Standards and labels

• EN 388:2003

  EN 388:2003 is a European standard for protective gloves against mechanical risks. It sets requirements for resistance to cuts, tears, punctures, abrasion, and impact. Gloves are tested in labs for these properties and the results are shown as a performance level for each test. The levels are marked on the gloves. This standard also includes requirements for gloves' dexterity, comfort and size.

  Test results

  Tear Resistance Level 4

  EN 388:2003 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 X

  In the standard EN 388:2003, Abrasion Resistance Level X indicates that the test for abrasion resistance was not performed or the material did not meet the minimum requirements to register a level. In practical terms, this means that the protective material in question either could not be evaluated for its resistance to abrasion under the test conditions provided or it failed to demonstrate a basic level of durability against abrasion as defined by this standard.

  Cut Resistance, Coup Test Level 2

  The standard EN 388:2003 defines the Cut Resistance, Coup Test, and assigns a result of Level 2 to describe the protective gloves' capability to withstand blade cuts. A result of Level 2 implies that the gloves can withstand at least 2.5 but less than 5.0 cycles before being penetrated by a blade when tested using the Coup Test method. This method involves a rotating circular blade that moves back and forth across a fabric sample stretched in a frame, under a fixed pressure. The number of cycles executed by the blade before the sample is cut through is recorded as the cut resistance level. In practical terms, gloves rated as Level 2 on the Coup Test in EN 388:2003 offer a moderate level of protection against cuts, ideal for handling tasks where there are slight risks of cuts from sharp objects.

  Cut Resistance, Coup Test Level 3

  The European standard EN 388:2003 categorizes protective gloves based on their levels of resistance to different mechanical risks, including cutting. A Cut Resistance, Coup Test result at Level 3 means that the glove material has a medium performance level in safeguarding against cuts. Specifically, gloves rated at Level 3 have can withstand at least 5 but less than 10 cycles before being penetrated by a blade. The Coup Test involves repeated cycles of a circular rotating blade, under constant pressure, moving back and forth across the glove material until the material is penetrated. This test not only assesses the durability of the glove against cuts but also provides an important guideline on the level of protection expected in workplaces that involve handling of materials like glass, sheet metal, or other sharp objects. Level 3 cut-resistant gloves are generally suitable for tasks that involve some degree of exposure to sharp edges but do not require the highest level of cut protection.

  Abrasion Resistance Level 3

  Abrasion Resistance Level 3 on the EN 388:2003 standard indicates a moderate level of protection against wear from abrasive materials. This level quantifies the glove or protective textile's capability to withstand continuous physical abrasion before breaking through or showing significant wear. A Level 3 in Abrasion Resistance is achieved if the material withstood between 2000 and 7999 cycles of abrasion under test conditions, providing a good balance between durability and flexibility for tasks involving moderate abrasion risks. This result is practical for selecting personal protective equipment where moderate abrasion resistance is necessary, ensuring the gear will endure repetitive contact with abrasive surfaces without rapid deterioration .

• 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.

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• EN 12477:2001

  EN 12477:2001 is a European standard that focuses on protective gloves for welders. It specifies the requirements and test methods for gloves intended to protect the hands and forearms of welders against heat and splatter. The standard outlines criteria for thermal performance, resistance to molten metal spatter, and mechanical properties, ensuring that the gloves provide adequate protection during welding operations.

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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 Convection Level 2

  The standard EN 407:2020 specifies the performance requirements for gloves designed to protect against thermal risks, including heat convection. A Level 2 result in heat convection means that the gloves provide moderate protection against convective heat. The testing for heat convection (convective heat transfer) involves exposing the glove material to a specific heat source under controlled conditions and measuring the time it takes for the temperature on the inside of the glove to increase by a certain amount (usually 24°C). This test is crucial as it simulates a real-world situation where the gloves may be exposed to heat from hot gases or liquids, which is critical for professions where such exposure is common. Therefore, a Level 2 convection performance indicates that the gloves would be suitable for jobs involving moderate exposure to convective types of heat, but might not offer sufficient protection for high-heat environments.

  Molten Metal Resistance Level 4

  EN 407:2020 is a European standard that sets performance criteria for protective gloves to safeguard against thermal risks, including the extreme conditions posed by molten metals. Molten Metal Resistance Level 4 indicates the highest level of protection available under this standard, meaning the gloves can effectively withstand substantial amounts of molten metal without penetration that could lead to burns or other injuries. This level signifies that the gloves can handle at least 200 grams of molten iron, ensuring that the metal does not penetrate through the glove material during testing. The test involves pouring this quantity of molten iron onto the glove and evaluating its capacity to prevent the molten metal from reaching the skin. Gloves meeting Level 4 are essential for extreme industrial environments, such as those in heavy foundries, cast iron manufacturing, and other sectors where workers are regularly exposed to high volumes of molten metal. This robust level of protection is critical for ensuring the highest safety standards, helping to prevent serious injuries in some of the most hazardous work conditions.

  Molten Metal Resistance Level X

  EN 407:2020 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.

  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 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.

  Radiant Heat Level X

  EN 407:2020 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.

• 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.