EN 388:2016

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-december-2016
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SIST EN 388:2003
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Protective gloves against mechanical risks
Schutzhandschuhe gegen mechanische Risiken
Gants de protection contre les risques mécaniques
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 388:2016
ICS:
13.340.40 Varovanje dlani in rok Hand and arm protection
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN 388
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
November 2016
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 13.340.40 Supersedes EN 388:2003
English Version
Protective gloves against mechanical risks
Gants de protection contre les risques mécaniques Schutzhandschuhe gegen mechanische Risiken
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 29 July 2016.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2016 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 388:2016 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Requirements . 6
4.1 General . 6
4.2 Additional Protection . 7
4.2.1 General . 7
4.2.2 Impact protection. 7
5 Sampling and conditioning . 7
6 Test methods . 8
6.1 Abrasion resistance . 8
6.1.1 Principle . 8
6.1.2 Consumables . 8
6.1.3 Apparatus . 8
6.1.4 Test specimens . 9
6.1.5 Test procedure . 9
6.1.6 Test report . 11
6.2 Blade cut resistance . 12
6.2.1 Principle . 12
6.2.2 Equipment . 12
6.2.3 Test specimen . 14
6.2.4 Control specimen . 15
6.2.5 Canvas . 15
6.2.6 Test method . 15
6.2.7 Calculation of test results . 16
6.2.8 Test report . 17
6.3 Cut Resistance method (EN ISO 13997) . 17
6.3.1 General . 17
6.3.2 Test specimen . 17
6.3.3 Test report . 17
6.4 Tear resistance . 17
6.4.1 Principle . 17
6.4.2 Equipment . 18
6.4.3 Test specimen . 18
6.4.4 Setting up the test specimen . 18
6.4.5 Test method . 18
6.4.6 Test report . 19
6.5 Puncture resistance. 20
6.5.1 Principle . 20
6.5.2 Equipment . 20
6.5.3 Test specimen . 21
6.5.4 Test method . 21
6.5.5 Test report . 21
6.6 Impact Test . 21
7 Marking . 21
7.1 General . 21
7.2 Pictograms . 22
7.3 Marking of additional requirements . 22
7.4 Examples of marking . 22
8 Information supplied by the manufacturer in the user notice . 23
Annex A (normative) Abradant . 24
A.1 Definition of the abradant . 24
A.2 Acceptation criteria of the abradant . 24
Annex B (normative) Test results - Uncertainty of measurement . 25
Annex C (normative) Validation test for the adhesive used in EN 388, 6.1.2.2 . 26
C.1 Objective . 26
C.2 Apparatus and materials . 26
C.3 Preparation of test specimens . 27
C.4 Test procedure . 28
C.5 Examples of acceptable adhesive tape . 30
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the essential
requirements of Directive 89/686/EEC aimed to be covered . 31

European foreword
This document (EN 388:2016) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 162 “Protective
clothing including hand and arm protection and lifejackets”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by May 2017, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by May 2017.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights.
This document supersedes EN 388:2003.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).
For relationship with EU Directive, see informative Annex ZA which is an integral part of this document.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.
1 Scope
This European Standard specifies requirements, test methods, marking and information to be supplied
for protective gloves against the mechanical risks of abrasion, blade cut, tear, puncture and, if
applicable, impact.
This standard is intended to be used in conjunction with EN 420.
The test methods developed in this standard may also be applicable to arm protectors.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 420, Protective gloves — General requirements and test methods
EN 13594:2015, Protective gloves for motorcycle riders — Requirements and test methods
EN ISO 7500-1, Metallic materials — Calibration and verification of static uniaxial testing machines —
Part 1: Tension/compression testing machines — Calibration and verification of the force-measuring
system (ISO 7500-1)
EN ISO 11644, Leather — Test for adhesion of finish (ISO 11644)
EN ISO 12947-1, Textiles — Determination of the abrasion resistance of fabrics by the Martindale method
— Part 1: Martindale abrasion testing apparatus (ISO 12947-1)
EN ISO 13934-1, Textiles — Tensile properties of fabrics — Part 1: Determination of maximum force and
elongation at maximum force using the strip method (ISO 13934-1)
EN ISO 13997:1999, Protective clothing — Mechanical properties — Determination of resistance to
cutting by sharp objects (ISO 13997:1999)
ISO 4649:2010, Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic — Determination of abrasion resistance using a
rotating cylindrical drum device
ISO 5725-2, Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results — Part 2: Basic
method for the determination of repeatability and reproducibility of a standard measurement method
ISO/IEC Guide 98-3, Uncertainty of measurement — Part 3: Guide to the expression of uncertainty in
measurement (GUM:1995)
ISO/IEC Guide 98-4, Uncertainty of measurement — Part 4: Role of measurement uncertainty in
conformity assessment
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
protective glove against mechanical risks
glove that provides protection against at least one of the following mechanical risks: abrasion, blade cut,
tear and puncture
3.2
glove providing a specific protection
glove that is designed to provide an area of improved protection for the whole hand or part of it
Note 1 to entry: For example, palm protection style or protection against impact.
