Work gloves play a vital role in protecting workers from hazards in the workplace, and it’s important to ensure that safety gloves meet certain standards and regulations to ensure their effectiveness and safety. In Europe, some several standards and regulations apply to work gloves, including the European Personal Protective Equipment Directive (PPED) and the EN 420 standard. In this article, we’ll explore the key standards and regulations for work gloves in Europe.
The European Personal Protective Equipment Directive (PPED)
The European Personal Protective Equipment Directive (PPED) is an EU-wide directive that sets out the minimum safety and performance requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE). The PPED applies to all types of PPE, including work gloves, and covers a wide range of issues, including design, construction, performance, labeling, and testing.
Under the PPED, all work gloves must meet certain basic health and safety requirements, including:
Being safe to use
Being suitable for the intended use
Being properly marked and labeled
Being accompanied by instructions for use
In addition to these basic requirements, the PPED also sets out specific performance requirements for different types of work gloves, based on the risks they are intended to protect against. For example, gloves that are intended to protect against cuts or punctures must meet certain minimum performance levels for resistance to cuts, abrasions, and punctures.
The EN 420 standard
The EN 420 standard is a European standard that sets out the general requirements for work gloves, including design, construction, performance, and testing. The standard applies to all types of work gloves, including gloves made from leather, fabric, or other materials.
Under the EN 420 standard, work gloves must meet certain minimum requirements, including:
Being safe to use
Being suitable for the intended use
Being properly marked and labeled
Being accompanied by instructions for use
In addition to these basic requirements, the EN 420 standard also includes specific requirements for different types of work gloves, based on their intended use. For example, gloves that are intended to protect against cuts or punctures must meet certain minimum performance levels for resistance to cuts, abrasions, and punctures. Additionally, EN 388 gloves are available in various categories such as Abrasion Resistant, Cut Resistant, Puncture Resistant, and Tear Resistant gloves.
Other standards and regulations for work gloves in Europe
In addition to the PPED and the EN 420 standard, some several other standards and regulations apply to work gloves in Europe, depending on the specific hazards they are intended to protect against. Some examples of these standards include:
EN 388: Protective gloves against mechanical risks
what are EN 388 standards
The EN 388 standard is a European standard that sets out the requirements for protective gloves against mechanical risks. The standard applies to all types of gloves that are designed to protect against mechanical risks, such as cuts, abrasions, punctures, and tears. It is commonly used to evaluate gloves that are used in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and agriculture, where there is a risk of hand injuries from sharp or abrasive objects.
The EN 388 standard consists of five tests that evaluate the performance of gloves against different mechanical risks. These tests are:
Abrasion resistance: This test measures the ability of the gloves to resist wear and tear from abrasive surfaces. The gloves are subjected to abrasive paper or fabric, and the number of cycles required to wear through the material is recorded. A higher number of cycles indicates a higher level of resistance to abrasion.
Blade cut resistance: This test measures the ability of the gloves to resist cuts from sharp objects, such as knives or blades. The gloves are subjected to a blade with a specified force, and the depth of the cut is recorded. A deeper cut indicates a lower level of cut resistance.
Tear resistance: This test measures the ability of the gloves to resist tearing when subjected to a specified force. The gloves are subjected to a tearing force, and the amount of force required to tear the material is recorded. A higher amount of force indicates a higher level of tear resistance.
Puncture resistance: This test measures the ability of the gloves to resist punctures from sharp objects, such as needles or nails. The gloves are subjected to a puncture force, and the amount of force required to puncture the material is recorded. A higher amount of force indicates a higher level of puncture resistance.
Impact protection: This test measures the ability of the gloves to absorb and disperse impact energy. The gloves are subjected to a specified impact force, and the amount of force required to break through the material is recorded. A higher amount of force indicates a higher level of impact protection.
The results of these five tests are used to assign a numerical rating to the gloves, which is displayed on the gloves’ label. The rating consists of four numbers, with each number corresponding to the performance of the gloves in one of the five tests. For example, a rating of 4 2 4 4 would indicate that the gloves have a high level of abrasion resistance (4), a moderate level of blade cut resistance (2), a high level of tear resistance (4), and a high level of puncture resistance (4).
