EN 388:2016

EN 388:2016 

Gloves protecting against mechanical hazards. All gloves are tested in accordance with characteristics include abrasion resistance, cut resistance, tearing strength, puncture resistance and impact protection under EN388.  

The protection level is indicated by a number between 1 and 4 or 5, where higher number indicates the higher level of protections. Gloves were rated for their resistance to abrasion, cut, tear and puncture. 

1. Abrasion Resistance 

Abrasion resistance refers to the ability of materials and structures to withstand abrasion. To test the safety glove's resistance to abrasion, the material is treated with sandpaper under pressure until a hole appears in the material.  

The protection level is indicated on a scale of 1 to 4 depending on the number of turns required  

2. Blade Cut Resistance 

To test the blade cut resistance of a safety glove, a knife is passed over the glove material until it cuts through.  

The protection level is given by a number between 1 and 5, where 5 indicates the highest cut protection. If test material dulls the blade, testing will follow the ISO 13997 (TDM test) standard. Please refer to point 5 for more details.  

3. Tearing Strength 

To check tear resistance, the force required to tear the glove material apart is measured and used as a benchmark.  

The protection level is indicated by a number between 1 and 4, where 4 indicates the strongest material. 

4. Puncture Resistance 

To test the puncture resistance, the force required to puncture the material with a tip is measured and used as a benchmark.  

The protection function is indicated by a number between 1 and 4, where 4 indicates the strongest material. 

5. Alternative of Blade Cut Resistance, TDM Test ISO 13997:1999  

An alternative cut test recommended for cut protection gloves. Shall be used in EN388:2016 for cut protection gloves where the cut material dulls the cutting knife during Blade Cut Resistance testing. 

A knife cuts with constant speed but increasing force gradually until the cut protection material is being cut through. Level of protection is given in Newton, the force needed for cut through at 20mm cut length. 

The result is given by a letter, A to F, where F indicates the highest level of protection. If any of these letters is given, this method determines the protection level instead of Blade Cut Resistance.  

6. Impact Protection 

If the glove has an impact protection, this information is given by the letter P as the 6th and last sign. If no P sign, no impact protection is claimed. 

EN 388:2003 is the old version of the standard against mechanical risks. Check here for more details.