Standards and labels

• 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

  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.

  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.

  Molten Metal Resistance Level X

  EN 407:2004 is a European standard that provides specifications for protective gloves to safeguard against thermal risks, including the exposure to molten metals. The designation Molten Metal Resistance Level X indicates that the gloves have not been tested for this specific risk, or they failed to meet the minimum requirements set out in the standard for protection against molten metal splashes. This means that the gloves are either unsuitable for use in environments where there is a risk of contact with molten metals, or additional testing is required to determine their suitability. Typically, such a classification implies that the gloves should not be used for handling molten metals and should only be considered for other types of thermal risks specified in the standard, where molten metal exposure is not a concern. This classification helps in ensuring that users select the right type of glove based on the specific hazards present in their working environment, thereby preventing inappropriate use and enhancing safety.

  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.

  Metal Splash Resistance Level 4

  EN 407:2004 is a European standard focused on assessing the protective capabilities of gloves against thermal risks, including hazards such as molten metal splashes. Metal Splash Resistance Level 4 represents an advanced level of protection, where the gloves are designed to handle substantial exposure to molten metal. This performance level signifies that the gloves can effectively resist at least 35 droplets of molten metal, protecting the wearer without the metal penetrating the glove material significantly. The testing involves simulating conditions where molten metal is splashed onto the glove, assessing the glove's ability to prevent molten metal from sticking and causing burns. Gloves that achieve Level 4 are ideal for heavy industrial applications such as steel mills, foundries, and welding, where frequent and substantial contact with molten metal occurs. This level of protection is crucial for maintaining safety and preventing serious injuries in environments with high thermal risks.

  Heat Convection Level X

  The EN 407:2004 European standard and its annexure for Heat Convection Level X is designed to gauge the protective capability of gloves when exposed to heat transmitted through a fluid medium, such as air or steam. The designation of Level X specifically indicates that the material did not meet the minimum requirements set forth in the test, or wasn't tested due to being deemed unsuitable for this type of exposure based on the nature of the material. The test method for determining this involves measuring the time it takes for the material to increase in temperature by 24°C under standardized conditions of convection heat exposure. This test is important for defining the efficacy of protective gear under various industrial conditions where heat convection is a risk.

• EN 12477:2001/A1:2005

  EN 12477:2001, along with the amendment A1:2005, is a European standard that specifically addresses protective gloves for welders. The standard sets requirements and test methods for gloves designed to protect the hands and forearms from heat and splatter during welding operations. The amendment A1:2005 introduces updates and refinements to enhance the performance and reliability of the gloves, ensuring improved protection for welders. It may include additional requirements for factors such as dexterity, grip, and durability. Compliance with EN 12477:2001 and its amendment ensures that welders have appropriate gloves that meet the necessary safety standards.

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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

  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.

  Tear Resistance Level 2

  EN 388:2016 is a European standard that sets criteria for testing the mechanical risks for protective gloves, including abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture resistance. The Tear Resistance Level 2 designation indicates that the gloves have a moderate level of resistance to tearing. The test for tear resistance involves subjecting a sample of the glove material to a force until it tears, and the force required to initiate and propagate the tear is measured. Gloves that achieve Level 2 tear resistance can withstand between 25 to 50 Newtons of force. This level of tear resistance is suitable for tasks where gloves might face moderate stresses that could cause tearing, such as general handling and light industrial work where sharp or jagged materials are handled less frequently. These gloves provide reliable protection and durability in scenarios where some degree of mechanical risk is present but not excessively severe.

  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.

  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.

• 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.