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 ISO 374-1:2016

  EN ISO 374-1:2016 is a standard that defines the performance requirements for gloves that protect against chemicals and microorganisms. The standard specifies the design, materials, and testing requirements for gloves to protect against chemicals and microorganisms. Possible test results include measurements of the gloves' permeation resistance, degradation, and penetration. It also includes the safety and functionality requirements for gloves.

  Test results

  Specified Requirements Type A

• 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 4

  The standard EN 388:2016 includes a test for Puncture Resistance, where a Level 4 result indicates a protective performance that can withstand a force between 100 to 150 newtons. This specific level of puncture resistance reflects a significant protective capability, offering substantial protection against punctures from pointed objects like nails or wires. The test method includes using a standard stylus of a specific diameter, which is pressed against the sample material with increasing force until it punctures the material. A machine used for this test measures the force exerted at the moment the material is punctured. Practical implications of this result for products such as gloves or protective clothing mean that they are suitable for environments where there is a high risk of encountering medium to sharp objects that could pierce through lesser resistant materials, thus ensuring higher safety standards for workers in such conditions. This level of puncture resistance is particularly crucial in industries such as construction or waste management where sharp debris is common.

  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, 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 .

  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.

• 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.

• Oeko-Tex Standard 100

  Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is a product certification program for textiles, which is awarded by the Oeko-Tex Association. This program verifies that the textile products are free from harmful chemicals. To be able to use the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 label, a product must meet certain requirements set by the Oeko-Tex Association which include limits on the levels of harmful substances such as pesticides, heavy metals, and formaldehyde. The textile products are inspected and certified by Oeko-Tex, they can use the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 label on their packaging to show that they are free from harmful chemicals. This certification is for all types of textiles, from raw materials to finished products, and it is globally recognized.