41 Rubrik HL New classification of cut-protection gloves Modification to the standard for cut protection gloves Protection classes for cut protection gloves were previously assigned in Europe in accordance with standard EN 388:2003. Due to the continuous development of technical materials – so-called ‘high-performance fibres’ – it has become necessary to adjust the methods used to test and classify these products. These changes have been implemented in standard EN 388:2016. Test procedure in accordance with EN 388:2003 Test procedure in accordance with EN 388:2016/ISO 13997 C ut resistance test using the coup test Rotating circular knife moves back and forth at a constant force (5 newtons) on the test material and rotates counter to the movement The index value results from the number of cycles required to the point at which the test piece is cut through, and from the degree of wear of the blade. Five measurements are performed in this way on each test piece. The average of the five index values confirms the corresponding performance class for the cut protection level of a safety glove. Relates to cut protection gloves made from materials that cause the blades to become blunt (i.e. glass and steel fibres). Additional test procedure in accordance with ISO 13997: Determination of resistance of the glove to cutting by a sharp object through single contact under higher force Here, a long, straight blade is drawn once over the test piece. The minimum force required to cut through the test piece after 20 millimetres is determined in the process. The result is given in newtons (N) and assigned to a cut protection class. Performance class 1 2 3 4 5 Index ≥ 1,2 ≥ 2,5 ≥ 5 ≥ 10 ≥ 20 Performance class A B C D E F Newton value ≥2 ≥5 ≥10 ≥15 ≥22 ≥30 No correlation can be made between the two test procedures and performance rating. The glove still offers the same high level of cut protection in practice; the only change is to the standard-based classification of its performance. As a leading manufacturer of cut-protection products, we have state-of-the-art measurement technology for both standards in our own test laboratory, and are therefore available to answer any questions at any time. For further information regarding the EN 388:2016 and EN ISO 374-1:2016 standards, see: uvex-safety.com/blog/de/tag/schutzhandschuhe/ Cut resistance in accordance with ISO (A to F) Puncture resistance (0 to 4) Tear resistance (0 to 4) Coup test cut resistance (0 to 5; X=not applicable or not tested) Abrasion resistance (0 to 4) 4X32D EN 388
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