BS EN 388:2016+A1:2018 is a European standard that specifies the requirements for protective gloves designed to protect against mechanical risks, such as abrasion, cutting, tearing, and puncture. The standard outlines performance testing, marking, and labeling of gloves to ensure that they provide appropriate protection in various working environments.
Key Aspects of BS EN 388:2016+A1:2018:
1. Performance Testing
The standard includes tests for five key mechanical hazards:
- Abrasion Resistance: How well the gloves resist wear and tear due to friction. Measured by the number of cycles a glove lasts on an abrasive surface before it breaks down.
- Cut Resistance: How well the gloves protect against cutting. The test uses a rotating circular blade to cut through the material.
- Tear Resistance: How much force is needed to tear the glove material.
- Puncture Resistance: How much force is required to puncture the glove.
- Impact Protection (optional): An additional test for gloves designed to protect against impact injuries (this is an optional test).
2. Scoring System
The performance of gloves is assessed and scored according to the following criteria:
- Abrasion Resistance: Scored from 0 to 4 (0 = low resistance, 4 = high resistance).
- Cut Resistance: Scored from 0 to 5 (0 = no resistance, 5 = highest level of resistance).
- Tear Resistance: Scored from 0 to 4.
- Puncture Resistance: Scored from 0 to 4.
For example, a glove with the marking “4X43F” indicates:
- 4 for abrasion resistance
- X indicates no cut resistance test (if no suitable test is possible for the material)
- 4 for tear resistance
- 3 for puncture resistance
- F for impact protection (if tested).
3. Marking and Labeling
The gloves are labeled with a pictogram and performance scores that indicate their suitability for different tasks:
- The pictogram shows the mechanical protection symbol and the scores for the four main performance areas.
- EN 388:2016+A1:2018 marking will typically be followed by the numerical ratings and any symbols for additional protection features (e.g., impact or chemical resistance).
4. Additional Features
- Impact Protection: The standard includes an optional test for gloves offering impact protection, indicated by the letter “F” in the marking.
- Chemical Resistance: Although not part of the EN 388 standard, some gloves may also be tested under EN 374 for chemical protection.
5. Safety and Compliance
Compliance with the standard ensures that gloves meet basic mechanical protection requirements. However, specific tasks (e.g., working with sharp tools, handling hot surfaces) may require additional considerations like cut resistance (e.g., EN ISO 13997 for cut resistance).
Conclusion
BS EN 388 provides critical guidelines for selecting protective gloves based on their mechanical performance. It helps employers and workers identify appropriate gloves for tasks involving mechanical hazards like cutting, abrasion, and punctures. When choosing gloves, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of the task and ensure the gloves meet the appropriate protection levels as indicated by the standard’s scoring system.
