Update EN388 Standard for Protective Gloves

The European Standard for Protective Gloves, EN 388, was updated on November 4, 2016 and is now in the process of being ratified by each member country. Glove manufacturers selling in Europe, have two years to comply with the new EN 388 2016 standard. Regardless of this allotted adjustment period, many leading manufacturers will immediately start using revised EN 388 markings on gloves.

New Testing Methods and Scores

The EN 388, similar to ANSI/ISEA 105, is the European standard used to evaluate mechanical risks for hand protection. Gloves with a EN 388 rating are third party tested, and rated for abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture resistance. Cut resistance is rated 1-5, while all other physical performance factors are rated 1-4. Up until now, the EN 388 standard used only the “Coup Test” to test for cut resistance. The new EN 388 2016 standard uses both the “Coup Test” and the “TDM-100 Test” to measure cut resistance for a more accurate score. Also included in the updated standard is a new Impact Protection test.

Two Testing Methods for Cut

As discussed above, the most significant change to the EN 388 2016 standard is the formal inclusion of the ISO 13997 cut test method. ISO 13997, also known as the “TDM-100 Test” is similar to the ASTM F2992-15 test method used in the ANSI 105 standard. Both standards will now make use of the TDM machine with the sliding blade and weights. After many years with differing testing methods it was found that the blade used in the “Coup Test” would dull quickly when testing yarns with high levels of glass and steel fibers. This resulted in unreliable cut scores, so the need for including the “TDM-100 Test” to the new EN 388 2016 standard was strongly supported.

Understanding the ISO 13997 Test Method (TDM-100 Test)

To differentiate between the two cut scores that will be generated under the new EN 388 2016 standard, the cut score achieved using the ISO 13997 test method will have a letter added to the end of the first four digits. The letter assigned will depend on the result of the test, which will be given in Newtons. The table to the under outlines the new alpha scale used to calculate the results from the ISO 13997 test method.

Newton to Gram Conversion

The table to the under illustrates how the new EN 388 2016 standard is now in-line with the ANSI/ISEA 105 standard for cut resistance when converting Newtons to grams.

New Impact Protection Test

The updated EN 388 2016 standard will also include an impact protection test. This test is intended for gloves designed for protection against impact. Gloves that do not offer impact protection will not be subjected to this test. For that reason, there are three potential ratings that will be given, based on this test.