GLOVE STANDARDS
The symbols below represent various features of our garments. The following definitions apply:
The European standard EN 420 regulates the standard requirements for protective gloves
as follows:
• The gloves themselves should not impose a risk or cause injury.
• The pH of the gloves should be as close as possible to neutral.
• Leather gloves should have a pH value between 3.5 – 9.5.
• The highest permitted value for chromium is 3 mg/kg (chrome VI).
• Details of any substance used in the glove which is known to cause allergies should be specified.
• The gloves should be sized by reference to an agreed common European hand size, for example minimum length.
SIZE
6
7
8
9
10
11
MINIMAL LENGTH
(mm)
220
230
240
250
260
270
HAND CIRCUMFERENCE (mm)
152
178
203
229
254
279
HAND LENGTH
(mm)
160
171
182
192
204
215
The European standard EN 388 regulates the minimum requirements, test methods and labeling
of safety gloves against mechanical risks when carrying out work.
Protection against mechanical risks is presented by a pictogram accompanied by five numbers
(performance levels), each representing test performance against a specific hazard.
Abrasion Resistance
Based on the number of cycles required to abrade through the glove.
(Highest performance level 4 = 8,000 cycles)
Puncture Resistance
Based on the amount of force required to pierce the glove with a standard-sized point.
(Highest performance level 4 = 150 Newtons)
Blade Cut Resistance
Based on the number of cycles required to cut
through the glove with a circular blade at a constant
speed.
(Highest performance level 5 = index 20)
EN ISO 13997 Cut Resistance
Based on the minimum force required to cut through the glove with a straight blade.
(Highest performance level F = 30 Newtons)
Tear Resistance
Based on the amount of force required to tear
the glove.
(Highest performance level 4 = 75 Newtons)
TEST
PERFORMANCE LEVELS
1
2
3
4
5
ABRASION RESISTANCE (CYCLE)
<100
500
2000
8000
–
BLADE CUT RESISTANCE (INDEX)
<1.2
2.5
5
10
20
TEAR RESISTANCE (NEWTONS)
<10
25
50
75
–
PUNCTURE RESISTANCE (NEWTONS)
<20
40
100
150
–
–
A
B
C
D
E
F
EN ISO 13997 CUT RESISTANCE (NEWTONS)
2
5
10
15
22
30
The European standard EN 407 regulates the minimum requirements, test methods and labeling for safety gloves in relation to thermal risks. Safety gloves certified in accordance with this standard protect the wearer from contact heat, radiant heat, and small splashes from molten metal.
However, it does not concern the specific application of heat-resistant gloves, such as firefighting or welding. Heat-resistant gloves are intended to fulfill the following properties in accordance with EN 407:
- Low flammability or flame spread
- Low heat transmission (protective effect from radiant, convective and contact heat)
- High temperature resistance
The nature and degree of protection is presented by a pictogram followed by a series of six performance levels, relating to specific protective qualities.
Safety gloves are classified and tested in EN 407 in accordance with the following criteria:
The mechanical risks and/or their test methods are defined as follows:
Protection From Ignition
Based on the length of time the material continues to burn and glow after the source of ignition is removed. The seams of the glove shall not come apart after an ignition time of 15 seconds.
(Highest performance level 4 = after-flame time 2 seconds, afterglow time 5 seconds)
Protection From Radiant Heat
Based on the length of time the glove is able to delay the transfer of heat when exposed to a radiant heat source.
(Highest performance level 4 = at least 150 seconds)
Protection From Contact Heat
Based on the temperature range (100-500 °C) at which the user will feel no pain for at least 15 seconds.
(Highest performance level 4 = + 500 °C)
Protection From Droplets of Molten Metal
The number of molten metal drops required to heat the glove to a given level.
(Highest performance level 4 = over 35 droplets)
Protection From Convective Heat (gradually penetrating heat)
Based on the length of time the glove is able to delay the transfer of heat from a flame from an open fire.
(Highest performance level 4)
Protection From Molten Metal
The weight of molten metal required to cause damage (smoothing or pin-holing) across a simulated skin (attached to the inside of the glove).
(Highest performance level 4 = 200 grams)
EN 407: Protection Against Thermal Risk
In accordance with the test in EN 407, the safety gloves are classified with a performance level in relation to each of the individual thermal hazards (numbers from 1 to 4, with 4 being the best). What is important is that the glove must not come into contact with open fire if it does not fulfill performance level 3 in the fire resistance test.
TEST
PERFORMANCE LEVELS
1
2
3
4
IGNITION – AFTER BURN (TIME IN SEC)
<20
<10
<3
<2
IGNITION – AFTER GLOW (TIME IN SEC)
N/R
<120
<25
<5
CONTACT HEAT (TEMP. IN ºC AFTER 15 SEC)
100
250
350
500
CONVECTIVE HEAT (HEAT TRANSFER DELAY SEC)
<4
<7
<10
<18
RADIANT HEAT (HEAT TRANSFER DELAY SEC)
<5
<30
<90
<150
DROPLETS OF MOLTEN METAL (DROP)
<5
<15
<25
<35
MOLTEN METAL (g)
30
60
120
200
The European standard EN 420 regulates the standard requirements for protective gloves
as follows:
• The gloves themselves should not impose a risk or cause injury.
• The pH of the gloves should be as close as possible to neutral.
• Leather gloves should have a pH value between 3.5 – 9.5.
• The highest permitted value for chromium is 3 mg/kg (chrome VI).
• Details of any substance used in the glove which is known to cause allergies should be specified.
• The gloves should be sized by reference to an agreed common European hand size, for example minimum length.
EN 511: COLD PROTECTION
TEST
PERFORMANCE LEVELS
0
1
2
3
4
CONVECTIVE COLD RESISTANCE
i<0.1
0.1 < i < 0.5
0.15< i<0.2
0.22< i<0.3
0.3< i
CONTACT COLD RESISTANCE
R<0.025
0.025<R0.05
0.05<R<0.1
0.1<R<0.15
0.15<R
PERMEABILITY TO WATER
FAIL
PASS
–
–
–