Standards and labels

• 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.

• 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 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.

  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 D

  Cut Resistance according to the ISO 13997 result under the European Standard EN 388:2016 quantifies the level of resistance a material offers against cutting where the required force to cut through the protective material is between 15 and 21 Newtons. This test method involves applying a straight-edge blade under load over the material's surface and determining the load at which the blade cuts through at a standard length of cut. This stringent testing is critical for products like protective gloves or garments, where high cut resistance ensures better safety and durability in environments where sharp objects are handled. Understanding and adhering to this standard helps procure suitable protective gear that meets safety requirements and offers expected protection for specific risk exposures .

  Cut Resistance, Coup Test Level 3

  The standard EN 388:2016 specifies Cut Resistance for protective gloves, among other standards. A result of 'Level 3' on the Coup Test means that the gloves are certified to withstand at least 5 but less than 10 cycles before being penetrated by a blade. This is based on a specific scale from Level 1 to Level 5, where Level 5 offers the highest protection against cuts. The Coup Test involves using a rotating circular blade under a fixed load moving back and forth across the glove material until cut through occurs. The number of cycles the blade can go through before cutting the fabric determines the cut resistance level. In practical terms, a Level 3 rating in cut resistance indicates that the gloves offer suitable protection for activities involving handling of materials with some sharp edges, such as construction or light assembly tasks, providing a balance between dexterity and cut protection. This level is typically recommended for tasks where there is a moderate risk of cuts and slashes.

  Abrasion Resistance Level 4

  EN 388:2016 uses a specific test method to measure abrasion resistance of safety gloves; the gloves’ material is subjected to sandpaper under pressure to observe the number of cycles needed to wear through the material. Level 4 in this standard indicates that the material withstood 8,000 cycles before a hole was made. Practically, this means that gloves rated at Level 4 for abrasion resistance offer very high resilience against wearing through, making them suitable for tasks involving significant contact with rough surfaces .

• 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.

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• EN ISO 21420:2020

  Test results

  General Requirements Guide

  EN ISO 21420:2020 is a standard that outlines general requirements and guidelines for protective gloves, aiming to ensure their quality, performance, and suitability for various applications. When a product meets the requirements outlined in the General Requirements section of EN ISO 21420:2020, it signifies that the gloves comply with fundamental quality and performance criteria, including factors such as size, fit, ergonomics, and dexterity. The practical implications of this compliance are significant, as it assures users of the gloves' basic functionality and suitability for general hand protection purposes across a range of industries and applications. The test method involves evaluating various aspects of the gloves, including dimensions, construction, materials, and labeling, to ensure conformity with the specified requirements. Compliance with these general requirements enhances user confidence in the protective gloves' reliability and effectiveness, promoting workplace safety and facilitating compliance with regulatory standards.

• 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.