Whether in assembly, metalworking, logistics, or cleaning: hands are involved in almost every task and are therefore the first to be affected by almost every hazard. Protective gloves are therefore a central component of personal protective equipment (PPE). But which glove is right for which hazard? This guide shows you how to select protective gloves correctly and what the EN 388 and EN ISO 374 standards on the label mean.
Selecting protective gloves: First the hazard, then the glove
Before you order a glove, you must perform a risk assessment. According to DGUV Rule 112-195, the employer must conduct a risk assessment before the selection and use of protective gloves. It primarily answers these questions:
- What type of impact exists: mechanical (cuts, abrasion, puncture), thermal (heat, cold), chemical, or from microorganisms?
- How long and how intensely does the hazard affect the hands?
- How much tactile sensitivity and grip are required for the task?
- How wet, oily, or dusty is the environment?
Only with these answers will you find a glove that is not only compliant with standards, but will also actually be worn in everyday work.
EN 388: Protective gloves against mechanical risks
The standard EN 388:2016+A1:2018 regulates protective gloves against abrasion, cuts, tearing, puncture, and, if applicable, impact. It is used in conjunction with EN ISO 21420, the standard containing general requirements for protective gloves. You can recognize gloves according to EN 388 by the pictogram with a four-digit code, followed by one or two letters.
How to read the EN 388 marking
- 1st digit – Abrasion resistance: Level 1 to 4. Level 4 means that the material withstands at least 8,000 abrasion cycles.
- 2nd digit – Cut resistance (Coupe test): Level 1 to 5.
- 3rd digit – Tear strength: Level 1 to 4.
- 4th digit – Puncture resistance: Level 1 to 4.
- 1st letter – Cut resistance according to EN ISO 13997 (TDM test): A to F. This is particularly important for materials that dull the blade in the Coupe test.
- 2nd letter "P": The glove has been additionally tested for impact protection.
An example: The code "4X42C" stands for abrasion level 4, Coupe test not tested ("X"), tear strength level 4, puncture level 2, and cut protection level C according to the ISO method. Important: A higher number is only better in its own specific discipline. A glove with high cut resistance may perform weaker against punctures.
For work with sharp edges, you will find suitable models in our cut-resistant gloves category.
EN ISO 374: Correctly classifying chemical protection gloves
Anyone working with chemicals needs gloves according to EN ISO 374-1:2016+A1:2018. The standard distinguishes between three types:
- Type A: Breakthrough time of at least 30 minutes against at least six test chemicals
- Type B: at least 30 minutes against at least three test chemicals
- Type C: at least 10 minutes against at least one test chemical
In total, there are 18 test chemicals. They are indicated by code letters below the Erlenmeyer flask pictogram. Always check whether the substance you are working with is listed there: a glove only protects against the chemicals for which it has been tested. Gloves against hazardous chemicals fall into PPE Category III. You can find a selection among our nitrile gloves.
Heat, cold, assembly: an overview of other glove types
- Heat protection: When coming into contact with hot surfaces, gloves according to EN 407 are required, for example our heat-resistant gloves.
- Cold protection: For work outdoors or in cold storage, cold-resistant gloves according to EN 511 are suitable.
- Assembly work: Here, tactile sensitivity and grip are important, such as with assembly gloves.
- Heavy-duty work: Robust leather gloves are suitable for transport, construction, and landscaping work.
Fit and wearing comfort determine acceptance
A glove that pinches, slips, or causes the hand to tire quickly will not be worn and therefore provides no protection. Pay attention to the correct size, sufficient finger mobility, and a material that suits the task. Anyone working in gloves all day benefits from breathable materials and minimal seams.
When gloves can become a danger
When working on machines with rotating parts, such as drills or saws, a glove can be caught and pulled in. The risk assessment for each individual case determines whether gloves may be worn in such areas. When in doubt, consult your occupational safety specialist.
Inspect, maintain, replace
Protective gloves are wear-and-tear items. Check them for damage before each use and replace damaged gloves immediately. Also observe the following:
- Follow the manufacturer's care and storage instructions
- Store gloves in a dry place, protected from direct sunlight
- Read the user manual before the first use, especially regarding chemical protection
Conclusion: The right protective glove matches the hazard
The right choice starts with the risk assessment and ends with the fit. The markings according to EN 388 and EN ISO 374 help you to objectively compare gloves. At Technigro, you will find work and protective gloves with manufacturer-independent standard specifications and detailed product information. Read more about standards in our article Choosing the right PPE – what’s behind the standards.
Sources
- DGUV Rule 112-195 "Use of protective gloves", publikationen.dguv.de
- EN 388:2016+A1:2018 "Protective gloves against mechanical risks"
- EN ISO 374-1:2016+A1:2018 "Protective gloves against dangerous chemicals and microorganisms"
- Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on personal protective equipment, eur-lex.europa.eu
