Protective gloves against mechanical risk

This standard applies to all kinds of protective gloves in respect of physical and mechanical aggressions caused by abrasion, blade cut, tear, puncture and, if applicable, impact. A performance level is determined according to each test result – the higher the number or ascending letter, the greater the level of protection. Results are displayed using a pictogram, permitting clear understanding of the capability of the glove.

a. Resistance to abrasion: based on the number of cycles required to abrade through the sample glove. The resistance to abrasion is measured by the number of cycles required for hole to occur. Highest protection is 4 and is equal with 8000 cycles.

b. Circular blade cut resistance: based on the number of cycles required to cut through the sample by a circular rotating blade at a constant speed. The result is compared with a reference material and an index is obtained. Highest protection is 5 and is equal with an of index of 20.

c. Tear resistance: based on the amount of force required to tear the sample. The resistance to tear is defined as the force necessary to propagate a tear in a rectangular specimen slit half way along its length. The specimen shall be torn totally apart. Highest protection is 4 and is equal with 75 Newton.

d. Puncture resistance: based on the amount of force required to pierce the sample with a standard sized point and speed (10 cm/min). Highest protection is 4 and is equal with 150 Newton. In all cases, 0 indicates the lowest level of performance, as follows. These are the requirements for each performance levels. The performance level is displayed alongside the pictogram.

e. Straight blade cut resistance: based on a straight blade drawn across the sample until cut-through takes place and measures the contact load applied to the blade to make a cut-through over a 20 mm stroke length. The performance levels range from 'level A' cut resistance with a contact force between 2N and 5N, up to 'level F', with a contact force greater than 30N.

f. Impact resistance: This is an optional test and is used for gloves which incorporate specific impact-resistant properties which may be added to the palm, back of the hand or the knuckles. Testing is carried out in accordance with clause 6.9 of EN 13594:2015 – 'Protective gloves for motorcycle riders’. A marking code 'P' is added for gloves meeting the impact-resistant requirements.