The EN388 standard applies to all types of protective gloves with respect to physical and mechanical aggression from abrasion, cutting from slicing, perforation and tearing. Since the 2016 version of the standard, new optional performance have appeared.

Impact resistance on the metacarpal area: if this performance is claimed, the "P" mark appears.

Marking example:

4233X P

Marking example:

4543D ou 4X43D

Cut by blade, 2 test methods:

EN388 6.2.:  For low to middle risk of cutting. A circular blade on which a constant force of 5 N is applied, moves back and forth until the sample is cut. It measures the number of completed cycles and is credited with the corresponding level.

EN ISO 13997:  For materials that blunt the blade during the EN388 6.2 test and/ or are particularly resistant, for high risk of cutting. A straight blade makes a single movement of 20 mm with a force of 2N, the test is repeated with a different force as many times as necessary until the sample is cut. A level corresponding to the force required to cut the sample is assigned. This method better represents the usage situations that present a high risk of cutting.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AGAINST RAIN

This standard specifies the requirements and test methods applicable to the materials and seams of protective clothing against foul weather (for example precipitation in the form of rain or snow), fog and ground humidity.

y : Class of resistance to water penetration (1 to 4), Wp

y : Class of water vapour resistance (1 to 4), Ret

R : Water tower test on whole garment (optional)

DEFINITIONS

THERMAL RESISTANCE (Rct) IN M².K/W:

Measurement of the thermal insulation provided.

Divided into 4 classes (from 1 to 4) from the least insulating to the most insulating.

The higher the value, the greater the thermal insulation.

AIR PERMEABILITY (AP) IN MM/S :

Determines the complex's permeability to air.

Divided into 3 classes (from 1 to 3) from the least airtight to the most airtight.

RESULTANT EFFECTIVE THERMAL INSULATION :

Measured on moving dummy (/cler).

The thermal insulation coefficient, expressed in m².K/W, is used to determine the optimum usage temperature of the garment in relation to the individual's activity and his exposure time.

Thermal insulation is measured with undergarments of type:

• (B) for ensembles (Undershirt with long sleeves, long underpants, socks, bootee + thermojacket, thermopants, knitted gloves, balaclava)
• (R) for garments (Undershirt with long sleeves, long underpants, socks, bootees, jacket, trousers, shirt, knitted gloves, balaclava)
• (C) provided by the manufacturer

WATER VAPOUR RESISTANCE (Ret) IN (M².PA)/W :

Measures the evaporative resistance, i.e. the product's obstacle to the passage of water vapour, or the barrier it offers to evaporation of transpiration on the surface of the skin. The higher a product's water vapour resistance, the greater this product's barrier to the passage of water vapour : 

A breathing product has a low water vapour resistance.

Divided into 4 levels (from 1 to 4) from the least breathable to the most breathable.

RESISTANCE TO WATER PENETRATION (WP) IN PASCAL:

Measurement of the outer material and seams' resistance to water penetration under a water pressure of (980+/-50) Pa/min.

Divided into 4 levels (1 to 4) from the least impermeable to the most impermeable.

TOWER TEST:

Requirements for chemical protection clothing with liquid-tight (type 3) or spray-tight (type 4) connections, including items providing only partial body protection (types PB [3] and PB [4]).

This standard sets out the minimum requirements for the following types of limited use and reuseable chemical protective clothing:

- Clothing protecting the full body with liquid-tight connections between the various clothing parts (Type 3: liquid-tight clothing) ;
- Clothing protecting the full body with spray-tight connections between the various clothing parts (Type 4: spray-tight clothing) ;
 

a - When the protective equipment only protects certain parts of the body (torso, arms, legs), only the performance requirements for the materials making up the garment are required required (types 6, 4 and 3).

PROTECTION USED IN WELDING AND ALLIED PROCESSES

This standard specifies the performance requirements for protective clothing for use by operators in welding and allied processes with comparable risks. This type of protective clothing is intended to protect the wearer against molten metal splash, short contact with flame and UV radiation. It is intended to be worn at ambient temperature, continuously for up to 8 hours.