Protective gloves often display a series of numbers and certifications. But have you ever wondered what EN 388 really stands for? It's a critical standard that ensures safety, durability, and performance.
EN 388 is a European safety standard that measures a glove’s protection against mechanical risks like abrasion, cuts, tears, and punctures.
This certification helps professionals choose the right gloves for their specific tasks. Let’s break it down and explore the related standards to give you a comprehensive understanding.
What is the standard EN for gloves?
The EN standards set guidelines for protective gloves, ensuring performance and safety across different industries.
The standard EN for gloves includes specific certifications like EN 388, EN 407, and EN 420, covering mechanical, thermal, and general safety requirements.
Protective gloves are tailored for specific uses, and understanding these standards is crucial for selecting the right gloves. Let’s dive into the key standards and what they cover.
The major EN standards for gloves explained:
- EN 388: Focuses on protection against mechanical risks.
- EN 407: Addresses thermal protection.
- EN 420: Covers general requirements for glove design and construction.
Here’s a quick overview:
| EN Standard | Primary Focus | Key Features Covered |
|---|---|---|
| EN 388 | Mechanical risks | Abrasion, cuts, tears, punctures |
| EN 407 | Thermal risks | Heat, flame, contact with hot objects |
| EN 420 | General design requirements | Dexterity, sizing, innocuousness |
Understanding these standards helps industries maintain safety while ensuring the gloves meet performance needs.
What does EN 388 mean on gloves?
If you see EN 388 on gloves, it’s a certification related to mechanical protection.
EN 388 evaluates gloves for resistance to abrasion, cuts, tears, and punctures through standardized tests, rated on a numeric scale.
This standard is crucial for industries like construction, heavy machinery, and glass handling. Let’s take a closer look at its scoring system.
EN 388 scores:
EN 388 gloves are rated with a 4-digit or 6-character code. Here’s what the numbers mean:
| Test | Scale (Rating) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasion Resistance | 1–4 | Higher numbers mean better abrasion resistance |
| Cut Resistance | 1–5 | Measures how well the glove resists cuts |
| Tear Resistance | 1–4 | Higher ratings mean the glove resists tearing |
| Puncture Resistance | 1–4 | Indicates resistance to punctures |
| TDM Cut Test* | A–F | Measures high-performance cut resistance (optional) |
*TDM testing was introduced in the 2016 update to EN 388. It’s an advanced way of measuring cut resistance for more specialized applications.
Understanding these scores can help buyers select gloves that provide optimal protection for their specific tasks.
What does EN 407 mean on gloves?
When gloves display EN 407, it indicates they are tested for thermal risks like heat and flames.
EN 407 measures a glove’s ability to protect against thermal hazards, including exposure to flames, heat contact, convective heat, radiant heat, and molten metals.
Industries like welding, metalworking, and foundries rely on this standard. Let’s break it down further.
EN 407: Breaking down the 6 thermal tests:
EN 407 scores gloves based on six categories:
| Test Type | Scale (Rating) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Flammability Resistance | 1–4 | Measures resistance to ignition and burn duration |
| Contact Heat Resistance | 1–4 | Protection against direct contact with hot surfaces |
| Convective Heat Resistance | 1–4 | Evaluates heat penetration through material |
| Radiant Heat Resistance | 1–4 | Indicates protection from radiant heat exposure |
| Small Splashes of Metal | 1–4 | Resistance to small molten metal splashes |
| Large Splashes of Metal | 1–4 | Measures ability to withstand large metal splashes |
For example, a glove with a high score in flammability and contact heat resistance is suitable for tasks like welding or handling hot materials. Choosing EN 407-certified gloves ensures safety in high-heat environments.
What is the EN 420 standard for gloves?
EN 420 focuses on the general requirements and design standards for protective gloves.
EN 420 ensures that gloves are designed for comfort, proper sizing, safety, and harmlessness. It serves as a foundation for all other glove certifications.
This standard applies to every glove type and ensures consistency across all safety categories.
Key requirements of EN 420:
- Dexterity: Gloves should allow natural hand movement.
- Innocuousness: Materials used should not harm the wearer.
- Sizing: Ensures gloves are available in standard sizes.
- Marking: Labels must clearly display relevant certifications like EN 388 or EN 407.
By meeting EN 420 standards, gloves provide a reliable and safe fit, reducing the risk of workplace injuries caused by poorly designed gear.
Conclusion
EN standards like EN 388, EN 407, and EN 420 ensure safety, performance, and reliability in protective gloves. Understanding these certifications helps professionals make informed choices for their specific needs.