EN 420:2003 is a reference Standard to be used with specific regulations for protection gloves. This means that this standard is not to be applied independently or by itself to certify protection gloves. The standard defines construction and design requirements for gloves, standardizing resistance to water penetration, harmlessness, (pH and Chrome VI content), comfort and efficiency, labelling and information supplied by the manufacturer. It also applies to gloves and arm protectors permanently joined to hermetic suits.
Certifications
EN 388:2003 applies to all protection glove types co ceived to protect against mechanical hazards including abrasion, blade cuts, punctures,and tears. These are Category 2 gloves. The standard may also be applied to arm protectors other than clothing or glove. Properties and performance of gloves protecting against abrasion, blade cuts, tears and punctures are classified in accordance to minimum requirements for each level, as shown in the chart below.
This Standard defines requirements for gloves conceived to protect users against chemical products and/or micro-organisms. The Standard does not specify requirements for mechanical protection levels. All gloves are Category 3. If the glove complies with standards defined by tests of EN 374-2 and EN 374-3, then it must be labelled with the following pictograph.
UNE-EN 407 specifies testing methods, general requirements, thermal protection performance levels and labelling for gloves protecting against heat and / or fire. It is mandatory for all gloves protecting hands from heat and/or flames, in one of more of the following ways: fire, contact heat, convection heat, radiating heat, molten metal minor or major spills.
UNE-EN 511 defines requirements and testing methods for gloves protecting against convection or conduction cold up to – 50°C. Cold may be caused by weather conditions or industrial activity. Specific values for the different performance levels are defined in accordance to hazard type or application area.
Special gloves for firefighters use, allowing them to work for long periods of time under hazardous and dangerous conditions. However, it is not possible to relate lab performance levels to actual protection levels.
Gloves for motorbikers are designed to protect against weather conditions while maintaining user’s dexterity and ability to manage switches and controls. In addition, these gloves will protect hands and wrists against mechanical hazards in the event of an accident.
3M SCOTCHLITE New retro-reflecting material with aramid support, with excellent visibility on all types of clothes, both day and night light, lighter in weight (by 25%), with better thermal properties, easy to wash (including chemical washing), with high retro-reflection in contact with heat, flame retardant and will not melt if exposed to flames.
KEVLAR Highly tenacious para-aramid fibres (5 times as resistant as steel thread), flameproof and cut-resistant. Will carbonize between 425 and 475ºC. Will not melt, is auto-extinguishable, with high dimensional stability, chemical stability and smooth texture. Offers protection for full dexterity and resistance, in a safe, comfortable way. Kevlar protection is lighter in weight and more comfortable than steel mesh, improving dexterity.
NOMEX Heat-resistant, flame-resistant fibre that is also resistant against chemical products and is ideal to protect against flames, electric arch and extreme temperatures. It maintains body temperature at comfortable levels, will not burn or melt in contact with flames, thus avoiding burn injuries to the hand. It is thermally stable and preserves the dimensions of the glove. Durable and resisting traction and tears.