When it comes to hand protection in hazardous work environments, choosing the right safety gloves is crucial. But how can you be sure that the gloves you’re selecting offer the protection needed for your specific tasks? This is where the EN 388 standard comes into play—a European regulation that ensures gloves meet specific levels of protection against mechanical risks.
What is EN 388?
EN 388 is a European standard that certifies the performance of safety gloves in protecting against mechanical risks. Established in 2003 and updated in 2016, this standard provides a comprehensive testing framework for gloves used in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and logistics. The goal is to ensure that workers’ hands are safeguarded against potential injuries like cuts, abrasions, tears, and punctures.
The EN 388 Testing Process
EN 388 evaluates safety gloves based on four key mechanical hazards:
- Abrasion Resistance: This test measures how well a glove can withstand wear and tear when rubbed against a rough surface. Gloves are rated on a scale from 1 to 4, with 4 indicating the highest resistance.
- Cut Resistance (Coup Test): The Coup Test assesses a glove’s ability to resist cuts from sharp objects. Gloves are rated on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 offering the highest level of cut resistance. However, this test has limitations with certain materials, leading to the introduction of a second cut test in the 2016 update.
- Tear Resistance: This test measures the force required to tear the glove material. Like abrasion resistance, the ratings range from 1 to 4, with higher numbers indicating greater resistance to tearing.
- Puncture Resistance: This test evaluates the glove’s ability to resist punctures from pointed objects. Ratings also range from 1 to 4, with 4 being the highest resistance.
The 2016 Update: A New Approach to Cut Resistance
The 2016 revision of EN 388 introduced a more accurate test for cut resistance called the ISO 13997 test, often referred to as the TDM test. Unlike the Coup Test, which can give inconsistent results with certain materials (like those containing glass or steel fibers), the TDM test uses a straight blade and measures the force required to cut through the glove. The results are rated on a scale from A to F, with F providing the highest level of protection.
Interpreting EN 388 Ratings
When choosing safety gloves, it’s important to understand the EN 388 markings, which are typically displayed on the glove itself. The rating consists of four or five digits or letters corresponding to the test results:
- Abrasion Resistance: 1 to 4
- Cut Resistance (Coup Test): 1 to 5
- Tear Resistance: 1 to 4
- Puncture Resistance: 1 to 4
- Cut Resistance (TDM Test): A to F (if applicable)
For example, a glove marked 4X42F offers the highest level of abrasion resistance, no Coup Test result (indicated by “X”), level 4 tear resistance, level 2 puncture resistance, and the highest level of cut resistance according to the TDM test.
Why EN 388 Matters
For employers and workers alike, understanding the EN 388 standard is essential for selecting the right gloves for the job. It provides a clear and consistent benchmark for evaluating the protective qualities of gloves, helping to minimize the risk of injury and ensure that workers are properly equipped for the tasks at hand.
At Friction Pro, we are committed to providing gloves that meet and exceed EN 388 standards, offering you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your workforce is protected. Whether you need gloves for construction, manufacturing, or any other high-risk environment, our range of EN 388-certified gloves has you covered.
Conclusion
The EN 388 standard is more than just a set of numbers—it’s a vital tool in safeguarding workers’ hands in demanding environments. By understanding these ratings and choosing gloves that meet the specific requirements of your industry, you can enhance safety and ensure that your team remains protected on the job.