How to Read Safety Gloves Certification?
When it comes to ensuring safety in various work environments, selecting the appropriate protective gloves is of utmost importance. To aid in this process, the European Standard EN 388 was established to provide a unified system and parameter for evaluating and classifying the performance of protective gloves against mechanical hazards.
In this article, we will explore the details of EN 388, understanding its significance and how to interpret its markings. By understanding these aspects, you will be equipped to make well-informed decisions and select the most suitable gloves to meet your specific needs.
What is EN 388?
EN 388 is a European standard that defines the requirements and test methods for protective gloves against mechanical risks such as abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture resistance. It aims to provide users with a standardized way of comparing different gloves and making informed decisions based on their intended applications. The latest version is EN 388: 2016 + A1: 2018.
EN 388 Markings Explanation
Each digit represents the type of mechanical risks that the protective gloves are able to provide protection against with. The result is indicated by a letter or number, ranging from 1 to 5 or A to F, where 5 or F indicates the highest level of protection
1. Abrasion Resistance
The material is subjected to abrasion using sandpaper under specific pressure. The level of protection is indicated on a scale of 1 to 4, depending on the number of turns required until a hole appears in the material. The higher the number, the better the resistance to abrasion
2. Blade Cut Resistance (Coup Test)
The cut protection is tested by passing a knife over the glove material until it cuts through. The protection level is indicated by a number ranging from 1 to 5, with 5 representing the highest cut protection. If the material dulls the knife during this test, the cut test ISO 13997 (TDM test) shall be conducted instead. Please refer to point 5 for further details.
3. Tearing Resistance
The force required to tear the glove material apart is measured. The protection level is indicated by a number ranging from 1 to 4, with 4 representing the strongest material.
4. Puncture Resistance
The amount of force required to puncture the material with a tip is measured. The level of protection is indicated by a number ranging from 1 to 4, with 4 representing the strongest material
5. EN ISO 13997 Cut Resistance (TDM-100 Test)
If the knife becomes dull during the coup test, as mentioned in point 2, the alternative test shall be conducted. In this case, the result is indicated by a letter ranging from A to F, with F representing the highest level of protection. If any of these letters is assigned, this method determines the protection level instead of the coup test.
ISO 13997:1999 – Determination of resistance to cutting by sharp objects
An alternative cut test is recommended for cut protection gloves in accordance with EN388:2016, specifically for cases where the cut material dulls the cutting knife during testing.
In this alternative test, a knife cuts with a constant speed but increasing force until breakthrough of the cut protection material occurs. The level of protection is indicated in Newton, representing the force required for cut through at a 20mm cut length.
The protection level for cut resistance is indicated using the letters A to F, where F represents the highest level of protection. If the EN ISO 13997 Cut Resistance test is not conducted, no numerical value will be provided to indicate the level of cut protection.
6. Impact Protection
If the glove provides impact protection, it is indicated by the letter "P" as the 6th and final symbol. If no "P" symbol is present, it means that no impact protection is claimed for the glove.
If the test for cut resistance is not conducted with the protective glove, the symbol "X" is indicated. This indicates that the glove is not applicable for cut resistance testing or does not possess cut resistance properties.
How to read its markings?
The above information provides an overview of the requirements and test methods for protective gloves concerning various mechanical risks.
Using MUNDO leather working gloves as an example, this product has undergone testing in accordance with EN 388:2016, resulting in a performance level of EN 388 (3144X).
1. Abrasion Resistance – Level 3
2. Blade Cut Resistance (Coup Test) – Level 1
3. Tearing Resistance -– Level 4
4. Puncture Resistance – Level 4
5. EN ISO 13997 Cut Resistance (TDM-100 Test) – not applicable
6. Impact Protection – not applicable
To summarise, MUNDO leather working gloves offer high protection against Tearing Resistance and Puncture Resistance, and fair protection against Abrasion Resistance. However, they are not cut-resistant gloves. These gloves provide high levels of protection for users in normal working environments.
It is crucial to select the appropriate gloves for different circumstances, as most gloves are not designed to provide the highest level of protection across all types of resistance.