EN 388

The performance of gloves complying with the EN 388 standard is given by different indices:

A: Abrasion resistance – 1 to 4

Abrasion resistance is determined by the number of abrasion cycles required to wear down the glove. During the test, the sample is subjected to abrasion cycles until a hole appears in it. The higher the performance index of the glove, the higher the abrasion resistance.

Performance level: Abrasion resistance (number of cycles required for the abrasive to pierce the sample)

100 cycles ≤ level 1 < 500 cycles

500 cycles ≤ level 2 : < 2000 cycles

2,000 cycles ≤ level 3 : < 8,000 cycles

8000 cycles ≤ level 4

B: Cutting resistance – 1 to 5

The blade cutting resistance is determined by the number of cycles required to cut the glove at a constant speed compared to the results of a control sample. The test is performed with a rotating circular blade applying a force of 5 N to the sample. The higher the number of cycles and therefore the index, the more resistant the material will be to cutting.

Level of performance: Blade cutting resistance  (number of cycles required for the circular blade under 5 N pressure to cut the sample)

1.2 ≤ level 1 < 2.5

2.5 ≤ level 2 < 5.0

5.0 ≤ level 3 < 10.0

10.0 ≤ level 4 < 20.0

20.0 ≤ level 5

C: Tear resistance – 1 to 4

Tear resistance is an index that represents the force required to tear the glove. This performance index is not associated with protection against a particular risk, but gives additional information on the mechanical strength of the glove. During the test, the sample is torn axially by simultaneously applying force to both sides. The higher the index, the greater the glove’s resistance to tearing.

Level of performance: Tear resistance (force required to tear the sample)

10 Newtons ≤ level 1 < 25 Newtons

25 Newtons ≤ level 2 < 50 Newtons

50 Newtons ≤ level 3 < 75 Newtons

75 Newtons ≤ level 4

D: Puncture resistance – 1 to 4

Puncture resistance is an index that represents the force required to puncture the glove with a standard punch. In the test, the sample is held horizontally between two perforated plates and a probe moves vertically at a constant speed and presses on the sample until the sample is perforated. The higher the index, the greater the puncture resistance (level 4 being the best puncture performance index).

Level of performance: Puncture resistance (force required for the punch to puncture the sample)

20 Newtons ≤ level 1 < 60 Newtons

60 Newtons ≤ level 2 < 100 Newtons

100 Newtons ≤ level 3 < 150 Newtons

150 Newtons ≤ level 4

E: Resistance to cutting as per the standard ISO 13997 – A to F

A new test for resistance to cutting is provided in case the usual B-index cut resistance test is not suitable. This test is for gloves that have a high resistance to cutting, and therefore wear out the blade in the initial B-index test, giving false results.

Case 1: The glove does not wear the blade during the initial B-index test. The B-index result will therefore be taken into account and clarified. At the same time, the E index will not be tested and the letter X (meaning “not tested”) will be indicated for the latter.

Case 2: The glove does not wear the blade during the initial B-index test. The B-index result will therefore be taken into account and clarified. At the same time, the manufacturer, if it wishes, can still implement the test for the E-index and this result will be listed as well (A to F).

Case 3: The glove wears the blade during the initial B test and this test is therefore not suitable. The manufacturer should implement the resistance to cutting test according to ISO 13997 and the result should be logged (A to F). The manufacturer may choose to give the test result for index B in parallel as an indication.

Level of performance: Resistance to cutting according to ISO 13997 (force required for a blade (razor) to split the sample over a 20 mm stroke)

X = test not implemented

2 Newtons ≤ level A < 5 Newtons

5 Newtons ≤ level B < 10 Newtons

10 Newtons ≤ level C < 15 Newtons

15 Newtons ≤ level D < 22 Newtons

22 Newtons ≤ level E < 30 Newtons

30 Newtons ≤ level 1 < 15 Newtons

F: Impact resistance according to EN 13594:2015 (protective gloves for motorcycle riders)

This new index tests the impact resistance of a protective glove. The test is implemented according to the European standard EN 13594, which applies to protective gloves used for riding motorbikes on the road. The test is passed if the glove sufficiently attenuates the impact of shocks.

A successful implementation is indicated by the letter P in the indices.

A test not implemented by the manufacturer or a failed test is not marked and the letter P is absent.

Level of performance: Maintaining the condition of the glove receiving a weight of 2.5 kg with an energy of 5 joules

Remarks:

Levels 4 and 5 are the highest levels. The levels are guaranteed on the palm of the glove.

It is important to note that the performance of gloves against mechanical hazards will tend to deteriorate over time and with your activity, due to glove wear. The performance of worn gloves is therefore naturally different from the performance assessed for our new EDC Protection gloves.

All activities during which workers are exposed to mechanical risks such as cuts by sharp objects (knife blades, glass, metal, etc.), perforation (nails, splinters, metal, tools, etc.), punctures or abrasion.
Trades in glassmaking, metalworking, steelmaking, bodywork, foundry, ironmongery, metal parts manufacturers, etc.