By meeting the requirements of the EN 388 standard, work gloves can help protect workers from the mechanical risks present in their work environment and reduce the risk of hand injuries. Workers need to choose gloves that meet the appropriate EN 388 standard for their specific needs, and for employers to ensure that their employees have access to the appropriate PPE to keep them safe on the job.
EN 407: Protective gloves against thermal risks
what are EN 407 standards
The EN 407 standard is a European standard that sets out the requirements for protective gloves against thermal risks. The standard applies to all types of gloves that are designed to protect against heat, cold, or fire, including gloves made from leather, fabric, or other materials. It is commonly used to evaluate gloves that are used in industries such as welding, foundries, and bakeries, where there is a risk of hand injuries from heat or cold.
The EN 407 standard consists of seven tests that evaluate the performance of gloves against different thermal risks. These tests are:
Resistance to flammability: This test measures the ability of the gloves to resist ignition and the spread of flame. The gloves are subjected to a flame, and the time it takes for the flame to ignite the material is recorded. A shorter ignition time indicates a lower level of resistance to flammability.
2. Contact heat resistance: This test measures the ability of the gloves to protect against contact heat. The gloves are subjected to a specified temperature, and the time it takes for the heat to be transmitted through the material is recorded. A shorter transmission time indicates a lower level of contact heat resistance.
Convective heat resistance: This test measures the ability of the gloves to protect against heat transfer by convection. The gloves are subjected to a stream of hot air, and the temperature of the material is recorded. A lower temperature indicates a higher level of convective heat resistance.
Radiant heat resistance: This test measures the ability of the gloves to protect against heat transfer by radiation. The gloves are subjected to a radiant heat source, and the temperature of the material is recorded. A lower temperature indicates a higher level of radiant heat resistance.
Small splashes of molten metal: This test measures the ability of the gloves to protect against small splashes of molten metal. The gloves are subjected to a specified number of splashes of molten metal, and the number of splashes required to break through the material is recorded. A higher number of splashes indicates a higher level of protection against small splashes of molten metal.
Large splashes of molten metal: This test measures the ability of the gloves to protect against large splashes of molten metal. The gloves are subjected to a specified number of splashes of molten metal, and the number of splashes required to break through the material is recorded. A higher number of splashes indicates a higher level of protection against large splashes of molten metal.
The results of these seven tests are used to assign a numerical rating to the gloves, which is displayed on the gloves’ label. The rating consists of seven numbers, with each number corresponding to the performance of the gloves in one of the seven tests. For example, a rating of 2 1 4 4 X 4 4 would indicate that the gloves have a moderate level of resistance to flammability (2), a low level of contact heat resistance (1), a high level of convective heat resistance (4), a high level of radiant heat resistance (4), no rating for small splashes of molten metal (X), a high level of protection against large splashes of molten metal (4), and a high level of cold resistance (4).
By meeting the requirements of the EN 407 standard, work gloves can help protect workers from the thermal risks present in their work environment and reduce the risk of hand injuries. Workers need to choose gloves that meet
EN 374: Protective gloves against chemicals and micro-organisms
What are EN374 standards?
The EN 374 standard is a European standard that sets out the requirements for protective gloves against chemicals and microorganisms. The standard applies to all types of gloves that are designed to protect against chemicals, including gloves made from leather, fabric, or other materials. It is commonly used to evaluate gloves that are used in industries such as chemical manufacturing, cleaning, and healthcare, where there is a risk of hand injuries from exposure to chemicals or microorganisms.
The EN 374 standard consists of four tests that evaluate the performance of gloves against different chemical and microbial risks. These tests are:
Penetration resistance: This test measures the ability of the gloves to resist the penetration of chemicals or microorganisms through the material. The gloves are subjected to a specified chemical or micro-organism, and the amount of time it takes for the chemical or micro-organism to penetrate the material is recorded. A shorter penetration time indicates a lower level of resistance.
Degradation resistance: This test measures the ability of the gloves to resist the degradation of the material due to exposure to chemicals or micro-organisms. The gloves are subjected to a specified chemical or micro-organism, and the amount of time it takes for the material to degrade is recorded. A shorter degradation time indicates a lower level of resistance.
