Guide Welding Glove

Standards and labels

• 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.

  Reach out to ask about the standard test results

• 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

  Metal Splash Resistance Level 4

  EN 407:2004 is a European standard focused on assessing the protective capabilities of gloves against thermal risks, including hazards such as molten metal splashes. Metal Splash Resistance Level 4 represents an advanced level of protection, where the gloves are designed to handle substantial exposure to molten metal. This performance level signifies that the gloves can effectively resist at least 35 droplets of molten metal, protecting the wearer without the metal penetrating the glove material significantly. The testing involves simulating conditions where molten metal is splashed onto the glove, assessing the glove's ability to prevent molten metal from sticking and causing burns. Gloves that achieve Level 4 are ideal for heavy industrial applications such as steel mills, foundries, and welding, where frequent and substantial contact with molten metal occurs. This level of protection is crucial for maintaining safety and preventing serious injuries in environments with high thermal risks.

  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 3

  EN 407:2004 is a European Standard that specifies the requirements and test methods for protective gloves intended to protect against thermal risks, including heat from convection. The standard classifies the level of protection gloves provide against different forms of heat and fire. For the test result "Level 3" under EN 407:2004 in the category of Heat Convection, this level indicates that the glove provides moderate protection against convective heat. Specifically, it signifies that the glove can withstand a heat transfer index (HTI) of 10 to 20 seconds before the user would begin to feel pain from a heat source, offering substantial protection in environments where exposure to moderate levels of convective heat occurs.

  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.

  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.

  Molten Metal Resistance Level 3

  EN 407:2004 is a European standard that outlines performance requirements for protective gloves designed to shield against various thermal risks, including those posed by molten metals. Molten Metal Resistance Level 3 signifies a high level of protection, indicating that the gloves can effectively withstand more significant quantities of molten metal. Specifically, this level means the gloves can handle at least 120 grams of molten iron without allowing the metal to penetrate and cause injury. The test involves pouring a defined amount of molten iron onto the glove to assess its ability to prevent the molten metal from reaching the skin. Gloves achieving Level 3 are ideal for high-risk industrial applications, such as heavy foundry work, steel mills, and other settings where large amounts of molten metal are frequently encountered. This level of protection is crucial for ensuring safety in environments with substantial exposure to high temperatures and molten substances, protecting workers from severe burns and other thermal injuries.

• 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

  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.

  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.

  Cut Resistance, ISO 13997 Level F

  The EN ISO 13997 cut resistance test, stipulated in the standard EN 388:2016, includes Level F in its rating which represents a force greater than 30 Newtons before the material is penetrated by a blade. Level F indicates excellent performance in terms of resistance to cutting, protecting against extremely sharp objects. This test is conducted using a TDM machine where a single-use straight edge blade is drawn just once across the material in a linear direction until it cuts through. The force required to penetrate the material is then measured and recorded. In practical applications, Level F cut-resistant gloves are suitable for high-risk environments such as heavy metal stamping, waste management, and glass handling, where handling extremely sharp objects and materials is common. Gloves meeting this high standard of cut resistance ensure maximum protection and durability under severe conditions.

  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.

• 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.

• 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.