Deutsch
English
Französisch
Polnisch
PACKING SAFELY - WITH PROTECTIVE GLOVES ACCORDING TO EN 388
It's loud. Sparks are flying. Metal meets metal and sharp edges meet precise handles. In many areas of work, hands are the most important tool - and also the most vulnerable. Every grip can be a challenge: Splintering wood, sharp-edged sheet metal, tearing materials. This is exactly where reliable protection counts - and it starts with the right protective gloves.EN 388 is the benchmark for mechanical risks. It specifically tests how resistant gloves are to abrasion, cutting, tearing, punctures and, if necessary, impact.
Because where the going gets rough, you need more than just a good feeling. EN 388 makes the performance of protective gloves measurable - and therefore comparable. For more safety with every movement.
ALL TEST AREAS OF EN 388
EN 388 evaluates protective gloves on the basis of five mechanical risks that they must withstand in everyday working life. Each of these test areas is divided into performance levels - the higher the level, the better the protection. Optional impact protection (P) can also be tested.The 6 test areas at a glance:
A Abrasion resistance - How many abrasion cycles can the material withstand before it breaks through?
B Cut resistance (coupe test) - How resistant is the glove to rotating blades under a defined load?
C Tear propagation resistance - How much force is required for a tear to propagate?
D Puncture resistance - How much pressure does a sharp object - e.g. a nail - need to penetrate the material?
E Cut resistance (TDM test) - How resistant are the protective gloves to sharp knives with constantly increasing force?
P Impact protection (optional) - Do the gloves offer additional protection in particularly exposed areas such as the back of the hand?
In our overview of standards for hand protection, you will find all test areas and requirements at a glance - clear, understandable and practical.
HOW IT'S TESTED
EN 388 is much more than just a symbol on a label - it stands for a detailed test procedure with precise specifications for sampling, equipment, test procedures and standard conditions. Each test follows a standardized protocol to make the protective performance objectively measurable.Overview of the test methods:
+ Abrasion test: The material is rubbed under specified pressure - until a breakthrough is visible.
+ Coupe test: A rotating blade moves back and forth over the test sample under constant load. The same blade is used several times.
+ TDM test: A straight blade cuts through the material with linearly increasing force. It is replaced after each cut.
+ Tear and puncture test: Determines how much force is required to tear or puncture the material.
+ Impact protection (optional): Tested in accordance with EN 13594 - exclusively on larger protective areas such as the back of the hand.
Important to know: If a material shows unusual behavior in the Coupe test (e.g. the blade becomes blunt), the TDM test becomes mandatory - its result then replaces the Coupe value and is marked alphabetically (A-F).
HOW YOU CAN BENEFIT FROM THE STANDARD
EN 388 affects everyone who is confronted with mechanical risks in their everyday work - whether in construction, logistics, industry, metalworking, glass manufacturing or the automotive sector. It provides users with reliable guidance when selecting suitable protective gloves.At the same time, other stakeholders also benefit from the standard: manufacturers can develop specific materials and glove types based on the requirements. Occupational safety specialists receive a sound basis for making decisions on risk assessments. And companies not only ensure the protection of their employees with standard-compliant products, but also ensure a traceable and documented selection of their PPE.