3.3
glove series
single glove style or glove type with the same palm material up to the wrist line where the only variants
are size, length, left/right hand and colour
3.4
arm
part of the body between the wrist and the shoulder
3.5
gloves made from several layers
— unbonded layers: a glove that is made from 2 or more layers of materials which are not connected
together, after preparing the sample for the test;
— bonded layers: a glove that is made from 2 or more layers of materials which are connected
together (e.g. glued, stitched, dipped, impregnated) after preparing the sample for the test
3.6
abrasion cycle
completion of all the translational abrasion movements tracing a Lissajous figure comprising 16 rubs,
i.e. 16 revolutions of the two outer drives and 15 revolutions of the inner drive of the Martindale
abrasion tester
[SOURCE: EN ISO 12947-1]
Note 1 to entry: An abrasion rub is one revolution of the outer drives of the Martindale abrasion tester (see
EN ISO 12947-1).
3.7
arm protector
protective sleeve separate from the glove or the clothing that provides protection against at least one of
the following mechanical risks: abrasion, blade cut, tear and puncture
4 Requirements
4.1 General
The protective gloves according to this standard shall first meet all the applicable requirements of
EN 420.
All specimens shall be taken from the palm of different gloves for classification purposes. For arm
protectors, specimens shall be taken from the area for which protection is claimed.
A protective glove against mechanical risks shall have performance level of 1 or above for at least one of
the properties (abrasion, blade cut, tear and puncture) or at least level A of the EN ISO 13997:1999
TDM cut resistance test; classified according to the minimum requirements for each level shown in
Tables 1 and 2.
NOTE 1 Gloves meeting the requirements for resistance to puncture may not be suitable for protection against
sharply pointed objects such as hypodermic needles.
Table 1 — Levels of performance
Test Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5
6.1 Abrasion resistance (number of rubs) 100 500 2 000 8 000 -
6.2 Coupe test: 1,2 2,5 5,0 10,0 20,0
Blade cut resistance (index)
6.4 Tear resistance (N) 10 25 50 75 -
6.5 Puncture resistance (N) 20 60 100 150 -
Table 2 — Levels of performance for materials tested with EN ISO 13997
Level Level Level Level Level Level
A B C D E F
6.3 TDM: cut resistance (N) 2 5 10 15 22 30
NOTE 2 There is no correlation between the levels of performance obtained with the 6.2 and 6.3 test methods.
NOTE 3 Uncertainty of measurement, see Annex B.
If relevant, additional areas of the protective glove shall be tested (e.g. for specific protection or for
areas which provide lower protection) and the results shall be reported in the user instructions.
4.2 Additional Protection
4.2.1 General
Additional protection can be claimed when the gloves conform to the requirements defined in the
following clause(s).
4.2.2 Impact protection
Each area where impact protection is claimed shall be tested. Due to the test method (test specimens
dimensions), protection against impacts on fingers cannot be tested.
A protective glove against mechanical risks may be designed and constructed to provide specific impact
attenuation (for example, impact protection of knuckles, back of the hand, palm,). These gloves shall
comply with the following requirement.
When the tests were carried out according to 6.6, performance shall conform to Level 1 of
EN 13594:2015, Table 7.
5 Sampling and conditioning
5.1 Conditioning of samples and all other test consumables (e.g. abrasive paper, EPDM, cotton
canvas) is as follows:
— temperature (23 ± 2) °C;
— relative humidity (50 ± 5) %.
The period of conditioning is at least 24 h. Tests shall preferably be performed in the above mentioned
environment.
5.2 If the test is performed in a different environment and if the testing duration does not exceed 15
min, it shall be started within 5 min after removal from the conditioning.
5.3 If special applications require testing in a different environment, it is the responsibility of the
manufacturer or his authorized representative to arrange for additional tests and to present the results
including a full description of the testing environment in the information supplied by the manufacturer
(Clause 8).
6 Test methods
6.1 Abrasion resistance
6.1.1 Principle
Circular specimens of material are abraded under known pressure with a cyclic planar motion in the
form of a Lissajous figure which is the result of the simple harmonic motions at right angles to each
other. The resistance to abrasion is measured by the number of rubs required for breakthrough to
occur.
6.1.2 Consumables
6.1.2.1 Abradant
An abradant shall meet the requirements as laid down in Annex A.
1)
NOTE 1 A suitable abradant has been tested by the standardization group, the Klingspor PL31B, Grit 180 (see
Annex A).
NOTE 2 At the present time, only one calibration procedure is available using textile reference material. A more
robust calibration method for other reference material is still under construction.
6.1.2.2 Double-sided adhesive tape
The double sided adhesive tape shall be used to provide adhesion of the sample during the test to
achieve reproducible results. The mean adhesion value shall be of minimum 0,20 N/mm.
