Ansell Ringers 266

Standards and labels

• EN ISO 21420:2020

  EN ISO 21420:2020 is a European standard that sets out the general requirements for hand protection, including comfort, fit, and dexterity.

  Reach out to ask about the standard test results

• 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 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.

  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.

  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 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.

  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.

  Impact Protection P – Passed

• 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 .

  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.

  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.

• 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.

• 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.