Standard EN388:2003
Gloves giving protection from mechanical risks
Relevant Australian standard: AS/NZS 2161.3:1998
Scope
This standard applies to all kinds of protective gloves in respect of physical and mechanical aggressions caused by abrasion, blade cut,
puncture and tearing.
Definition and requirements
Protection against mechanical hazards is expressed by a pictogram followed by four numbers (performance levels), each representing test
performance against a specific hazard.
The ‘mechanical risks’ pictogram is accompanied by a four digit code.
a. Abrasion resistance
Based on the number of cycles required to abrade through the sample glove.
b. Blade cut resistance
Based on the number of cycles required to cut through the sample at a constant speed.
c. Tear resistance
Based on the amount of force required to tear the sample.
d. Puncture resistance
Based on the amount of force required to pierce the sample with a standard-sized point.
In all cases above, 0 indicates the lowest level of performance.
These performance levels must be prominently displayed alongside the pictogram on the gloves and on the packaging which immediately
contains the gloves.