Gloves are often subject to specific European (EN) standards, which define the requirements and testing procedures for various types of gloves. Some examples include:

1. 1. EN 388 Protective gloves against mechanical risks
   2. EN 420 General requirements for gloves, including sizing and labelling.
   3. EN 374 Gloves for protection against chemicals and micro-organisms.
   4. EN 511 Gloves for protection against cold.
   5. EN 407 Gloves for protection against thermal risks (heat and/or fire).

EN 388 focuses on gloves designed to protect against mechanical risks, these include abrasion, cut, puncture, and tear resistance.

• Abrasion – based on a score between 1 & 4
• Cut – based on a score between 1 & 5
• Tear – based on a score between 1 & 4
• Puncture – based on a score between 1 & 4

Abrasion, cut and tear are all still marked with a rating between 1-4 but in 2016 the new EN388 standard added two more tests for cut protection and impact protection.

New standards for cut protection

The new cut protection test increases the force of the sharp implements being used and it is scored between A & F with “F” being the maximum cut resistance of the ISO 13997 test and is awarded to any fabric that achieves a cut resistance equal to or greater than 30N or approximately 3.06kg.

The ISO 13997 Cut Test is commonly referred to as a “real world” cut test because of its ability to measure cut force, which is widely considered a more relevant metric in workplace situations when a cut risk is present.

Impact Protection 

The EN388:2016 impact test measures resistance to a 2.5kg weight impacting on the glove with an energy of 5J (Joules). To pass the test, the glove material may not fracture or split and is measured in accordance with EN13594:2015.

The glove is awarded a “Pass” (P) if it can withstand nine (9) kilonewtons (kN) or more of force. The glove itself will be marked with either a “P” or no rating (marked as an X) if it fails or is untested.

The reason for sharing this ‘new’ standard is that until 2023 gloves may continue to be sold under both versions of the standard. In 2023, when, under the new PPE Regulation, their certification will need to be renewed and that will have to be to the latest version of the standard.

(*Reference – https://www.hsepeople.com/en388-what-the-numbers-mean-2013-v-2016-and-what-2023-will-bring/)

EN 374 focuses on gloves designed to protect against chemical and

micro-organism exposure. These gloves are essential in industries where there is a risk of chemical splashes, exposure to hazardous substances, or contact with biological agents.

EN 374 provides information on the glove’s resistance to specific chemicals and microorganisms. Gloves are categorised into three types based on their chemical resistance: Type A, Type B, or Type C.

• • Type A: These gloves are designed for use with water-based chemicals. They must meet specific permeation and degradation requirements for at least six different chemicals.
  • Type B: Type B gloves are intended for use with a broader range of chemicals, including water-based and organic solvents. These gloves must meet the permeation and degradation requirements for at least three different chemicals.
  • Type C: Type C gloves are suitable for use with highly concentrated chemicals such as concentrated acids or bases. These gloves must meet the permeation and degradation requirements for at least one chemical.

To protect against microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses, safety gloves must undergo and pass special penetration tests in accordance with ISO 16604:2004 (method B). Only then may they be marked with the pictogram for EN ISO 374-5.

Variant 1:
Protects against bacteria, fungi and viruses
Variant 2:
Protects against bacteria and fungi

EN 511 focuses on gloves designed to protect against cold conditions. These gloves are used in environments with low temperatures and are intended to provide insulation and protection against cold and convective cold.

EN 511 uses a performance index system to indicate the glove’s resistance to cold, water penetration, and water vapour permeability. The performance indices are represented by three numbers, each ranging from 0 to 4:

• Resistance to Cold (Convective Cold): This index measures the glove’s ability to protect against cold air and wind. The higher the number, the better the glove’s resistance to convective cold.
• Resistance to Cold (Contact Cold): This index evaluates the glove’s ability to protect against contact with cold surfaces or objects. The higher the number, the better the glove’s resistance to contact cold.
• Water Permeability: This index assesses the glove’s ability to resist the penetration of water.

EN 407 addresses gloves designed to provide protection against thermal risks, which can include heat, open flames, and other fire-related hazards. These gloves are used in welding, foundry work, and similar industries.

EN 407 uses a performance level system to assess the glove’s resistance to various thermal hazards. The levels include resistance to flammability, contact heat, radiant heat, small splashes of molten metal, large splashes of molten metal, and convective heat.