Permeation resistance: This test measures the ability of the gloves to resist the permeation of chemicals or micro-organisms through the material. The gloves are subjected to a specified chemical or micro-organism, and the amount of time it takes for the chemical or micro-organism to permeate the material is recorded. A shorter permeation time indicates a lower level of resistance.
Breakthrough time: This test measures the ability of the gloves to resist the breakthrough of chemicals or micro-organisms through the material. The gloves are subjected to a specified chemical or micro-organism, and the amount of time it takes for the chemical or micro-organism to break through the material is recorded. A shorter breakthrough time indicates a lower level of resistance.
The results of these four tests are used to assign a numerical rating to the gloves, which is displayed on the gloves’ label. The rating consists of four letters, with each letter corresponding to the performance of the gloves in one of the four tests. For example, a rating of S P A R would indicate that the gloves have a short penetration resistance (S), a low permeation resistance (P), a low degradation resistance (A), and a short breakthrough time (R).
By meeting the requirements of the EN 374 standard, work gloves can help protect workers from the chemical and microbial risks present in their work environment and reduce the risk of hand injuries. It’s important for workers to choose gloves that meet the appropriate EN 374 standard for their specific needs, and for employers to ensure that their employees have access to the appropriate PPE to keep them safe on the job.
EN 511: Protective gloves against cold
What are EN511 standards?
The EN 511 standard is a European standard that sets out the requirements for protective gloves against cold. The standard applies to all types of gloves that are designed to protect against cold, including gloves made from leather, fabric, or other materials. It is commonly used to evaluate gloves that are used in industries such as construction, transportation, and outdoor work, where there is a risk of hand injuries from exposure to cold temperatures.
The EN 511 standard consists of four tests that evaluate the performance of gloves against cold risks. These tests are:
Convective cold resistance: This test measures the ability of the gloves to protect against heat transfer by convection in cold temperatures. The gloves are subjected to a stream of cold air, and the temperature of the material is recorded. A higher temperature indicates a higher level of convective cold resistance.
2. Contact cold resistance: This test measures the ability of the gloves to protect against contact with cold surfaces. The gloves are placed on a cold surface, and the temperature of the material is recorded. A higher temperature indicates a higher level of contact cold resistance.
Water vapor resistance: This test measures the ability of the gloves to protect against water vapor. The gloves are subjected to a stream of water vapor, and the amount of water vapor that is transmitted through the material is recorded. A lower amount of transmitted water vapor indicates a higher level of water vapor resistance.
Water resistance: This test measures the ability of the gloves to protect against water. The gloves are submerged in water, and the amount of water that is transmitted through the material is recorded. A lower amount of transmitted water indicates a higher level of water resistance.
The results of these four tests are used to assign a numerical rating to the gloves, which is displayed on the gloves’ label. The rating consists of four numbers, with each number corresponding to the performance of the gloves in one of the four tests. For example, a rating of 3 2 1 2 would indicate that the gloves have a moderate level of convective cold resistance (3), a moderate level of contact cold resistance (2), a low level of water vapor resistance (1), and a moderate level of water resistance (2).
By meeting the requirements of the EN 511 standard, work gloves can help protect workers from the cold risks present in their work environment and reduce the risk of hand injuries. It’s important for workers to choose gloves that meet the appropriate EN 511 standard for their specific needs, and for employers to ensure that their employees have access to the appropriate PPE to keep them safe on the job.
By meeting these standards and regulations, work gloves can help ensure the safety and health of workers in Europe and protect them from the hazards present in their work environment. It’s important for workers to choose work gloves that meet the appropriate standards and regulations for their specific needs, and for employers to ensure that their employees have access to the appropriate PPE to keep them safe on the job.
Introduction
The EN 388:2016 standard is a crucial guideline for ensuring the safety and protection of workers who use protective gloves against mechanical risks. This standard includes the straight blade cut test as part of its evaluation methods. It provides a framework for testing and evaluating the performance of gloves in various mechanical hazards, such as abrasion, cut, tear, puncture, and impact resistance. The importance of resistance and impact protection is emphasized in the context of the EN 388:2016 standard, highlighting the new methods introduced to measure these protective qualities. In this article, we will delve into the details of the EN 388:2016 standard, its definition, purpose, and changes from the previous version, EN 388:2003.
What is EN 388:2016?
