EN 388 Protection against mechanical hazards
This standard specifies the degree of protection provided by the work glove against hazards of a mechanical nature. This includes protection against abrasion, cutting, tearing and puncturing. The performance level of the work glove is indicated by a number between 1 and 5. Where number 1 means minimum protection and number 5 means maximum protection.
Abrasion resistance
Based on the number of cycles required to abrade through the glove steel.
Cutting resistance
Based on the number of cycles required to cut through the glove steel at a constant speed.
Tear resistance
Based on the force required to tear the glove steel.
Perforation resistance
Based on the force required to pierce the glove steel with a standard-sized tip.
This is an old standard that is no longer used for products certified under the new PPE regulation EC 2016/425.
For CaluGuard gloves, this standard only applies to article 85535.
Please note that this standard has changed compared to EN388:2003 (it applies to gloves that may still be sold under the old PPE directive EC 89/686).
Due to the aggravation of test methods and classification of performance levels, scores of all parameters are not always exactly comparable. For abrasion resistance, the test score after a test according to the new standard is in many cases lower (for the same glove).
All but one type of CaluGuard work gloves (type CE II) were tested according to this new standard after which they were certified as PPE according to the new PPE regulation EC 2016/425.
Abrasion resistance
Based on the number of cycles required to abrade through the glove steel.
Cutting resistance
Based on the number of cycles required to cut through the glove steel at a constant speed.
Tear resistance
Based on the force required to tear the glove steel.
Perforation resistance
Based on the force required to pierce the glove steel with a standard-sized tip.
EN388:2003
This standard describes specific test methods and communication of performance levels for resistance to mechanical hazards of gloves.This is an old standard that is no longer used for products certified under the new PPE regulation EC 2016/425.
For CaluGuard gloves, this standard only applies to article 85535.
EN388:2016
This standard describes specific test methods and communication of performance levels (the "scores") for resistance to mechanical hazards of gloves. Gloves certified according to the new PPE regulation EG2016/425 have been assessed according to this standard. This usually applies to CE II gloves. Download the document "EN388 standards" from the Knowledge Centre for more information on this standard.Please note that this standard has changed compared to EN388:2003 (it applies to gloves that may still be sold under the old PPE directive EC 89/686).
Due to the aggravation of test methods and classification of performance levels, scores of all parameters are not always exactly comparable. For abrasion resistance, the test score after a test according to the new standard is in many cases lower (for the same glove).
All but one type of CaluGuard work gloves (type CE II) were tested according to this new standard after which they were certified as PPE according to the new PPE regulation EC 2016/425.