EN 388: 2016
Protective gloves against mechanical risks.
a) Abrasion resistance (0-4)
- Number of cycles required to abrade a hole with abrasive paper (Klingspor) in a circular sample of glove material under constant pressure and movement
b) Blade cut resistance by Test Coup (0-5):
- Number of cycles required to cut a sample with a stainless steel circular blade at a constant speed and reduced force of 5 newtons (approximately 510 g.). For materials that smooth the blade, after a certain number of cycles without cutting, the ISO 13997 test is performed which becomes the reference for cutting resistance.
c) Resistance to tearing (0-4):
- The force required to propagate a tear in a rectangular sample of the glove with a starting incision, up to a maximum force of 75N (approximately 7.6 kg)
d) Puncture resistance (0-4):
- The force required to pierce the sample with a standard-sized steel tip at a constant speed of 10 cm / min
e) Blade cut resistance by ISO test (A – F) :
- The force in Newtons (N) required to cut a sample using a rectangular blade with a given Cut Testing Machine (TDM). This test is optional, unless the blade in the Coup test dulls, thus making it the benchmark for cut resistance. Each value is assigned a letter as follows:
Levels of protection |
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
Force in N (Newton) |
>2 |
≥5 |
≥10 |
≥15 |
≥22 |
≥30 |
Blade cut resistance |
REDUCED |
AVERAGE |
HIGH |
f) Impact resistance (P):
- For protective gloves that resist shocks. It measures the dissipation of force by the protection area following impact with a domed anvil at an impact energy of 5 joules. The test complies with the EN 13594: 2015 standard EN 13594: 2015 impact protection test for protective motorcycle gloves. If the test is passed, a “P” is added, otherwise nothing is indicated.
Protection level |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
a) Abrasion resistance (cycles) |
>100 |
≥500 |
≥2000 |
≥8000 |
- |
b) Blade cut resistance (Coup test / Index) |
>1,2 |
≥2,5 |
≥5 |
≥10 |
≥20 |
c) Tear strength (Newton) |
>10 |
≥25 |
≥50 |
≥75 |
- |
d) Puncture resistance (Newton) |
>20 |
≥60 |
≥100 |
≥150 |
- |
Force in N (Newton) |
>2 |
≥5 |
≥10 |
≥15 |
- |
Level X a) to f) can also be applied to the above, which means “not tested” or “not applicable”.