Why Are Protection Classes Important in Work Gloves?
Work gloves are one of the most critical pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Hands are among the most frequently injured parts of the body due to:
- Cuts
- Punctures
- Burns
- Chemical splashes
- Mechanical abrasion
Gloves are not accessories — they are protective gear. Choosing a glove without the correct class can lead to severe injuries and work downtime. Therefore, understanding the relevant standards is essential.
EN 388: Protection Against Mechanical Risks
EN 388 is the international standard that measures mechanical protection levels.
You’ll see a 4 + 1 character code on the glove, for example: 4 3 4 2 E
These represent:
- Abrasion Resistance (1–4)
4 = highest level
Measures resistance against friction and wear.
- Cut Resistance (1–5) — Coup Test
Indicates basic blade cut resistance.
- Tear Resistance (1–4)
Measures how well the glove withstands pulling forces.
- Puncture Resistance (1–4)
Shows resistance against sharp objects like nails.
- EN ISO 13997 — TDM Cut Resistance (A–F)
A = lowest
F = highest
Critical for industrial blades, sheet metal, glass cutting, etc.
Which sectors need which level?
- Warehouse — Logistics: 2 1 2 1 A
- Construction & Assembly: 3 2 4 2 B–C
- Glass/Metal processing: 4 3 4 3 D–F
- Plastic–Rubber manufacturing: 3 1 3 1 B
EN 407: Protection Against Heat and Flame
Whenever heat hazards are present, look for EN 407.
The code contains six tests rated from 0 to 4:
- Flame Resistance
- Contact Heat (100°C — 500°C)
- Convective Heat
- Radiant Heat
- Small Splashes of Molten Metal
- Large Splashes of Molten Metal
Typical applications:
- Welding
- Foundries
- Cutting operations on-site
- Metalworking
- Industrial furnace tasks
Example:
4 3 4 3 2 1 = advanced welding glove classification.
EN 374: Protection Against Chemicals
For chemical hazards, EN 374 certification is required.
Become a member
Classification by resistance:
Type A: Highest resistance (30+ minutes against ≥ 6 chemicals)
Type B: Medium resistance (≥ 3 chemicals)
Type C: Basic protection (≥ 1 chemical)
Chemical codes correspond to substances:
A — Methanol
B — Acetone
C — Acetonitrile
… up to 18 total chemicals.
Example applications:
Type A → Paints, solvents, laboratories
Type B → Cleaning chemicals, food hygiene
Type C → Light cleaning
EN 511: Protection Against Cold
For cold environments, look for EN 511. Code: X X X
- Convective cold (0–4)
- Contact cold (0–4)
- Water penetration (0–1)
Typical uses:
- Cold storage warehouses
- Outdoor winter operations
- Logistics and heavy-duty outdoor work
Key Points to Consider When Choosing Gloves
- Is the protection level appropriate for the task?
- Is the glove certified to the correct standard?
- Palm coating type: nitrile, latex, PU — which is best?
- Does it offer sufficient grip and flexibility?
- Is the fabric breathable to reduce sweating?
- Are abrasion and cut resistance levels adequate?
- Is the size suitable for the worker?
Common Mistakes
- Thinking “the thickest glove = the safest”
- Using low-class gloves for high cut-risk tasks
- Using chemical gloves on hot surfaces
- Ignoring EN 388 codes
- Overusing gloves past their lifespan
- Choosing the wrong coating (e.g., latex vs nitrile)
Conclusion
Understanding protection classes in work gloves helps prevent workplace injuries and productivity loss.
EN 388, EN 407, EN 374 and related standards clearly define which glove is suitable for which hazard.
Reading these classifications correctly ensures workers are equipped with the most appropriate and safest gloves for their tasks — forming the foundation of a strong safety culture.
Top comments (0)