Ansell ActivArmr 80-813

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

  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.

  Cut Resistance, ISO 13997 Level C

  The EN 388:2016 standard comprehensively addresses the cut resistance of gloves, using the ISO 13997 test method, where achieving Level C indicates that the glove can withstand forces between 10 to 14 newtons during cutting. This level of cut resistance provides an intermediate level of protection against cuts, suitable for handling tasks where there is a significant risk of cuts from sharp objects but where the highest level of cut resistance isn't necessary. The ISO 13997 test itself is a more detailed and clear manner to assess material cut resistance under a straight-edge blade under varying load, unlike the Coup Test used previously, which could blunt the blade. Essentially, Level C gloves are designed for robust hand protection in environments where cut hazards are considerable but not at the most extreme end of the scale, making them suitable for industries like construction and manufacturing where sharp tools and materials are frequently handled.

  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 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 Contact Level 1

  The standard EN 407:2004 on Protective gloves against thermal risks, including the testing for contact heat at Level 1, is designed to assess the protection level of gloves when exposed to thermal hazards. A Level 1 result on the contact heat resistance indicates basic protection where the glove can delay the transfer of heat from a contact source at 100°C for at least 15 seconds before the inside of the glove reaches a temperature increase of 10°C. The test method involves placing the outer surface of the glove in contact with a hot probe of defined dimensions and temperature, while the rate of temperature rise of a calorimeter on the inside of the glove is measured. This measurement provides a straightforward metric for assessing the thermal protection offered by the glove at low-level exposure. Practically, gloves rated at Level 1 for contact heat are suitable for environments where exposure to thermal risks is minimal and not excessively severe, making them adequate for certain low-risk industrial, laboratory, or handling applications where brief contact with warm objects is common.

  Molten Metal Resistance Level 1

  EN 407:2004 is a European standard that sets the performance requirements for protective gloves intended to safeguard against thermal risks, including resistance to molten metal splashes. Molten Metal Resistance Level 1 indicates the lowest level of protection under this standard, where gloves are tested to withstand minimal exposure to molten metal. This test result implies that the gloves can handle at least 30 grams of molten iron without the metal penetrating the material and causing harm to the user. The testing method involves pouring a specified amount of molten metal on the glove and measuring how the glove material responds, particularly whether the molten metal sticks or penetrates through to the inside. Gloves achieving Level 1 are suitable for light industrial tasks where there is a low risk of exposure to small quantities of molten metal, providing basic protection and allowing workers to perform safely in environments like light metal fabrication or when handling materials close to molten metal under controlled conditions.

  Radiant Heat Level 2

  EN 407:2004 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.

  Heat Convection Level 2

  The EN 407:2004 standard, specifically concerning Heat Convection result at Level 2, measures the performance of protective gloves against heat and/or fire. With a Level 2 convection heat test result, it indicates that the gloves have a moderate level of protection against heat transferred through convection. This result correlates to an exposure to convective heat at a predefined level, which in Level 2 typically offers thermal resistance for a minimum of 5 seconds before the glove’s inner temperature increases by 24°C. The test method used involves circulating hot air around the glove, and measuring the time taken for the temperature inside the glove to rise by a specific amount (typically 24°C). This result is crucial for professionals working in environments where moderate exposure to convective heat is expected, helping them choose gloves that provide adequate protection while ensuring usability and dexterity. Such protective gloves are generally used in industries like industrial baking, glass operations, and certain chemical processes where hot vapors or similar conditions might pose risks.

  Burning Behaviour Level 4

  Level 4 requires the material to have an afterflame time of no more than 2 seconds and an afterglow time of no more than 5 seconds after exposure to flame. This level offers substantial protection for handling or exposure to fire, suitable for environments where there is a significant risk of intense and immediate contact with flames.

  Metal Splash Resistance Level 0

  The EN 407:2004 standard, particularly concerning Metal Splash Resistance Level 0, is designed to categorize the protective capabilities of gloves against molten metal splashes. A result of Level 0 signifies that the gloves have not met the minimum requirement to provide protection against molten metal splash, as per the specific tests outlined in this standard. The test method used involves exposing the glove material to molten metal splashes and assessing the degree of degradation or penetration to the glove. This involves the assessment process such as measuring the mass of molten metal required to cause pinholing or damage to the glove material. Practically speaking, a Level 0 result means that these gloves should not be used in environments where exposure to molten metal splashes is possible, as they do not offer the necessary protection. For environments involving such hazards, gloves with a higher performance level as specified by the same standard would be required to ensure the safety of the user.

• 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.

• 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.

• Ecovadis

  Ecovadis rating and certification system is used in Europe to evaluate and recognize companies' sustainability performance. It is focused on the supply chain and evaluates companies on environmental, social and ethical criteria, such as environmental protection, labor practices, and fair business practices. The requirements for getting an Ecovadis certification will depend on the specific category of business and industry, but typically include providing information on the company's sustainability practices, policies and performance, and undergoing an assessment by an independent auditor.

• 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.