Ansell ActivArmr 80-658

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

  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.

  Abrasion Resistance Level X

  In the EN 388:2016 standard, the Abrasion Resistance is measured as the number of cycles required to wear a hole in the glove material using sandpaper under pressure. A result of Level X indicates that this performance metric was not tested for the specific glove. When a glove shows a result of Level X for abrasion resistance, it essentially means there is no available data from testing to confirm how well the glove would withstand abrasion, making it unsuitable for applications where abrasion resistance is critical.

  Cut Resistance, ISO 13997 Level E

  The ISO 13997 result Level E in the standard EN 388:2016 indicates a high level of cut resistance where the required force to cut through the protective material is between 22 and 29 Newtons. This test, as part of the EN 388:2016, uses a TDM test device with a single-use straight-edge blade that is drawn once across the material. The level of cut resistance is determined by the distance the blade travels before it cuts through the sample, with higher levels corresponding to materials that require greater force to be cut. For a Level E result, this specific range implies that the protective gloves or material provide considerable resistance against cuts, making them suitable for applications where there is a significant risk of cuts from sharp objects, such as in automotive assembly, engineering utilities, and CNC machining/metal fabrication, enhancing both safety and durability in these environments.

  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.

• 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.

  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.

  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.

  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.

  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.

• REACH

  REACH stands for "Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals" it is a regulation of the European Union that governs the registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction of chemicals. The REACH regulation aims to ensure that the chemicals used in Europe are safe for human health and the environment. The regulation applies to all chemical substances, whether they are used in industrial processes or in everyday products such as cleaning products, paints, and cosmetics. Companies that manufacture, import or use chemicals in the EU must register the chemicals they produce or import, provide safety information and communicate the risks associated with the chemicals. This information will be used to assess the risks and determine if any further action is needed to protect human health and the environment.

• 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 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.