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UNDERSTANDING EN GLOVE SAFETY STANDARDS

When it comes to choosing the right gloves for safety at work, understanding the European Norm (EN) standards is crucial. These standards ensure that gloves meet specific safety requirements based on the risks present in different work environments. In this blog, we’ll dive into some of the most relevant EN standards for gloves: EN 388 (for mechanical risks), and EN 407 (for heat resistance). These standards make it easier to find the applicable hand protection for various industries like Chemical & Fire, Mining, Oil & Gas, Construction, Agriculture, and Manufacturing.

EN 388: Protection Against Mechanical Risks

EN 388 is the most widely recognised standard for safety gloves used in tasks where mechanical hazards are present. It evaluates gloves for their ability to withstand:

1. Abrasion Resistance

  • Test: The glove material is rubbed against sandpaper under controlled conditions.
  • Rating: Scores range from 1 to 4, with 4 offering the highest abrasion resistance.

2. Cut Resistance (Coup Test)

  • Test: Measures how many cycles a blade takes to cut through the glove material under specific pressure.
  • Rating: Scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 offering the best cut resistance.

3. Tear Resistance

  • Test: Determines how much force is required to tear the glove material.
  • Rating: Scores range from 1 to 4, with 4 being the most tear-resistant.

4. Puncture Resistance

  • Test: Assesses how much force is needed to puncture the glove with a sharp object like a nail.
  • Rating: Scores range from 1 to 4.

5. Updated TDM Cut Resistance

In 2016, EN 388 introduced an additional test called the TDM Cut Resistance Test, rated A to F, for materials resistant to very high levels of force. This test is crucial for modern gloves designed to handle heavy-duty applications.

EN 407: Protection Against Thermal Risks

EN 407 applies to gloves used in environments with extreme heat. The standard evaluates gloves based on six performance categories:

1. Flame Resistance

  • Test: Measures how well the glove resists ignition and self-extinguishes when exposed to flame.
  • Rating: Scores range from 1 to 4.

2. Contact Heat Resistance

  • Test: Determines the highest temperature (up to 500°C) that the glove can withstand for 15 seconds without damage.
  • Rating: Scores range from 1 to 4.

3. Convective Heat Resistance

  • Test: Assesses the glove’s ability to delay heat transfer from a flame.
  • Rating: Scores range from 1 to 4.

4. Radiant Heat Resistance

  • Test: How well the glove material resists heat transfer from radiant sources like furnaces.
  • Rating: Scores range from 1 to 4.

5. Small Molten Metal Splashes

  • Test: Protection against minor molten metal splashes, simulating welding conditions.
  • Rating: Scores range from 1 to 4.

6. Large Molten Metal Splashes

  • Test: The volume of molten metal the glove can resist without material damage or injury.
  • Rating: Scores range from 1 to 4.

Choosing the Right Gloves

When selecting gloves for your industry, always consider:

  • The specific hazards your workers face.
  • The EN 388 or EN 407 rating that meets or exceeds your safety requirements.
  • Additional factors such as comfort, dexterity, and compatibility with other PPE.

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