Standards and labels

• EN 13594:2015

  EN 13594:2015 is a European standard for testing and classification of fire resistance of smoke control systems. It sets out the requirements for test methods, performance criteria, and classification of fire resistance for smoke control systems such as smoke exhaust ducts, smoke dampers, and smoke control valves. The standard also includes requirements for test reports and the marking of products that have been tested and classified in accordance with the standard. The possible test results of EN 13594:2015 can range from non-compliant to Class A, B, C, D, E, F and G.

  Test results

  Impact Properties P

  The EN 13594:2015 standard defines performance requirements for protective gloves for motorcycle riders, including testing for impact protection. Specifically, when a test result for 'Impact Properties' under this standard is denoted with a P, it signifies that the product, usually a protective glove, has passed the specified impact protection tests. This particular test examines a product's ability to dissipate energy or resist damage when subjected to impact forces, ensuring that the gloves will provide adequate protection to the wearer in the event of a crash or collision. During this test, a defined force is applied to different areas of the glove, usually using an impact test machine outfitted with a specified striker and anvil. The gloves are assessed based on their ability to absorb and redistribute the energy without transferring excessive force to the hand or failing structurally. A passing result indicates that the gloves meet the stringent requirements for impact resistance set by the European Standard, thereby providing adequate protection in high-risk motorcycle riding scenarios and reflecting a higher level of performance in safety gear for riders.

• 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.

  Test results

  General Requirements Guide

• 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.

  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.

  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.

  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 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.

• EN 13997

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• 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

  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.

  Molten Metal Resistance Level 1

  EN 407:2020 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 3

  EN 407:2020 is a European standard that outlines the performance requirements for protective gloves intended to shield against various thermal risks, including radiant heat. Radiant Heat Level 3 signifies a higher degree of protection, indicating that the gloves are designed to effectively delay significant heat transfer from a radiant source. This level ensures that the gloves can protect the wearer for a minimum of 50 seconds before the temperature inside the glove increases. The test method involves exposing the glove to a controlled source of radiant heat and measuring the duration it takes for the heat to penetrate through the glove material to the point where it increases the inner temperature to a defined threshold. Gloves achieving Level 3 protection are suitable for more intense radiant heat environments, such as those found in steel mills, glass handling, and other industrial settings where substantial exposure to high levels of radiant heat occurs regularly. This enhanced protection is critical for maintaining safety and preventing thermal burns during prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

  Burning Behaviour Level 4

  The EN 407:2020 standard specifies the requirements for protective gloves meant to guard against thermal risks like heat and/or fire. For Level 4 in the 2020 update of the standard, gloves must meet stringent requirements following exposure to fire. They should exhibit an afterflame time of no more than 2 seconds and an afterglow time of no more than 5 seconds. This level of protection is crucial for environments with a high risk of exposure to intense and sustained flames, offering maximum safety for the wearer in hazardous conditions.

  Heat Contact Level X

  The EN 407:2020 standard regarding Heat Contact result Level X specifies test results for protection against thermal hazards like heat contact for protective gloves. A Level X result indicates that the product has not been tested for this specific protection characteristic or that the result did not meet the minimum requirements established by the standard. The test method used to determine heat contact resistance involves applying a certain level of heat to the glove material and measuring the length of time it takes for the inside of the glove to increase in temperature by a certain degree. In practical terms, a Level X in heat contact means that the gloves may not provide significant protection against prolonged or significant contact with heated materials, making them unsuitable for certain operations involving high-heat exposure.

• 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.