Ansell AlphaTec 58-201

Standards and labels

• EN 374-5:2016

  EN 374-5:2016 is a European standard for gloves that protect against microorganisms, specifically gloves that are used for medical and dental procedures. It sets rules for how the gloves should protect against microorganisms and how to test if they meet the standards. Gloves that pass the tests can have a label that says they meet the standard. The test results can be pass or fail for each test that checks the gloves resistance to microorganisms.

  Test results

  Micro-organisms Virus

  EN 374-5:2016 is a standard that outlines the requirements and testing methods for protective gloves designed to protect against viruses. The designation 'Virus' indicates that the gloves have passed specific tests confirming their barrier effectiveness against viruses. These tests involve assessing the glove material's resistance to penetration by blood-borne pathogens and other virus-containing fluids, using a bacteriophage as a surrogate virus due to its small size and resistance. Gloves that meet this standard are vital in healthcare settings, laboratories, and any environment where there is a risk of exposure to viral infections. They are crucial for preventing the transmission of diseases, ensuring that workers are protected when handling potentially infectious materials, thus enhancing safety and health protocols in workplaces with biological hazards.

  Micro-organisms Bacteria & Fungi

  EN 374-5:2016 specifies the requirements and test methods for protective gloves intended to protect against bacteria and fungi. The designation 'Bacteria & Fungi' indicates that the gloves have been tested and verified to provide effective barrier protection against microbial agents. The testing involves evaluating the glove's material and seams for their impermeability to microorganisms under conditions that simulate real-world use, ensuring no penetration occurs through the glove material or at the seams. Gloves certified under this standard are crucial for use in environments such as healthcare, laboratory settings, and any applications where preventing the transmission of infectious agents is essential. They help ensure the safety and hygiene of workers by providing reliable protection against the risks of bacterial and fungal contamination.

• 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 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.

  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.

  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.

  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.

  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.

• 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 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.

  Abrasion Resistance Level 3

  EN 388:2016 is a European standard that provides guidelines for assessing the protection levels of gloves against mechanical risks, such as abrasion, cuts, tears, and puncture. The Abrasion Resistance Level 3 indicates a higher level of protection, signifying that the gloves can resist more intensive wear from rough materials. According to the standard, the abrasion resistance test involves rubbing the glove material against sandpaper under a specified pressure until it is worn through. Level 3 abrasion resistance requires that the gloves withstand 2000 to 7999 cycles of abrasion. This enhanced level of durability is appropriate for tasks involving more frequent or more intense contact with abrasive surfaces, such as construction work, woodworking, and handling building materials. Gloves with Level 3 abrasion resistance offer a robust barrier against wear, extending glove life and providing increased protection for the wearer’s hands, thus reducing the risk of injuries in more demanding work environments.

  Cut Resistance, Coup Test Level 2

  EN 388:2016 standard features a Coup Test used to measure Cut Resistance, and a result of Level 2 indicates moderate protection against cuts. This level signifies that the material being tested withstood between 2.5 to 5.0 cutting cycles before the blade penetrated the glove during testing. The Coup Test involves a rotating circular blade with a constant force applied, moving back and forth across the material until a cut through occurs. The sharpness of the blade and the distance of blade travel are measured before the test, and after cutting through the material, to ensure accuracy. Practical implications of a Level 2 result suggest the gloves are suitable for tasks with some cut hazards but are not suggested for high-risk cut environments, such as handling heavy or very sharp materials where a higher level of protection might be necessary. This result helps businesses choose gloves tailored for different workplace needs regarding cut risks.

  Cut Resistance, ISO 13997 Level B

  The Cut Resistance test, ISO 13997, as per standard EN 388:2016, aims to gauge the resistance of protective glove materials against cuts by sharp objects. A test result of Level B means that the protective material can withstand forces between 5 and 10 Newtons before being penetrated. This implies moderate resistance, suitable for tasks like packaging, goods manufacturing, and warehousing. The ISO 13997 test involves using a TDM test device equipped with a straight-edge blade drawn once across the material in a defined direction until penetration occurs. The distance the blade travels before cutting through the material is recorded. This test, with its rigorous measurement of cutting force, is particularly useful for materials that tend to blunt blades, ensuring accurate and reliable performance ratings for gloves specifically meant for mechanical hazards. The practical implication for gloves rated at Level B is they offer moderate protection suitable for industries with moderate cut hazards, thus ensuring user safety in specific working environments like logistics or light manufacturing.

  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.

• 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 2

  The standard EN 511:2006 specifies requirements for protective gloves that guard against cold environments. Cold Contact result Level 2 indicates moderate insulation against contact cold, quantified with a thermal resistance measurement in the range of 0.050 to less than 0.100 m²°C/W. This means gloves achieving this level can provide a reasonable amount of insulation, helping to reduce heat transfer from the hands to the cold contact surface, thereby lowering the rate at which hands become cold. The measurement of contact cold resistance is performed using a standardized test that involves placing the glove materials against metal plates cooled to different temperatures. The difference in temperature across the glove material is then analyzed to determine its thermal resistance. For practical implications, gloves classified under Level 2 of Cold Contact in EN 511:2006 are suitable for environments or tasks where individuals are exposed to cold objects but do not necessarily involve extreme cold or extended exposure, offering a balance between dexterity and protection from the cold .

  Water Tightness Level 1

  EN 511:2006 is a European standard focused on testing the water tightness of protective gloves against penetration by water. Its purpose is to ensure that protective gloves offer adequate resistance to water. A Level 1 rating in water tightness signifies that the gloves provide basic protection against water penetration, though they may not be suitable for prolonged exposure to wet conditions. The test method involves placing the gloves on a hand-shaped form, filling them with water, and then observing for any signs of leakage over a specified period. Practical implications of this result for the product category include indicating that the gloves offer some degree of protection against water exposure, making them suitable for use in mildly wet or cold environments where only limited exposure to water is expected. However, they may not be suitable for prolonged exposure to heavy rainfall or immersion in water.

  Convective Cold Level 0

  EN 511:2006 is a European standard that specifies the requirements and test methods for gloves protecting against cold. A result of Level 0 in the Convective Cold test indicates that the gloves did not provide any significant insulation against convective cold, meaning they failed this part of the test. According to this standard, testing for Convective Cold involves placing the tested gloves in a controlled cold environment where cold air is circulated around them to simulate the effect of cold winds. The glove's ability to prevent heat loss under these conditions is then measured, wherein a higher score represents better insulation from cold air. A Level 0 result implies that gloves under this classification do not offer protection against the loss of heat from convection, making them unsuitable for environments where cold wind is a factor. This information is critical for procurement professionals to ensure that they select gloves with adequate resistance to convective cold for environments requiring such protection .

• EN ISO 374-1:2016

  EN ISO 374-1:2016 is a standard that defines the performance requirements for gloves that protect against chemicals and microorganisms. The standard specifies the design, materials, and testing requirements for gloves to protect against chemicals and microorganisms. Possible test results include measurements of the gloves' permeation resistance, degradation, and penetration. It also includes the safety and functionality requirements for gloves.

  Test results

  Specified Requirements Type A

• 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 3

  PPE stands for "personal protective equipment." PPE Category 3 refers to equipment that is complex and provide the highest level of protection such as powered respirators, SCBA, and full body suits. In Europe, PPE Category 3 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, have to be audited regularly by a notified body and have to have a technical documentation.