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.

  Reach out to ask about the standard test results

• 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

  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.

  Cut Resistance, ISO 13997 Level E

  The ISO 13997 result Level E in the standard EN 388:2016 indicates a high level of cut resistance where the required force to cut through the protective material is between 22 and 29 Newtons. This test, as part of the EN 388:2016, uses a TDM test device with a single-use straight-edge blade that is drawn once across the material. The level of cut resistance is determined by the distance the blade travels before it cuts through the sample, with higher levels corresponding to materials that require greater force to be cut. For a Level E result, this specific range implies that the protective gloves or material provide considerable resistance against cuts, making them suitable for applications where there is a significant risk of cuts from sharp objects, such as in automotive assembly, engineering utilities, and CNC machining/metal fabrication, enhancing both safety and durability in these environments.

  Cut Resistance, Coup Test Level 5

  The standard EN 388:2016 is crucial for assessing hand protection, explicitly regarding the Cut Resistance. Achieving result Level 5 indicates the highest performance level where the material can withstand more than 20 hand movements against the rotating blade without being cut through. This demonstrates a high degree of resistance to cutting hazards, positioning it effective for managing enhanced risks. The Coup Test method involves a rotating circular blade continuously moving back and forth under a fixed pressure on the test material until a cut through occurs. It is a critical evaluation part of EN 388:2016, specifically designed to assess materials used in protective gloves. Understanding this result is vital for procurement professionals as it implies that products meeting this level are suitable for environments where there are significant risks of cuts, such as handling glass or heavy metal sheets, ensuring enhanced safety measures in high-risk conditions.

  Abrasion Resistance Level 1

  In the EN 388:2016 standard, the Abrasion Resistance result Level 1 signifies that the tested gloves or protective materials can withstand 100 cycles of sandpaper abrasion under pressure, before developing a hole. This is considered the lowest performance level in abrasion resistance according to the standard. Generally, Level 1 abrasion resistance would be underperforming for tasks that involve frequent contact with abrasive surfaces, and might be more suitable for situations where light abrasion is the primary risk. Higher numbers (up to 4) in this test indicate stronger abrasion resistance.

• 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

  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.

  Heat Convection Level 4

  For Heat Convection Level 4 under EN 407:2004, this indicates the highest level of protection that protective gloves can offer against convective heat, which involves heat transfer through hot gases or liquids. To qualify for Level 4 in convective heat protection, gloves must demonstrate significant resistance to heat transfer. Specifically, gloves at this level are required to delay an increase in internal temperature by no more than 24°C for at least 18 seconds during exposure to convective heat. This makes them highly effective for use in environments where there is substantial exposure to high levels of heat from gases or steam, providing a much higher level of safety for handling or working near hot substances for extended periods.

  Metal Splash Resistance Level 1

  EN 407:2004 is a European standard that specifies the requirements and test methods for protective gloves intended to protect against thermal risks, including exposure to hot metals. The Metal Splash Resistance Level 1 indicates that the gloves provide basic protection against small splashes of molten metal. The test assesses the glove's ability to resist the penetration and accumulation of molten metal on the glove surface. In the Level 1 test, the glove must resist at least 10 droplets of molten metal without the metal penetrating the glove to a degree that could cause harm to the wearer. This level of protection is suitable for environments where exposure to molten metal splashes is minimal and not severe, such as in light metal casting or welding tasks. Gloves with Metal Splash Resistance Level 1 help protect workers from minor injuries and burns, providing a basic level of safety in conditions where occasional contact with hot metals may occur.

  Molten Metal Resistance Level X

  EN 407:2004 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.

  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 Contact Level 3

  EN 407:2004 standard defines the resistance to heat and flames for protective gloves, with varying performance levels from 0 to 4 and X. The specified test result Level 3 in Heat Contact implies that the gloves can withstand a medium level of heat exposure while offering substantial protection to the wearer. This involves testing the gloves' material under controlled conditions to measure the temperature range at which the material can endure continued exposure before a temperature increase of 10°C is detected on the inside surface, typically due to heat transferring through the material. In practical terms, the Level 3 classification assures professionals dealing with moderate levels of heat, such as in certain manufacturing or engineering environments, that the gloves provide a reliable barrier against heat, which can be crucial for both safety and comfort during tasks involving heat exposure.

• 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.

• Ecovadis

  Ecovadis rating and certification system is used in Europe to evaluate and recognize companies' sustainability performance. It is focused on the supply chain and evaluates companies on environmental, social and ethical criteria, such as environmental protection, labor practices, and fair business practices. The requirements for getting an Ecovadis certification will depend on the specific category of business and industry, but typically include providing information on the company's sustainability practices, policies and performance, and undergoing an assessment by an independent auditor.

• 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.