EN 407 uses a performance index system to indicate the glove’s resistance to different thermal hazards. The performance indices are represented by six different properties:

• Resistance to Flammability: This index assesses the glove’s ability to resist ignition when exposed to a flame. The higher the number, the better the glove’s resistance to flammability.
• Contact Heat Resistance: This index evaluates the glove’s ability to protect against contact with a hot surface or object. The higher the number, the better the glove’s contact heat resistance.
• Convective Heat Resistance: This index measures the glove’s resistance to heat transferred through the air. The higher the number, the better the glove’s convective heat resistance.
• Radiant Heat Resistance: This index assesses the glove’s ability to protect against heat radiating from a source. The higher the number, the better the glove’s radiant heat resistance.
• Small Splashes of Molten Metal Resistance: This index evaluates the glove’s ability to protect against small splashes of molten metal. The higher the number, the better the glove’s resistance to these splashes.
• Large Splashes of Molten Metal Resistance: This index assesses the glove’s ability to protect against larger splashes of molten metal. The higher the number, the better the glove’s resistance to large splashes.

In the latest version of EN 407: As of 2020, the first performance class is no longer named “resistance to flammability”, but is now called “limited flame spread”.

The test described in EN 407 assigns safety gloves a performance class in relation to each of the individual thermal hazards. It is important that the glove does not come into contact with open flames if it does not meet the criteria of performance class 3 in the limited flame spread test.

Needle exposure puts you at risk of contracting disease such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or HIV. Thus, it is vital to protect yourself with needle proof hand protection.

Below is some information on what needle protective gloves are and how they are tested.

Let’s start with puncture. We all know puncture is part of the EN388 standard which also tests for Abrasion, cut & tear.

CUT LEVEL 4 is the highest EN388 rating for puncture. Punctures can include knives, wood splinters, wires and so on.

But what about needle protection?

It is important to note puncture protection does not necessarily mean protection from needles!

Industries such as medical, waste management & recycling are at high risk of exposure to needles so an additional test was made specifically for needle stick puncture.

We have tested our anti needle 5 glove under the US ASTM F2878-10 to get a better understanding of how effective it is… the results were outstanding.

So what is the special test for needles labelled ‘ASTM F2878’?

The ASTM F2878 was an extension to the ANSI/ISEA 105. The ANSI/ISEA 105 is the equivalent to the EN388 standard used in the UK and Europe.

How the standard is labeled?

The ASTM F2878 test scores from level 1-5. (Level 5 offering the highest protection).

The KLASS Anti Needle 5 by Microlin Cooper:

Our anti needle 5 has scored both the highest level in the EN388 Puncture test (level 4) and the ANSI/ISEA – 105 ASTM F2878-10. (Level 5)

KLASS Anti needle 5 scores in more detail:

Reached a high of – 35.33 newtons on ASTM F2878 hypodermic needle test (minimum to achieve a level 5 is 10 newtons)

Reached a high of 177 newtons – EN 388 : 2016 (minimum to achieve a level 4 is 150 newtons).

Arc flash gloves are a critical component of personal protective equipment (PPE) used to protect workers from arc flash hazards in electrical environments. Arc flash events can release intense heat and energy, causing severe burns and injuries. To ensure the effectiveness of arc flash gloves, various standards and guidelines have been established, with the primary international standard being the ASTM F2675-13 standard.

ASTM F2675-13 (Standard Test Method for Determining Arc Ratings of Hand Protective Products Developed and Used for Electrical Arc Flash Protection):

This standard, developed by ASTM International (formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials), outlines a test method for determining the arc rating of hand protective products, such as gloves, developed and used for protection against electrical arc flash hazards.

Key points regarding ASTM F2675-13 and arc flash gloves:

• Arc Rating: The arc rating, measured in calories per square centimetre (cal/cm²), is a crucial parameter for arc flash gloves. It represents the amount of thermal energy the gloves can withstand without causing a second-degree burn to the wearer. Higher arc ratings indicate greater protection.
• Testing Method: ASTM F2675-13 specifies the testing method for determining the arc rating of gloves. It involves subjecting the gloves to a controlled electrical arc exposure to measure the energy they can withstand. The test conditions and parameters are carefully defined to ensure repeatability and accuracy.
• Performance Level: Arc flash gloves are categorized into different performance levels based on their arc rating. These performance levels help users select gloves appropriate for the expected arc flash energy level in their work environment. The standard provides guidance on the selection of gloves based on the required arc rating.
• Labelling: Arc flash gloves that comply with ASTM F2675-13 should be labeled with their arc rating, performance level, and other relevant information to assist users in making informed choices.