In industrial and commercial environments where hand protection is essential, the EN388:2016 standard serves as a critical benchmark for evaluating the mechanical performance of protective gloves. This European standard was developed to ensure that gloves used in various industries meet specific criteria for resistance to abrasion, cuts, tears, punctures, and impacts. Each glove tested under this standard receives a rating that reflects its performance across these categories, helping users make informed decisions about the level of protection required for their tasks.
Abrasion Resistance
The abrasion resistance test measures how well a glove material can withstand wear caused by friction. During the test, a standardized abrasive paper is pressed against the glove material and moved in a circular motion. The number of cycles required to breach the material determines the glove’s rating. The scale ranges from 1 to 4. A rating of 1 indicates that the material is breached within 100 cycles, while a rating of 4 means the glove can withstand up to 8000 cycles without breaching. This score is represented by the first digit in the EN388 rating and is crucial for gloves used in environments with high surface contact or repetitive motion.
In real-world situations, abrasion resistance is crucial for tasks involving repeated contact with rough surfaces, such as handling bricks, concrete, or metal parts. A glove with a high abrasion rating will last longer and provide better protection in environments where friction and surface wear are common.
Coupe Cut Resistance
The coupe cut test evaluates a glove’s resistance to cuts using a circular blade under a constant weight of 5 Newtons. The blade moves across the glove material at a consistent speed and pressure, and the number of cycles it takes to cut through the material determines the rating. Ratings range from 1 to 5, with 1 indicating a breach within 1.2 cycles and 5 indicating the glove can withstand 20 cycles.
If the blade becomes dull during testing (common with high cut-resistant materials), the glove proceeds to the ISO 13997 test instead. The second digit in the overall rating is then marked with an ‘X’.
In practical use, this test reflects how well a glove can protect against sharp edges and tools, such as knives, sheet metal, or glass. A higher rating is essential for workers in industries like food processing, glass handling, or metal fabrication, where accidental cuts are a frequent hazard.
Tear Resistance
The tear resistance test assesses the amount of force required to tear the glove material. The material is cut into a ‘Y’ shape, placed in a machine and pulled apart, with the force measured in Newtons. Ratings range from 1 to 4, where 1 means the glove requires over 10 Newtons to tear and 4 means it requires over 75 Newtons.
In real-world applications, tear resistance is important for tasks where gloves may snag or catch on sharp or pointed objects. For example, in construction or landscaping, gloves with high tear resistance can prevent sudden rips when working around nails, thorns, or jagged materials.
Puncture Resistance
The puncture resistance test evaluates how well a glove can resist penetration by sharp objects. A 4.5 mm needle is used to simulate puncture forces, and the force required to penetrate the material is measured in Newtons. Ratings range from 1 to 4, with 1 indicating penetration at or below 20 Newtons and 4 indicating resistance up to 150 Newtons.
This test is particularly relevant in environments where workers handle sharp tools, wires, or debris. For example, waste management, recycling, and construction workers benefit from gloves with high puncture resistance to protect against nails, syringes, or broken glass.
ISO 13997 Cut Resistance
The ISO 13997 cut test was introduced to provide a more accurate measure of cut resistance, especially for high-performance gloves. Unlike the coupe test, which can be affected by blade dulling, this method uses a straight blade that cuts across the glove material in a single motion with increasing force until penetration occurs. The force required is measured in Newtons, and ratings range from A to F. A rating of A indicates the material is cut with less than or equal to 2 Newtons of pressure, while F indicates it requires up to 30 Newtons.
In real-world scenarios, this test is most relevant for gloves used in high-risk cutting environments, such as meat processing, glass manufacturing, or rescue operations. Gloves with higher ISO cut ratings offer superior protection against deep cuts and lacerations from sharp tools or materials.
Impact Protection
The impact protection test assesses how well a glove can absorb and disperse force from impacts or falling objects. Based on the EN13594:2015 standard for motorcycle gloves, this test involves dropping a striker onto the glove and measuring the average force transmitted through the material. To pass, the glove must transmit an average force of 7 kilonewtons or less. If the glove passes, the letter “P” is added to the end of the EN388 rating.
In practical use, impact protection is vital for workers in heavy-duty industries such as mining, construction, and automotive repair, where hands are at risk from dropped tools, machinery, or heavy components. Gloves with impact protection help reduce the risk of bruising, fractures, or other blunt force injuries.
Real-World Examples
The UltraCut Defender Impact (63902) glove demonstrates high performance across multiple categories. It received the highest rating in the abrasion test, withstanding 8000 cycles, and dulled the blade in the coupe cut test, indicating high cut resistance. It also achieved the highest rating in the tear resistance test, required over 100 Newtons but less than 150 Newtons in the puncture test, and earned a cut rating of “D” in the ISO 13997 test. Additionally, it passed the impact protection test, resulting in an EN388 rating of 4X43DP. This glove would be suitable for demanding environments such as metalworking, construction, or rescue operations.
In contrast, the Showa 370 Colours (63662) glove also received the highest rating in the abrasion test but scored only a 1 in the coupe cut test, which disqualified it from the ISO 13997 test. It received a 2 in tear resistance and a 1 in puncture resistance, resulting in an EN388 rating of 4121X. This glove may be more appropriate for light-duty tasks such as general maintenance or warehouse work, where the risk of cuts and punctures is lower.
The EN388:2016 standard offers a detailed and reliable method for evaluating the mechanical protection offered by gloves. By understanding the meaning behind each test and how it applies to real-world situations, safety professionals and workers can make informed decisions when selecting gloves for specific tasks. Whether the priority is abrasion resistance, cut protection, or impact absorption, the EN388:2016 standard ensures that gloves meet the demands of the job and provide the necessary protection.