Properties
Abrasion Resistance.
General Purpose, Waste & Recycling, Building & Construction, Logistics & Warehousing, Agriculture, Utilities.
Superior Grip, Light Weight, Colour Coded.
Latex Coating, Palm Coated.
Applications
Refuse collection, horticulture, utilities, local authorities, construction, assembly, general handling.
Ratings:
EN388:2016 2131X
EN388:2003 3131
EN420:2003+A1:2009
EN388: 2016 Explained
Gloves when tested to the new standard will show on them (and their outer packaging) the EN388: 2016 rating.
Lookout for the EN388 2016 shield shaped symbol - underneath you will find 4 numbers followed by 1 to 2 letters - for example you should see markings like 3453E (Please note a few gloves may also show a P at the end of the digits).
What those numbers and letters mean...
1st [number]: Abrasion Resistance - based on the number of cycles required to abrade through the tested sample - 0 (lowest) 4 (highest).
2nd [number]: Coupe method circular blade cut resistance (the old test method) - based on the number of cycles to cut through the tested sample - 0 (lowest) 5 (highest)
3rd [number]: Tear resistance - based on the amount of force required to tear the tested sample - 0 (lowest) 4 (highest)
4th [number]: Puncture Resistance - based upon the amount of force required to pierce the tested sample with a standard sized point - 0 (lowest) 4 (highest)
5th [letter]: Straight blade cut test (the new test method) - using the new TDM ISO13997 testing method - based on the average load required to achieve a cut using a straight blade - A (lowest) F (highest) -
6th [letter]: Impact test - This is an optional test and will only be shown on certain types of gloves - Gloves will be marked with a P as the last letter of the markings.
Please note that not all gloves in circulation will show the markings for the new standard - manufacturers and distributors stocks will take some time to clear through.
The new cut test method gives you a much better idea of how the glove will perform in the real world. It's worth noting that many gloves that were tested cut level 5 to the old standard (so the highest possible score) were when tested to the new standard given scores of C to D (so a good cut rating but not the best) thus highlighting the need for the new cut test method.
A range of cut level E and F gloves are available.
Note: Some manufacturers where the gloves primary role is not cut resistance have opted to not have their gloves tested to the new cut standard - if this is the case then an "X" will be shown.
