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

  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.

  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 X

  The standard EN 388:2016, specifically its segment referring to ISO 13997 test, is designed to assess the cut resistance of materials used in protective gloves. A result denoted as 'Level X' means that test is not performed and the cut resistance of the product cannot be guaranteed.

  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.

  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 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

  Water Tightness Level X

  The standard EN 511:2006 defines the requirements for protective gloves against cold. The reference to a Water Tightness Level X in this standard typically indicates that the glove has not been tested for water tightness. Water tightness is assessed through a specific test method where the gloves are subjected to water exposure under controlled conditions to check for leakage. The gloves are filled with water and then inspected visually to determine the presence of any water leakage. The practical implications of a Level X result for water tightness suggest that the gloves are either not designed to be waterproof or they failed to meet the minimum criteria for being labeled as water-resistant under normal usage conditions. This information is important for procurement professionals focusing specifically on the need for water-resistant or waterproof protective gloves.

  Cold Contact Level 4

  The standard EN 511:2006 specifies requirements for protective gloves that guard against cold environments. Cold Contact Level 4 test evaluates the thermal resistance of gloves to specific cold conditions. Achieving a Level 4 result means that the glove has a thermal resistance of at least 0.150 m²°C/W. This high level of resistance indicates that the gloves can significantly slow down the rate at which hand temperature would drop when exposed to cold environments, essentially providing the best protection against cold contacts outlined by this standard. The test method involves placing the glove material between metal plates at various regulated temperatures, then measuring the temperature difference across the glove material. Based on that measurement, the thermal resistance is calculated. The practical implication of this result is considerable for users in environments where protection against extreme cold is critical, such as in outdoor winter activities or in refrigerated workspaces, ensuring maximum thermal protection and comfort by drastically minimizing heat loss .

  Convective Cold Level X

  The EN 511:2006 standard specifies the requirements for protective gloves against cold, including convective cold. A specific test result of Level X under this standard generally implies that the gloves have not been measured for that specific level of protection against convective cold or did not meet the criteria to be rated at a discernible level; hence, information regarding the protection it could offer at Level X is not provided. The Convective Cold Test involved in EN 511:2006 measures the thermal insulation of gloves when exposed to cold air. This test uses an electrically heated hand model, and the power required to maintain the hand's temperature gives an indication of the glove's insulation effectiveness. The test environment is controlled with progressive cooling, and measurements are taken to assess the insulation level, categorized from Level 1 upwards. The higher the level, the greater the cold insulation offered by the glove, enabling professionals in cold environments to select gloves based on the specific insulation requirements of their workplace activities .

• 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.

  Test results

  General Requirements Guide

• 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.

• 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.