Definition and Purpose of the Standard
EN 388:2016 is a European safety standard that specifies the requirements, test methods, marking, and information for protective gloves against mechanical risks. The standard aims to provide a common framework for evaluating the performance of gloves in various mechanical hazards, ensuring that workers are protected from injuries and harm. Tests for tear, puncture, and cut resistance are conducted at a constant speed to ensure standardized and comparable results. The standard applies to gloves that are designed to protect against mechanical risks, such as abrasion, cut, tear, puncture, and impact resistance.
Overview of the Changes from EN 388:2003 to EN 388:2016
The EN 388:2016 standard replaced the previous version, EN 388:2003, in November 2016. The new standard introduced several changes, including the addition of a new cut resistance test method, the TDM (EN ISO 13997) test, and the introduction of impact protection testing. The revisions also included updates to the abrasion test, with the introduction of new abrasive test paper that may affect recertification scores, highlighting the significance of these changes in evaluating glove performance. The standard also clarified testing procedures and materials, ensuring that gloves are tested more accurately and consistently.
Understanding EN 388 Markings
How to Read EN 388 Markings
EN 388 markings are used to indicate the performance level of a glove in various mechanical hazards. The abrasion test is significant in evaluating glove performance and ensuring worker safety, especially with the revisions made to the EN 388 standard. The markings consist of a series of numbers and letters that correspond to the different test methods and performance levels. The markings are usually displayed on the back of the glove, in the packaging, or in the conformity statement. To read EN 388 markings, you need to understand the different test methods and performance levels, which are explained in the following sections.
Mechanical Hazards and EN 388
EN 388 is a European safety standard that protects against mechanical hazards, which are a common risk in various industries. Mechanical hazards can cause injuries such as cuts, abrasions, and punctures, which can be severe and even life-threatening. EN 388 provides a framework for testing and certifying protective gloves that can mitigate these risks. By adhering to this standard, manufacturers can ensure that their gloves offer adequate protection against these mechanical risks, thereby safeguarding workers’ hands from potential injuries.
Abrasion Resistance
Abrasion resistance is a critical aspect of EN 388, as it measures a glove’s ability to withstand wear and tear. The abrasion resistance test involves subjecting a glove material to a rotating wheel with abrasive paper. The test result is based on the number of cycles it takes for the material to wear through. A higher rating indicates better abrasion resistance. EN 388 defines four levels of abrasion resistance, ranging from Level 1 (lowest) to Level 4 (highest). This test ensures that gloves can endure the rigors of daily use in harsh environments, providing long-lasting protection for workers.
Cut Resistance
Cut resistance is another essential aspect of EN 388, as it measures a glove’s ability to protect against cuts and lacerations. The cut resistance test involves using a rotating circular blade or a straight blade to cut through the glove material. The test result is based on the number of cuts it takes for the blade to penetrate the material. EN 388 defines five levels of cut resistance, ranging from Level 1 (lowest) to Level 5 (highest). This test is crucial for industries where workers handle sharp objects, ensuring that the gloves provide adequate protection against potential cut injuries.
Tear Resistance
Tear resistance is also an important aspect of EN 388, as it measures a glove’s ability to withstand tears and punctures. The tear resistance test involves clamping a glove material between two jaws and applying a constant force until the material tears. The test result is based on the force required to tear the material. EN 388 defines four levels of tear resistance, ranging from Level 1 (lowest) to Level 4 (highest). This test ensures that gloves can resist tearing when subjected to sharp or pointed objects, providing reliable protection in demanding work environments.
Choosing the Right Safety Glove
Choosing the right safety glove is crucial to ensure protection against mechanical hazards. When selecting a safety glove, consider the following factors:
The type of mechanical hazard present in the workplace (e.g., cuts, abrasions, punctures)
The level of protection required (e.g., abrasion resistance, cut resistance, tear resistance)
The type of glove material and its properties (e.g., durability, flexibility, grip)
The comfort and dexterity required for the task
The certification and compliance with EN 388 and other relevant standards
By considering these factors and choosing a safety glove that meets the required standards, workers can reduce the risk of injury and ensure a safe working environment. Ensuring that gloves are certified to the EN 388 standard provides peace of mind that they have been rigorously tested and are capable of providing the necessary protection against mechanical risks.
