited for general handling tasks, offering durability and protection to extend the life of the glove while maintaining good dexterity and comfort.

  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.

  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.

• 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

  Convective Cold Level 2

  The Convective Cold Level 2 test result of standard EN 511:2006 indicates a thermal insulation measurement range of 0.15 to less than 0.22 m²°C/W. This result means that gloves evaluated under this standard at Level 2 provide moderate insulation from cold air, effectively slowing down the rate of heat loss from the hand when exposed to cold environments; hence, the level denotes a specific degree of protection. The Convective Cold Test employs a specially designed apparatus where a heated mannequin hand in a glove is subjected to controlled cold air environments to measure how much power (in watts) is required for the hand to maintain a consistent temperature of approximately 30°C. The crucial measurement derived—the Index of Thermal Resistance (ITR)—is reflective of the glove's ability to insulate against cold air convection. Level 2 gloves, specifically, are suitable for environments where low to moderate cold air exposure is expected, providing a protective barrier that reduces the rate of heat transfer from the hand, balancing comfort and dexterity with thermal protection.

  Cold Contact Level 3

  The standard EN 511:2006 specifies requirements for protective gloves that guard against cold environments. Level 3 in the Contact Cold Test indicates that the gloves have a thermal resistance measured as R >= 0.100 m²°C/W and R < 0.150 m²°C/W. This denotes a moderate to high level of insulation against cold when the glove materials come into contact with cold surfaces. The test involves placing the glove material against metal plates set at different temperatures to assess how well the gloves can prevent heat loss. Practically, this result means that gloves meeting Level 3 standards are suitable for environments where moderate levels of cold are encountered, providing significant protection against heat loss due to contact with cold objects, making them ideal for use in cold storage tasks or outdoor work in 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.