Portwest Thermo Pro Glove, Blue/Black

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

  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 2

  EN 388:2016 is an updated European standard that specifies criteria for testing gloves to protect against mechanical risks, including abrasion, cuts, tears, and puncture. The Abrasion Resistance Level 2 classification within this standard indicates a moderate level of protection against wear from rough materials. The abrasion resistance test involves subjecting the glove material to repeated cycles of sandpaper under pressure until the material wears through. Level 2 abrasion resistance means the gloves can withstand between 500 to 1999 cycles before being penetrated. This level of protection is suitable for tasks that involve handling or coming into contact with abrasive materials but not at an extreme or heavy-duty level. Gloves with Level 2 abrasion resistance are well-suited for general handling tasks, offering durability and protection to extend the life of the glove while maintaining good dexterity and comfort.

  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.

• 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 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.

  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.

  Reach out to ask about the standard test results

• 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.