Safety hand gloves is an important PPE used by workers in their daily work. It is critical to use the correct type of hand gloves for the correct work application. At many times, workers are using just cotton gloves which does not provide sufficient protection to their hands. In this post, we will understand together more about mechanical safety gloves.
In the context of Singapore, we usually take reference to the EN388 standards in identifying the gloves that is suitable for mechanical work applications. EN388 is the European safety standard for protective gloves against mechanical risk. In year 2016, the EN388 standard is updated and the EN388:2016 superseded the previous EN388:2003 edition.
EN388 is usually used in conjunction with the EN420 standards which covers general requirements and test methods for protective gloves.
EN388:2016 uses index values to rate the performance of a glove when protecting against different mechanical risks, namely abrasion, blade cut, tear, puncture and impact. This index values will help users to match the protection required against the hazards present in the work applications.
Explaining EN388:2016 Index Values
Abrasion Resistance Test: To test the safety glove's resistance to abrasion, the material is treated with sandpaper under pressure. The number of cycles needed to abrade a hole in the material serves as a benchmark. (Highest performance level 4 = 8,000 cycles)
Cut Resistance Coupe Test: To check the blade cut resistance of a safety glove, a rotating circular blade is used, which cuts through the glove at a constant speed. Comparison with a reference material serves as a benchmark and a resulting index. (Highest performance level 5 = index 20)
Tear Resistance Test: To check tear resistance, the material of the safety glove is firstly slit. The force needed to tear the material serves as a benchmark. (Highest performance level 4 = 75 Newtons)
Puncture Resistance Test: To test the puncture resistance, the glove is punctured with a nail (established dimension). The force used serves as a benchmark. (Highest performance level 4 = 150 Newtons)
Cut Resistance Test (EN ISO 13997):
A knife cuts with constant speed but increasing force until it breaks through the material. This method allows for an accurate calculation of the minimum force required to cut the sample material at a thickness of 20mm.
While the coupe test offers an effective representation for cuts caused by sharp, fairly lightweight objects, the TDM test gives a more accurate specification in terms of cut resistance during work which includes different impact-based hazards.
The result is given by a letter from A to F, where F indicates the highest level of protection. If any of these letters are given, this method determines the protection level and the coupe test value will be marked with X.
Impact Protection Test (EN 13594):
The 6th digit relates to impact protection, which is an optional test depending on whether it is relevant to the purpose of the gloves. If the glove has been tested for impact protection and meet the test requirements, this information is given by the letter P as the 6th and last sign. If there is no P then no impact protection is claimed.
With the basic understanding of EN388:2016, we will look at some of the mechanical safety gloves that is used in Singapore context.
LTA Requirements for Safety Hand Gloves
According LTA construction safety handbook (picture shown), hand gloves must be accordance with EN388 and EN420 (rating 5 for both cut-resistance and dexterity).
Rating 5 for Cut Resistance Test is with reference to EN388:2003 standards.
Two common gloves of ratings that can meet the requirements will be:
EN388:4543/ EN388:4X43D
and
EN388:4544EP (With Impact Protection)
EN388:4543 and EN420 (Hanvo PE352)
With the new ISO testing standard, the indication for cut resistance (2nd digit) shown on all gloves will be indicated as “X”, with an additional alphabet indicated after the 4th digit. Our Hanvo PE352 went through the old EN standard testing and achieve a rating of 5 for both cut-resistance and dexterity. Using the new ISO method, we achieve a D rating for cut resistance, which makes it suitable for construction and metal handling. Below is the spec of our gloves for your perusal.
Hanvo PE352 will comply to the LTA requirements.
EN388:4544EP (With Impact Protection)
For additional impact protection features, you can use our NM DY1350AC Gloves which also comply to the LTA requirements.
PUB Requirements for Safety Hand Gloves
EN388:4131 and EN420 (Hanvo PE302)
Hanvo PE302 matches with PUB Singapore’s National Water Agency glove requirement of EN388:4131 for PPE hand protection. The PU coating on the palm offer good grip with excellent dexterity and the 13g black woven nylon liner provide comfort and breathability. This gloves is a general purpose mechanical safety gloves that can be used in general applications. Below is the spec of our gloves for your perusal.
Do feel free to contact us should you need more information about mechanical safety gloves.
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