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, ISO 13997 Level C

  The EN 388:2016 standard comprehensively addresses the cut resistance of gloves, using the ISO 13997 test method, where achieving Level C indicates that the glove can withstand forces between 10 to 14 newtons during cutting. This level of cut resistance provides an intermediate level of protection against cuts, suitable for handling tasks where there is a significant risk of cuts from sharp objects but where the highest level of cut resistance isn't necessary. The ISO 13997 test itself is a more detailed and clear manner to assess material cut resistance under a straight-edge blade under varying load, unlike the Coup Test used previously, which could blunt the blade. Essentially, Level C gloves are designed for robust hand protection in environments where cut hazards are considerable but not at the most extreme end of the scale, making them suitable for industries like construction and manufacturing where sharp tools and materials are frequently handled.

  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 .

  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.

  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.

  Puncture Resistance Level 3

  The European Norm (EN) 388:2016 standard includes guidelines for assessing the puncture resistance of gloves, where a Puncture Resistance result of Level 3 signifies that the glove material can withstand a force of between 100 to 149 Newtons before being punctured. This result is crucial for ensuring that gloves provide an adequate level of protection against punctures when used in moderate risk environments, offering users safety from potentially harmful sharp objects. The test procedure for determining this metric involves measuring the amount of force required to puncture the glove using a standard-sized stylus. The stylus is pressed against the glove material at a constant speed until a puncture occurs. The weight needed to achieve the puncture is then recorded as the glove's puncture resistance level. For procurement professionals, this result implies that gloves rated at this level are suitable for tasks where there is a significant risk of encountering puncturing hazards, such as handling building materials, waste management, or assembly line work involving mid-level sharp objects.

• 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.

  Test results

  Cut Resistance Level C

  In the EN 13997:1999 standard, a test result indicating a cut resistance Level C implies that the product can withstand forces between 10 and 15 newtons without cutting through. This level of cut resistance is characterized by the product's ability to handle higher risk materials handling or light assembly tasks, which could involve handling objects with relatively sharper edges, but not to the extent that would require the highest resistance offered by the test standards. The test method for determining this result employs a specific blade on a TDM-100 machine, set to apply variable force to the fabric from below while passing through the fabric sample on a conductive strip. The blade is drawn once across the material in a single direction, and the distance the blade travels before penetrating the material is recorded. Practically, products achieving a Level C cut resistance are suitable for environments where moderate protection is needed against cuts, such as in maintenance works or light metal handling .

• 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.