Tests are carried out according to the method given in Annex C.
NOTE 1 If the adhesion is not sufficient, the sample will move during the test and in this case a tear
phenomenon can be observed rather than abrasion.
NOTE 2 Examples of suitable double sided adhesive tapes are provided in C.5. Alternative tapes can be verified
for suitability using the test method defined in Annex C.
6.1.3 Apparatus
An abrasion machine of the type described in EN ISO 12947-1 as a Martindale Wear and Abrasion is
required. It shall fulfil the following requirement:
Pressure on specimen: (9,0 ± 0,2) kPa.

1) Klingspor PL31B, Grit 180 is the trade name of a product supplied by KLINGSPOR Schleifsysteme GmbH & Co. KG,
Hüttenstraße 36, D-35708 Haiger. This information is given for the convenience of users of this European Standard and
does not constitute an endorsement by CEN of the product named. Equivalent products may be used if they can be
shown to lead to the same results.
6.1.4 Test specimens
Four test specimens shall be taken from four individual gloves of the same glove series. In case of an
irregular design of the palm, the test specimen shall be taken in the area where the least protection is
expected (remove the reinforcements that do not cover the whole palm).
Where the test specimen is made of several unbounded layers, the test is performed on each layer.
When the specimen is made of bonded layers if the layers can be separated without damaging the
material, the test must be performed on each layer independently. Otherwise, the test must be
performed on all layers, taking care not to have a seam in the test area.
6.1.5 Test procedure
6.1.5.1 Setting up the machine
6.1.5.1.1 Mounting test specimens
Cut four test specimens to the correct dimensions, diameter (38,0 ± 0,5) mm. Secure the test specimen
without tension carefully and centrally on the metal insert by means of double-sided adhesive tape
under a weight of approximately 10 kg applied for at least 5 min. Good adhesion can be achieved
through the use of double-sided tape which prevents loosening of the test specimen and the inclusion of
air bubbles. Place the ring of the specimen holder in position on the mounting plate provided on the
base of the machine.
In order to test the materials that are thicker than the standard ring (for example leather with a
thickness greater than 1,2 mm), the diameter of the opening of the clamping ring should be increased
(see Figure 1).
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 1 — Alternative clamping ring for thick material
Some materials might need a longer contact time to ensure maximum adhesion between the test
specimen and the adhesive tape. Surface treatment (e.g. removal of fluff) may be used in order to
improve adhesion between the test specimen and the adhesive tape, provided this treatment will not
affect the performance of the material during the test. If a different contact time (> 5 min) and/or if a
surface treatment is used, this should be reported.
While ensuring that the ring containing the specimen and metal insert is held firmly in the mounting
plate, start to screw the top of the specimen holder on to the ring, taking care that the screw threads are
not crossed. Having started the screwing down operation, use both hands to maintain a continuous
downwards pressure on the assembly against the mounting plate.
This procedure will normally ensure that the specimen is securely retained in the holder in a wrinkle-
free condition and that it is ready for testing.
NOTE It is important to use a sufficiently effective double-sided adhesive tape which prevents the movement
of the test specimen during the duration of the test (appropriate double-side adhesive tapes can for example be
found in the building and construction industry). This information is given for the convenience of users in
Annex C.
6.1.5.1.2 Mounting abradant
Secure carefully the abradant (6.1.2.1) by means of double-sided adhesive tape covering the whole
surface of the mounting plate. Ensure the abradant is flat by placing the weight supplied with the testing
machine for this purpose on its surface, and if a retaining frame is used, then position and tighten it up
evenly using diagonally opposite screws in sequence. Make sure that the abradant is held in place firmly
and that there are no tucks or ridges.
6.1.5.1.3 Mounting specimen holders
Mount the test specimen holders on the top plate under a pressure of (9,0 ± 0,2) kPa and switch on the
machine. Four test specimens are preferably to be tested at the same time on the same machine. If
tested differently, it shall be reported in the test report and the reason why.
Every time a specimen holder is taken from the machine to check the end point of the specimen for
breakthrough, retighten the specimen holder before it is replaced on the machine.
If it is necessary to interrupt the test for an appreciable length of time (e. g. overnight or at the
weekend) remove the specimens from their holders and store them face upwards. Protect the
specimens by covering them with a clean card or piece of fabric.
6.1.5.2 Method of assessment
The performance of the sample is determined by the specimen breakthrough, which is the visually
observed deterioration in a specimen after exposure to a specified number of abrasion rubs, i.e.:
— in woven fabrics, when two separate threads are completely broken, resulting in a hole to appear;
— in knitted fabrics, when one thread is completely broken, resulting in a hole to appear;
— in bonded layers, when the first hole through all layers together resulting from the wear is of a
diameter at least equal to 1 mm;
— in other materials then those mentioned above, when the first hole resulting from the wear is of a
diameter at least equal to 1 mm.
6.1.5.3 Test method
Each test will be performed with a new abradant. Be
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