Hand Protection
Implies that the gloves comply with the basic requirements laid down by the EU directive on Personal Protection Equipment.
Simple Design (Category 1)
For areas of ‘minimal risk’ where the effects of not wearing a glove are easily reversible or superficial. Self-certified by the manufacturer or distributor.
Intermediate Design (Category 2)
For areas of specific risk, such as mechanical risks. These products have an EC type test according to European test methods and certified by a notified approved body.
Complex Design (Category 3)
For areas/applications that can seriously or irreversibly harm health. Such products, in addition to the CE type test as with category 2 gloves, will also have to be either produced under an approved quality system or be type tested on an annual basis.
EN 388 – This standard applies to all kinds of protective gloves giving protection from mechanical risks, in respect of physical problems caused by abrasion, blade cut, puncture, tearing or impact cut. This standard also covers risk of electrostatic discharge.
Mechanical Hazards EN 388
0 means that level 1 was not reached during the test, X means that the test was not performed or not possible.
This standard also includes a pass or fail test for Impact cut resistance and Volume Resistivity (Antistatic)
EN 374 – This standard specifies the capability of gloves to protect the user against chemicals and/or micro-organisms.
Protection against chemical hazards (Permeation) is measured on the time it takes for a chemical to permeate through the glove material.
EN 511 – This standard applies to gloves which protect the hands against convective and contact cold.
EN 407 – This standard specifies thermal performance for protective gloves against heat and/or fire.
Contact Heat
A sample is taken from the palm area of a glove. The outside of the glove is put on a hot surface and the temperature of the inside of the glove is then monitored. The temperature on the inside of the glove must take 15 seconds or more to rise by 10ºc from room temperature.
EN 659 – This standard defines performance requirements for gloves designed to protect fire fighters against heat and flames.
EN 421 – This standard lays down test methods and performance criteria for gloves offering protection against ionising radiation and radioactive contamination.
If a glove is to be used for food handling, it is required to carry either the words ‘for food use’ or this symbol.