Work glove hand protection standards have existed for years but most users fail to pay attention to the ratings. Specifically cut resistance. Both the ANSI (American National Standard Institute) and the EU (European Union) have hand protection selection criteria.
Although the criteria between both is very complex, I prefer seeing the EU – EN388 symbol since it rates the gloves for abrasion, blade cut, tear, and puncture resistance. ANSI doesn’t have a single symbol covering these categories. However, in situations requiring a very high level of cut resistance, you should look for gloves tested and rated under both standards since they vary on the high end in the cut resistant category.
In the EN-388 symbol (shown) you will see a number for each category. All tests are ranked 1-4 (4 being the highest level) except for the blade cut category ranking of 1-5.
I’m preparing a paper which will discuss this in detail but in the meantime, I think this symbol and simple explanation will help on the fly. You can always contact me if you have any questions or need any assistance on work glove and cut resistant glove selections.
FYI: Since the CE (EU) glove standards are mandatory in Europe and most gloves sold in
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Dear,
I am trying to find the EN 388 data for LDPE, HDPE, PP and PVC films. if you have any of these, please advise me.
regards.
expertracker.
Carlos:
See this link:
http://industrial.gloves-online.com/products.php?cat=123
The Ninja Max #WK-CC9676 are 4542
The Coated Dyneema #WK-CC-470 are 4543
Could you recommend a glove with 4,4,4,4 o even 5 in resistance cut for mechanical use.
I only find just "Resistance Cut", most of them lack in abrasion, tear and punture. Thanks.
Rob, I've never seen a useful guide that compares or measures glass or blade use.
From my own experience, it would be very difficult to gauge due to the sharpness of the material or the weight or force level required.
This is also why the standards are measured by weight.
You can contact me at 919-468-4244 if you need any additional assistance.
Is there a useful web page which suggests EN388 classification levels for different applications? For example, a chart you can look at to suggest a glove level for handling glass or some other activity.