Standards and labels

• EN 420:2003+A1:2009

  EN 420:2003+A1:2009 is a European standard that sets out the general requirements for hand protection, including comfort, fit, and dexterity. Performance requirements include resistance to abrasion, cut, tear, puncture, and impact. Test results should show the gloves meet these requirements.

  Reach out to ask about the standard test results

• EN 388:2016

  EN 388:2016 is a European standard for measuring the performance of protective gloves against mechanical risks (abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture). The standard includes test methods and performance requirements for gloves to be considered compliant. Test results are reported using a series of four numbers, each representing the performance level achieved in one of the tests.

  Test results

  Abrasion Resistance Level 0

  In the standard EN 388:2016, an Abrasion Resistance result of Level 0 indicates the lowest protection level against abrasion for protective gloves. This result reflects that the gloves did not meet the minimum requirements set by the standard for resisting abrasion, which involves a glove's capability to withstand surface wear from rubbing. The test for Abrasion Resistance under EN 388:2016 involves repeatedly rubbing the glove material against an abrasive surface under controlled conditions. The level of protection is categorized from 0 (lowest) to 4 (highest), based on the number of cycles completed before a hole appears in the glove material. The practical implication of a result at Level 0 is that the gloves are not suitable for environments where abrasion resistance is necessary, and alternative gloves with higher abrasion resistance should be considered for such tasks.

  Cut Resistance, Coup Test Level 1

  The EN 388:2016 standard is dedicated to gauging the mechanical risks for hand protection where a Cut Resistance, Coup Test Level 1 indicates minimal resistance to cutting because material achieved between 1.2 and 2.5 cycles before being cut through during the test. It means that the product tested at this level offers basic protection against shallow cuts, suitable for tasks with low risk of cut injuries. The test method used involves a rotating circular blade under a fixed force making contact with the fabric or material being tested. The blade moves back and forth across the material until a cut-through is achieved. The number of cycles required to cut through the sample at a consistent speed determines the cut resistance, with Level 1 being the second lowest rating after level 0. Products at this level are applicable in scenarios where there are minimal hazards from sharp objects, hence ideal for light duties where there is no significant risk of deep cuts.

  Tear Resistance Level 2

  EN 388:2016 is a European standard that sets criteria for testing the mechanical risks for protective gloves, including abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture resistance. The Tear Resistance Level 2 designation indicates that the gloves have a moderate level of resistance to tearing. The test for tear resistance involves subjecting a sample of the glove material to a force until it tears, and the force required to initiate and propagate the tear is measured. Gloves that achieve Level 2 tear resistance can withstand between 25 to 50 Newtons of force. This level of tear resistance is suitable for tasks where gloves might face moderate stresses that could cause tearing, such as general handling and light industrial work where sharp or jagged materials are handled less frequently. These gloves provide reliable protection and durability in scenarios where some degree of mechanical risk is present but not excessively severe.

  Puncture Resistance Level 0

  EN 388:2016 specifies safety glove standards, including puncture resistance. The test result Level 0 in puncture resistance indicates that the product does not meet the minimal requirements set by the standard for protecting against punctures. The test method used involves using a standardized stylus with a specified force applied to the glove material. This is measured by the amount of force needed before the stylus punctures through the glove material. A Level 0 result signifies that the glove failed to provide any standardized level of protection during the testing procedure, which means it is not suitable for environments where puncture resistance is required for safety purposes .

  Cut Resistance, ISO 13997 Level X

  The standard EN 388:2016, specifically its segment referring to ISO 13997 test, is designed to assess the cut resistance of materials used in protective gloves. A result denoted as 'Level X' means that test is not performed and the cut resistance of the product cannot be guaranteed.

• PPE Category 2

  PPE stands for "personal protective equipment." PPE Category 2 refers to equipment that is more complex, and has a higher level of risk. Examples of PPE Category 2 include safety helmets, ear protection, and fall arrest equipment. In Europe, PPE Category 2 must meet certain safety standards set by the European Union, which means that it must be designed and manufactured to protect the user without causing harm. Companies that make or sell PPE must prove that it meets these standards. They also must have a quality management system in place and have to be audited regularly by a notified body.

• CE Marking

  CE Marking is a label that shows a product meets certain safety and environmental standards set by the European Union. To get the CE Marking, a company must test and certify their product meets these standards. CE Marking is required for many products sold in the EU, including electronics, machinery, toys and medical devices. It helps ensure that products are safe for consumers and the environment, and allows for easy trade within the EU.