STANDARD EN 388: 2003
Gloves giving protection from mechanical risks

SCOPE
This standard applies to all kinds of protective gloves in respect of physical and mechanical aggressions caused by abrasion, blade cut, puncture and tearing.

DEFINITION AND REQUIREMENTS
Protection against mechanical hazards is expressed by a pictogram followed by four numbers (performance levels), each representing test performance against a specific hazard

The ‘mechanical risks’ pictogram is accompanied by a 4-digit code.

a. resistance to abrasion
Based on the number of cycles required to abrade through the sample glove.
b. blade cut resistance
Based on the number of cycles required to cut through the sample at a constant speed.
c. tear resistance
Based on the amount of force required to tear the sample.
d. puncture resistance
Based on the amount of force required to pierce the sample with a standard-sized point.
In all cases, [0] indicates the lowest level of performance, as follows:

test Performance Level Rating
                                                             0       1       2     3        4           5
a. Abrasion resistance (cycles) <100 100 500 2,000 8,000
b. Blade cut resistance (factor) <1.2     1.2    2.5   5.0  10.0     20.0
c. Tear resistance (newton)        <10    10      25    50    75
d. Puncture resistance (newton) <20   20     60    100 150