EN 388 Safety Gloves Explained: Everything Every PPE Buyer Needs to Know

When it comes to choosing the right safety gloves, it is not only about selecting the thickest or toughest-looking pair. There are unique mechanical hazards in every workplace. Workers’ gloves need to offer reliable protection without compromising comfort or productivity. This is where the EN 388 standard becomes invaluable. PPE buyers can get the chance to compare gloves based on scientifically tested performance against common mechanical risks.

What Is the EN 388 Standard?

It is a European standard that makes an assessment of safety gloves that are designed to keep workers safe from various mechanical hazards. It measures the performance of gloves against:

• Abrasion,
• Cutting,
• Tearing,
• Puncture, and
• Impact (where applicable)

Gloves that are certified under this standard display a hammer pictogram, with a six-character alphanumeric code. Each character represents the performance of the glove in a specific test. PPE buyers can easily identify which level of protection they require.

Understanding Abrasion, Cut, Tear and Puncture Ratings

Abrasion resistance is indicated by the first number in the EN 388 code. This test measures the number of abrasive material cycles that are needed to wear a hole through the glove. Ratings range from Level 1 to 4. In industries involving work with rough materials, gloves with higher abrasion resistance are necessary for extended lifespan of gloves. V-220.14 gloves, as offered by the brand Vinit Gloves, a trusted leather work glove and safety workwear manufacturer, are certified for abrasion resistance.

The second number measures resistance to circular blade cuts. It stands for the number of cycles a rotating blade takes, under controlled conditions, to cut through the material. Ratings range from Level 1 to Level 5. The higher the level, the greater the protection. However, a different method is used for ensuring precise results when the testing blade gets dull due to highly cut-resistant materials. The GB/B-507.53 gloves from Vinit Gloves are tested rigorously, and are ideal for cutting, welding and fabrication work.

The third number stands for tear resistance. In this test, until the glove material tears, force is applied. Ratings range from Level 1 to 4. In demanding industrial environments, where workers need to operate on rough surfaces or with sharp edges, gloves with higher tear resistance are especially useful.

The fourth number is used to measure puncture resistance, with the help of a standardized steel nail. When the rating is higher, more force is needed to pierce the glove. Level 4 gloves are able to withstand as much force as 150 Newtons. These are appropriate for tasks involving metal components, nails and other puncture hazards.

What Does the "P" Rating Mean?

In some industrial environments, other than cuts and punctures, workers have to be also exposed to impact hazards. Gloves undergoing impact testing receive the letter "P" if they are able to absorb and dissipate impact energy successfully, across the back and knuckles of the hand. In case the letter is not there, the gloves may either have failed the impact assessment or not been tested at all.

With the EN 388 standard, it is possible to get a clear, reliable system for evaluating safety gloves against mechanical hazards. It is necessary for every PPE buyer to look for a top PPE accessories manufacturer such as Vinit Gloves, while trying to select the right gloves for the workplace and keep employees as safe as possible.