EN 388:2016+A1:2018: Protective gloves against mechanical risks

Scope of application

This standard applies to all types of protective gloves with regard to physical and mechanical stresses such as abrasion, cut, puncture, tear or drop cut. In addition, it contains regulations on the electrical conductivity of protective gloves.

Classification and requirements

DIN EN388 applies together with the basic standard DIN EN420. Protective gloves against mechanical risks must achieve at least performance level 1 or A for at least one of the properties listed in the tables:

Abrasion resistance

Abrasion resistance is determined as the number of cycles required to break through. Breakthrough is defined as the condition at which the test specimen has worn down to the point where a hole has appeared.

Cut resistance

The cut resistance value is based on the number of test cycles required to cut the test glove with a fixed load (5 Newtons) and constant speed.

Tear resistance

Tear propagation strength is defined as the force required to propagate a tear in a rectangular test specimen over half the length of the test specimen.

Piercing strength

Piercing force is defined as the force required to pierce a test specimen mounted on a fixture using a steel pin of specified dimensions. This should not be confused with perforating performed using thin tips or needles.

Marking

The protection function against mechanical injury is indicated by a pictogram and four Ziffers (performance index). They indicate the respective performance levels.