Portwest Impact Driver Glove (Unlined), White

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, 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.

  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.

  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.

  Tear Resistance Level 4

  EN 388:2016 is a European standard that establishes criteria for assessing the protection provided by gloves against mechanical hazards, including tear resistance. The Tear Resistance Level 4 classification represents the highest level of tear resistance defined by this standard, indicating that the gloves can withstand the most substantial forces before tearing. According to the testing methodology, gloves are evaluated by measuring the force required to tear a sample of the glove material, with Level 4 requiring a force of over 75 Newtons to initiate and propagate a tear. This high level of tear resistance is ideal for use in environments where gloves are subjected to significant stress and potential damage, such as in heavy industry, construction, and handling of materials with sharp edges. Gloves achieving this level offer superior durability and are essential for ensuring user safety in high-risk mechanical settings, thereby enhancing work efficiency and reducing the frequency of glove replacement.

  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.

  Impact Protection P – Passed

• 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 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 2

  EN 407:2020 is a European standard dedicated to defining performance requirements for protective gloves that guard against thermal risks, such as exposure to molten metal. Molten Metal Resistance Level 2 indicates a moderate level of protection, meaning that the gloves have been tested to handle an increased quantity of molten metal compared to Level 1. Specifically, this test result means the gloves can withstand at least 60 grams of molten iron without the metal penetrating the material significantly. The test method involves pouring molten iron onto the glove and observing whether the material holds up without allowing the molten metal to reach the skin. Gloves that meet Level 2 are well-suited for occupations involving regular exposure to molten metals, such as in moderate foundry work, casting, and other metalworking tasks where there is a higher risk of molten metal splashes. This level of protection ensures that workers are shielded from more substantial amounts of molten metal, enhancing safety in environments with moderate thermal hazards.

  Radiant Heat Level 2

  EN 407:2020 is a European standard designed to specify the performance requirements for protective gloves that guard against various thermal risks, including radiant heat. Radiant Heat Level 2 within this standard indicates a moderate level of protection, demonstrating that the gloves can effectively resist radiant heat. Specifically, this level means that the gloves are capable of delaying the transfer of heat from a radiant source to the skin for a minimum of 20 seconds before the temperature inside the glove increases. The test method utilized involves exposing the glove to a specified radiant heat source and then measuring the time until the heat penetrates through the glove and reaches a set temperature threshold. Gloves that achieve Level 2 protection are suitable for tasks in environments where workers face moderate radiant heat exposure, such as some types of welding and industrial furnace operations. This level of protection helps to prevent burns and ensures comfort and safety for workers dealing with higher than minimal but not extreme levels of radiant heat.

  Metal Splash Resistance Level 2

  EN 407:2020 is a European standard designed to determine the protective capabilities of gloves against thermal risks, including the specific hazard of molten metal splashes. The Metal Splash Resistance Level 2 means that the gloves offer a moderate level of protection against molten metal splashes. The testing for this level involves exposing the glove material to a specified number of droplets of molten metal to see if the glove can prevent the metal from sticking or penetrating the material. Level 2 requires that the gloves withstand at least 15 droplets of molten metal without the metal penetrating the glove to a degree that could harm the wearer. This level of protection is suited for tasks in environments where there is a risk of more frequent or larger molten metal splashes, such as in more intensive welding operations or in foundries. Gloves with Metal Splash Resistance Level 2 provide a higher degree of safety, helping to prevent burns and injuries from hotter and possibly more frequent splashes of molten material.

  Burning Behaviour Level X

  The EN 407:2020 standard's specified test result Level X for Burning Behaviour indicates that either the test was not conducted or the sample was not applicable for testing under this specific parameter. Consequently, no performance level can be assigned according the criteria set in the standard. This finding is part of a broader testing protocol where Thermal Hazards Protection levels are determined for materials, especially used in gloves intended for heat handling. The test method evaluates the material’s ability to resist catching fire and its rate of burning. To assess burning behavior, the sample is exposed to a small flame, and observations are made on whether it ignites, how long it burns after the flame is removed, and how it extinguishes. Practical implications for products that receive a Level X for Burning Behaviour could include uncertainty in performance when faced with thermal hazards, thus impacting their suitability for jobs involving high temperatures or direct contact with flames.

  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.

  Heat Convection Level 2

  The standard EN 407:2020 specifies the performance requirements for gloves designed to protect against thermal risks, including heat convection. A Level 2 result in heat convection means that the gloves provide moderate protection against convective heat. The testing for heat convection (convective heat transfer) involves exposing the glove material to a specific heat source under controlled conditions and measuring the time it takes for the temperature on the inside of the glove to increase by a certain amount (usually 24°C). This test is crucial as it simulates a real-world situation where the gloves may be exposed to heat from hot gases or liquids, which is critical for professions where such exposure is common. Therefore, a Level 2 convection performance indicates that the gloves would be suitable for jobs involving moderate exposure to convective types of heat, but might not offer sufficient protection for high-heat environments.

• 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.