EN388:2016+2018 is the European standard for the requirements, testing methods, and labeling of safety gloves against mechanical risks for hand protection.

The standard includes tests to evaluate abrasion, tear, puncture, impact resistance, and cut resistance by default.

EN407 is the European heat resistant regulation for safety gloves. Each test is scored between 0 - 4 If a product hasn't been tested, it will be marked N/A If a pair of gloves fail any test, they will be marked Level 0

EN 511: 2006 applies to any glove that is used in the protection of hands against convective and contact of temperatures down to as low as -50 Degrees. EN 511:2006 GLOVES GIVING PROTECTION FROM THE COLD. This European Standard (EN511) Cold protection defines the levels of protection against cold hazards, when there is a risk of exposure.

EN 455 is the European standard measuring the quality and strength of gloves used in the medical industry. Whether you're a doctor, nurse, surgeon, porter or cleaner, the disposable gloves you use must be certified under EN 455.

Gloves must pass four separate tests before they're considered safe to be used for medical practice. These are: 

• Part 1: Requirements and testing of gloves for freedom from holes
• Part 2: Requirements and tests for physical properties
• Part 3: Requirements and tests for biological evaluation
• Part 4: Requirements and testing for shelf life determination

Between them, each test ensures your gloves act as a barrier against micro-organisms, perform effectively without breaking and protect you against hazardous material in the workplace.

Performance levels (A-F) - Straight blade cut resistance: (TDM cut test) - Measures the average load (n) to achieve the moment of cut through.

• CUT EN1S0 13997(X-F) (TDM 100 RATING)

LEVEL A = 2n

LEVEL B = 5n

LEVEL C = 10n

LEVEL D = 15n

LEVEL E =22n

LEVEL F = 30n

X = Not applicable / Not tested.

• (This fits 5th into the EN388 code for example 4X43"D").
• n = Newton (Force)
• If glove has not been tested it is displayed as - for example 4121"X".

This European standard specifies requirements and test methods for protective gloves for use in manual metal welding, cutting and allied processes. According to their performance, protective gloves for welders are classified into two types:

• Type A: lower dexterity (With higher other performance).
• Type B: Higher dexterity (With lower other performances).

Terminology and performance requirements for chemical risks.

New to the standard - There are now 3 standard classes related to the performance level and number of chemicals they protect against. There are 6 additional chemicals to test against. There is a requirement to test for degradation EN 374-4:2013. EN374-3:2003

is withdrawn and is replaced by EN 16523-1:2015. Gloves longer than 400mm will have to be additionally tested in the cuff area. The requirement for testing to EN388 has been removed. The "low chemical" or "Waterproof" beaker symbol has been withdrawn.

This European Standard species the requirements for gloves for resistance to cutting by a chainsaw when assessed by the test method described in EN381-4.

The requirements are also given for marking and for the provision of information to be supplied by the manufacturer including criteria for the selection of appropriate gloves and instructions for use.

This European Standard specifies a method for the laboratory measurement, the data analysis and reporting of the vibration transmissibility of gloves in terms of vibration transmission from a handle to the palm of the hand in the frequency range from 31.5 Hz to 1250 Hz. The standard is intended to define a screening test for the vibration transmission through gloves.