
EN 388:2016 - Protective gloves against mechanical risks
About (EN 388:2016 - Protective gloves against mechanical risks)
EN 388:2016 is a European standard that establishes the requirements and test methods for protective gloves used to safeguard against mechanical risks. It provides a standardized framework for evaluating the performance of gloves in terms of their resistance to abrasion, cut, tear, puncture, and impact.
The key aspects addressed by EN 388:2016 include:
Abrasion Resistance: This test measures the ability of the glove material to withstand abrasive forces and indicates its durability against rough surfaces.
Cut Resistance: The standard evaluates the resistance of the glove to cutting hazards. It uses a test method called the Coupe Test, which assigns a level of cut resistance based on the performance of the material.
Tear Resistance: This test assesses the resistance of the glove material to tearing or laceration caused by sharp objects or edges.
Puncture Resistance: It measures the ability of the glove to withstand puncture forces from sharp objects.
Impact Protection: EN 388:2016 introduced a new requirement for impact protection, where gloves are tested for their ability to absorb and dissipate the energy of impacts.
Each performance characteristic is rated on a scale from 1 to 4, with a higher number indicating a higher level of protection. For example, a glove with a rating of 4 for cut resistance provides a higher level of cut protection compared to a glove with a rating of 1.
It's important to note that EN 388:2016 does not cover protection against chemical, thermal, or electrical risks. Other standards, such as EN 374 for chemical protection or EN 407 for thermal hazards, should be considered for gloves intended for those specific applications.
Manufacturers often indicate compliance with EN 388:2016 by labeling gloves with the corresponding performance levels for each mechanical risk category. This allows users to make informed decisions and select gloves that offer the desired level of protection for their intended tasks.
In summary, EN 388:2016 is a European standard that sets requirements and test methods for protective gloves used against mechanical risks. It evaluates the performance of gloves in terms of abrasion resistance, cut resistance, tear resistance, puncture resistance, and impact protection. Compliance with EN 388:2016 enables users to choose gloves with the appropriate level of protection for specific mechanical hazards.