Standards and labels

• 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.

• 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

  Radiant Heat Level X

  EN 407:2004 is a European standard that sets the requirements for protective gloves to defend against various thermal hazards, including radiant heat. The designation Radiant Heat Level X indicates that the gloves have not been tested for this specific type of protection, or they did not meet the minimum criteria established by the standard for resisting radiant heat. This means that these gloves are not certified for protection against radiant heat, which involves the transmission of heat through infrared rays from a heat source without direct contact. The lack of a specific radiant heat protection level suggests that users should not rely on these gloves for tasks where significant exposure to radiant heat is expected. Instead, these gloves might be suitable for other types of thermal risks for which they are certified, ensuring users select the appropriate type of protective glove based on the specific hazards present in their working environment. This classification assists in preventing inappropriate glove use and enhancing worker safety by clearly indicating the limitations of the glove's protective capabilities.

  Molten Metal Resistance Level 4

  EN 407:2004 is a European standard that sets performance criteria for protective gloves to safeguard against thermal risks, including the extreme conditions posed by molten metals. Molten Metal Resistance Level 4 indicates the highest level of protection available under this standard, meaning the gloves can effectively withstand substantial amounts of molten metal without penetration that could lead to burns or other injuries. This level signifies that the gloves can handle at least 200 grams of molten iron, ensuring that the metal does not penetrate through the glove material during testing. The test involves pouring this quantity of molten iron onto the glove and evaluating its capacity to prevent the molten metal from reaching the skin. Gloves meeting Level 4 are essential for extreme industrial environments, such as those in heavy foundries, cast iron manufacturing, and other sectors where workers are regularly exposed to high volumes of molten metal. This robust level of protection is critical for ensuring the highest safety standards, helping to prevent serious injuries in some of the most hazardous work conditions.

  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.

  Metal Splash Resistance Level X

  The EN 407:2004 standard specifies different levels of protection for gloves against thermal risks, including metal splash resistance. A result marked as 'Level X' under this standard symbolizes that the glove material either did not meet the minimum requirements for testing or that no specific test was conducted for this hazard. The test for Metal Splash Resistance in EN 407:2004 involves exposing the glove material to molten metal splashes to determine how much molten metal is required to heat the glove material to a degree that it would cause pain or injury to the wearer. The practical implication of a 'Level X' rating is that gloves marked as such should not be relied upon for protection against risks of molten metal splashes, making them unsuitable for use in environments where exposure to this hazard is likely.

  Heat Contact Level 1

  The standard EN 407:2004 on Protective gloves against thermal risks, including the testing for contact heat at Level 1, is designed to assess the protection level of gloves when exposed to thermal hazards. A Level 1 result on the contact heat resistance indicates basic protection where the glove can delay the transfer of heat from a contact source at 100°C for at least 15 seconds before the inside of the glove reaches a temperature increase of 10°C. The test method involves placing the outer surface of the glove in contact with a hot probe of defined dimensions and temperature, while the rate of temperature rise of a calorimeter on the inside of the glove is measured. This measurement provides a straightforward metric for assessing the thermal protection offered by the glove at low-level exposure. Practically, gloves rated at Level 1 for contact heat are suitable for environments where exposure to thermal risks is minimal and not excessively severe, making them adequate for certain low-risk industrial, laboratory, or handling applications where brief contact with warm objects is common.

  Heat Convection Level 2

  The EN 407:2004 standard, specifically concerning Heat Convection result at Level 2, measures the performance of protective gloves against heat and/or fire. With a Level 2 convection heat test result, it indicates that the gloves have a moderate level of protection against heat transferred through convection. This result correlates to an exposure to convective heat at a predefined level, which in Level 2 typically offers thermal resistance for a minimum of 5 seconds before the glove’s inner temperature increases by 24°C. The test method used involves circulating hot air around the glove, and measuring the time taken for the temperature inside the glove to rise by a specific amount (typically 24°C). This result is crucial for professionals working in environments where moderate exposure to convective heat is expected, helping them choose gloves that provide adequate protection while ensuring usability and dexterity. Such protective gloves are generally used in industries like industrial baking, glass operations, and certain chemical processes where hot vapors or similar conditions might pose risks.

• EN 12477:2001

  EN 12477:2001 is a European standard that focuses on protective gloves for welders. It specifies the requirements and test methods for gloves intended to protect the hands and forearms of welders against heat and splatter. The standard outlines criteria for thermal performance, resistance to molten metal spatter, and mechanical properties, ensuring that the gloves provide adequate protection during welding operations.

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• 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 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.

  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.

  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 ISO 9001:2015

  EN ISO 9001:2015 is a standard that sets out the requirements for a quality management system (QMS). It is a set of guidelines that organizations can follow to ensure that they meet customer requirements and enhance customer satisfaction. The standard is based on the plan-do-check-act model and focuses on continuous improvement. It covers the design, development, production, installation, and servicing of products. Organizations can get certified to this standard, which means that they have been independently audited and found to meet the requirements of the standard. The certification process includes regular audits to ensure that the organization continues to meet the standard's requirements.

  Test results

  Service Reliability Passed

• ISO 14001:2015

  ISO 14001:2015 is a standard that specifies requirements for an environmental management system (EMS). It includes requirements for how companies should design, implement, maintain and improve their EMS to ensure that they minimize negative impacts on the environment and comply with environmental regulations. Test results can include information on how well the EMS is functioning, how well it is being followed, and how effective it is in reducing environmental impacts. The standard also includes requirements for how the company should document and record their EMS performance and continuously improve it.

  Test results

  Environmental Management Passed

  The standard ISO 14001:2015 pertains to environmental management systems (EMS). A passed test result under this standard indicates that an organization's EMS meets the stringent criteria set forth for managing environmental responsibilities systematically. This ensures sustainable development while considering environmental impacts. Specifically, ISO 14001:2015 includes requirements for a framework that an organization can follow rather than establishing environmental performance criteria. It encompasses various aspects such as compliance obligations, planning actions to address risks and opportunities, and continual improvement. The test primarily involves evaluating the effectiveness of the EMS in supporting a company to achieve its intended outcomes regarding its environmental performance. If a company has passed this evaluation, it reflects their commitment to environmental stewardship, potentially enhancing their marketability and aiding in compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

• 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.