Ansell AlphaTec 19-026

Standards and labels

• 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.

  Tear Resistance Level 2

  EN 388:2016 is a European standard that sets criteria for testing the mechanical risks for protective gloves, including abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture resistance. The Tear Resistance Level 2 designation indicates that the gloves have a moderate level of resistance to tearing. The test for tear resistance involves subjecting a sample of the glove material to a force until it tears, and the force required to initiate and propagate the tear is measured. Gloves that achieve Level 2 tear resistance can withstand between 25 to 50 Newtons of force. This level of tear resistance is suitable for tasks where gloves might face moderate stresses that could cause tearing, such as general handling and light industrial work where sharp or jagged materials are handled less frequently. These gloves provide reliable protection and durability in scenarios where some degree of mechanical risk is present but not excessively severe.

  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 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.

• 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 ISO 374-1:2016

  EN ISO 374-1:2016 is a standard that defines the performance requirements for gloves that protect against chemicals and microorganisms. The standard specifies the design, materials, and testing requirements for gloves to protect against chemicals and microorganisms. Possible test results include measurements of the gloves' permeation resistance, degradation, and penetration. It also includes the safety and functionality requirements for gloves.

  Test results

  Specified Requirements Type A

• EN 374-5:2016

  EN 374-5:2016 is a European standard for gloves that protect against microorganisms, specifically gloves that are used for medical and dental procedures. It sets rules for how the gloves should protect against microorganisms and how to test if they meet the standards. Gloves that pass the tests can have a label that says they meet the standard. The test results can be pass or fail for each test that checks the gloves resistance to microorganisms.

  Test results

  Micro-organisms Virus

  EN 374-5:2016 is a standard that outlines the requirements and testing methods for protective gloves designed to protect against viruses. The designation 'Virus' indicates that the gloves have passed specific tests confirming their barrier effectiveness against viruses. These tests involve assessing the glove material's resistance to penetration by blood-borne pathogens and other virus-containing fluids, using a bacteriophage as a surrogate virus due to its small size and resistance. Gloves that meet this standard are vital in healthcare settings, laboratories, and any environment where there is a risk of exposure to viral infections. They are crucial for preventing the transmission of diseases, ensuring that workers are protected when handling potentially infectious materials, thus enhancing safety and health protocols in workplaces with biological hazards.

  Micro-organisms Bacteria & Fungi

  EN 374-5:2016 specifies the requirements and test methods for protective gloves intended to protect against bacteria and fungi. The designation 'Bacteria & Fungi' indicates that the gloves have been tested and verified to provide effective barrier protection against microbial agents. The testing involves evaluating the glove's material and seams for their impermeability to microorganisms under conditions that simulate real-world use, ensuring no penetration occurs through the glove material or at the seams. Gloves certified under this standard are crucial for use in environments such as healthcare, laboratory settings, and any applications where preventing the transmission of infectious agents is essential. They help ensure the safety and hygiene of workers by providing reliable protection against the risks of bacterial and fungal contamination.

• 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 .

  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.

  Convective Cold Level 1

  The standard EN 511:2006 specifies requirements and test methods for gloves designed to protect against cold environments, focusing on elements such as convective cold, contact cold, and water permeability. The Convective Cold test, particularly at Level 1, results in a performance level where the thermal insulation (denoted as TR) measured in \(m^2°C/W\) is in the range of 0.10 to less than 0.15. This measurement indicates the glove's ability to provide minimal thermal resistance against cold air. The Convective Cold Test involves placing a glove on an electrically heated hand model, where the power required to maintain the hand at a set temperature (typically around 30°C) in a controlled cooling environment is measured. The glove's performance level is determined based on how much power is needed to keep the hand warm as the surrounding temperature decreases. Level 1 highlights a basic level of insulation against cold air, suitable for environments where slight cold protection is sufficient, but would not be suitable for more severe cold conditions. .

• REACH

  REACH stands for "Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals" it is a regulation of the European Union that governs the registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction of chemicals. The REACH regulation aims to ensure that the chemicals used in Europe are safe for human health and the environment. The regulation applies to all chemical substances, whether they are used in industrial processes or in everyday products such as cleaning products, paints, and cosmetics. Companies that manufacture, import or use chemicals in the EU must register the chemicals they produce or import, provide safety information and communicate the risks associated with the chemicals. This information will be used to assess the risks and determine if any further action is needed to protect human health and the environment.

• 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 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.