EN 388:2003 is the standard governing gloves designed to protect against mechanical risks such as impact, abrasion, tearing, and puncturing, typically encountered in heavy-duty or industrial environments.
If you have ever used gloves for work, whether in an industrial setting or for hobbies like DIY woodwork, you may have noticed a 4-digit code below the EN 388 marking. These numbers represent the glove’s performance in various tests, indicating its resistance to different types of mechanical hazards.
EN 388:2003 is the standard for protective gloves against mechanical risks. This standard applies to all types of gloves designed to protect against impact, abrasion, tearing, and puncturing, typically in heavy-duty or industrial environments.
Gloves that meet the EN 388 standard will have a 4-digit code displayed on a pictogram. Each digit represents the glove’s performance in different tests, indicating how well it has performed in each type of mechanical hazard test.
1) Abrasion Resistance: Tested by measuring the number of cycles the glove can withstand abrasion until it wears through.
2) Cut Resistance: Tested by measuring the number of cycles required to cut through the glove at a constant speed.
3) Tear Resistance: Tested by measuring the force needed to tear the glove sample apart.
4) Puncture Resistance: Tested by measuring the force required to puncture the glove using a standard test tool.
Each test under this standard is categorized into five performance levels, with level 0 being the lowest and level 5 being the highest.
The performance levels must be clearly indicated on the graphical chart specified on the glove.
New Cut Resistance Standards: ANSI and EN388: 2016
In 2016, changes were made to the standards for gloves used with machinery, affecting both the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard in the U.S. and the EN388 standard in Europe. The most noticeable difference is the updated cut resistance testing standards. The revised EN388 standard addresses issues with the previous Coup Test method by requiring cut resistance tests to be conducted according to ISO 13997. This involves using the TDM machine, with results reported in Newtons based on the cutting force over a 20mm distance (similar to ANSI/ISEA 105). The results are scored on a scale of six levels (A-F).
From the Testing Numbers:
The new EN388:2016 standard introduces six levels of cut resistance, corresponding to ANSI/ISEA levels A1-A6. However, it does not extend to level 9 as ANSI does. For a more detailed evaluation of equipment performance, ANSI standards may provide clearer insights.
EN388:2016 is a new standard that expands the previous four-digit code (EN388 abcd) to a six-digit code (EN388 abcdef). This includes the original four types of durability tests:
- Abrasion Resistance
- Cut Resistance (Coup Test)
- Tear Resistance
- Puncture Resistance
Additionally, it introduces two new tests:
- Cut Resistance (TDM Test) according to ISO 13997 – Represented by letters A-F, indicating increasing levels of resistance.
- Impact Resistance – Represented by P for passed and F or X for failed or not applicable.
Summary of EN 388 Standards:
Overall, the EN 388 standard helps users and safety managers determine the level of protection provided by protective gloves against various mechanical risks. It uses index values to assess glove performance, offering more precise safety measurements:
The previous version of the standard did not include protection for cuts and impact resistance.
Since gloves come in various types, categorized by their use such as chemical work, electrical work, cut resistance, puncture resistance, etc., selecting the right glove for industrial tasks can be complex. To ensure that the gloves meet your needs, work comfortably, and provide safety, you should study and read the standards marked on the product for effective protection suitable for the specific application.
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