EN 388:2016 — Mechanical Risks (Shield Pictogram)
EN 388 rates protection against abrasion, blade cut (Coup test), tear, puncture, ISO 13997 cut (A–F), and optional impact (marked as P when passed). The marking shows up to six performance positions under the shield.
X = test not done / not applicable. A digit or letter in each position reflects the measured level for that property.
| Position | Property | Scale / result | Test idea (simplified) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Abrasion resistance | 0–4 (cycles to breakthrough) | Abrasive paper under controlled pressure; higher = more cycles endured. |
| B | Blade cut (Coup test) | 0–5 or X | Rotating circular blade; if blade dulls before cut-through, result may be X and ISO cut (position E) governs. |
| C | Tear resistance | 0–4 | Force to propagate a tear in the glove material. |
| D | Puncture resistance | 0–4 | Domed probe pushing through the specimen (not fine needle). |
| E | Cut (ISO 13997 / TDM) | A–F (increasing cut resistance) | Straight blade with sliding motion; used especially when Coup is X. |
| F | Impact protection (optional) | P = pass, blank = not claimed | Impact attenuation on knuckle/finger coverage per EN 388 impact test. |
ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 — Cut Resistance (A1–A9)
ANSI/ISEA 105 reports cut resistance from the TDM-100 test. Levels A1–A9 map to ranges of cutting load (grams force to cut through at 20 mm reference travel).
| Level | Cut load (grams) | Typical tasks (examples) |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | ≥ 200 < 500 | Light assembly, warehousing, packaging |
| A2 | ≥ 500 < 1000 | General handling, light sheet metal edges |
| A3 | ≥ 1000 < 1500 | Construction materials, tougher cardboard/plastics |
| A4 | ≥ 1500 < 2200 | Metal fabrication, glass handling (light) |
| A5 | ≥ 2200 < 3000 | Stamping, heavier glass, sharp steel |
| A6 | ≥ 3000 < 4000 | High cut hazard manufacturing |
| A7 | ≥ 4000 < 5000 | Recycling baling, heavy metal, sharp tooling |
| A8 | ≥ 5000 < 6000 | Extreme cut environments |
| A9 | ≥ 6000 | Maximum cut protection in scope of standard |
ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 — Abrasion (0–6)
Abrasion levels reflect cycles to failure under the specified abrading head and pressure. Higher numbers indicate heavier-duty abrasion resistance.
| Level | Duty intensity (guide) | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Not tested / no claim | — |
| 1 | Very light | Office / inspection tasks with incidental contact |
| 2 | Light | Parts handling, light logistics |
| 3 | Moderate | General maintenance, assembly with rough surfaces |
| 4 | Heavy | Rough materials, repeated scraping |
| 5 | Very heavy | Abrasive surfaces, construction wear |
| 6 | Severe | Heavy abrasion environments (evaluate grip coatings too) |
ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 — Puncture (0–5)
| Level | Performance intent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No claim / not tested | — |
| 1 | Baseline puncture resistance | Small puncture hazards |
| 2 | Low–moderate | General industrial protrusions |
| 3 | Moderate | Sheet metal edges, splinters |
| 4 | High | Sharper puncture hazards |
| 5 | Very high | Demanding puncture environments |
ANSI/ISEA 105-2024 — Hypodermic Needle Puncture (1–5)
When marked, needle puncture levels address fine medical-style needle hazards; they are distinct from blunt puncture (probe) in EN 388.
| Level | Typical use focus | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baseline needle resistance | Lowest claimed needle performance in scale |
| 2 | Light healthcare / inspection risk | Combine with appropriate waste protocols |
| 3 | Moderate needle exposure | Assess gauge and scenario separately |
| 4 | High needle risk tasks | Pair with safe handling and disposal |
| 5 | Maximum needle rating in scope | Still not a substitute for engineering controls |
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