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.

  Test results

  General Requirements Guide

• EN 407

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• 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 4

  The standard EN 388:2016 includes a test for Puncture Resistance, where a Level 4 result indicates a protective performance that can withstand a force between 100 to 150 newtons. This specific level of puncture resistance reflects a significant protective capability, offering substantial protection against punctures from pointed objects like nails or wires. The test method includes using a standard stylus of a specific diameter, which is pressed against the sample material with increasing force until it punctures the material. A machine used for this test measures the force exerted at the moment the material is punctured. Practical implications of this result for products such as gloves or protective clothing mean that they are suitable for environments where there is a high risk of encountering medium to sharp objects that could pierce through lesser resistant materials, thus ensuring higher safety standards for workers in such conditions. This level of puncture resistance is particularly crucial in industries such as construction or waste management where sharp debris is common.

  Cut Resistance, ISO 13997 Level A

  The cut resistance result of Level A based on ISO 13997 in the standard EN 388:2016 indicates a force of greater than 2 Newtons required to cut through the material. This is considered the first level on a scale that ranges up to Level F, where each level corresponds to higher thresholds of force needed to penetrate the material, with Level F exceeding 30 Newtons. The testing method employs a TDM test device equipped with a single-use straight edge blade. During the test, the blade is drawn only once across the material in one direction, and once the blade cuts through the sample, the distance the blade has traveled is recorded. This standardized testing ensures that the cut resistance of materials like gloves can be measured more accurately, especially those fabricated from high-cut resistance materials that might blunt a blade. The practical implication of obtaining a result of Level A in this test is that the material provides basic cut protection and is suitable for tasks with minimal cut hazards, such as light material handling or small parts assembly.

  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 13997:1999

  EN 13997:1999 is a European standard for fire dampers. Fire dampers are devices that are installed in buildings to stop the spread of fire and smoke. The standard tells how these devices should be designed, installed, and checked to make sure they work well. It also tells how well the devices should work during a fire, like how long they can stop fire and smoke from spreading. Test results show if the fire dampers meet the requirements of the standard and work as they should during a fire.

  Test results

  Cut Resistance Level B

  The standard EN 13997:1999 specifies a methodology for assessing the cut resistance level of materials used mainly in personal protective equipment (PPE). This standard includes several levels of cut resistance, specifically Level B is not mentioned directly, but typical levels range from A to F. The test result indicating cut resistance Level indicates the degree to which material can withstand cutting forces without being severed, with a higher level corresponding to greater resistance. The test method involves using a TDM test device, where a straight single-use blade is drawn across the material once in one direction. The force required to cut through the material is measured in newtons, and this force determines the level of resistance; each level corresponds to a different range of forces. Practical implications for products falling under this category include enhanced user safety in environments where exposure to cutting hazards is significant, such as in metal handling or glass manufacturing. Higher levels imply better protection, making them essential for high-risk industries .

• 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.

• 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.