The European reference standard for cut-resistant gloves is EN 388:2016 , which sets standards for protective gloves against mechanical risks, including abrasion, blade cuts, tearing and puncture. This standard is particularly relevant for sectors such as sheet metal and glass processing, where operators are exposed to sharp materials and sharp surfaces.
EN 388:2016 introduces a classification system based on specific tests to evaluate the performance of gloves in different areas:
Abrasion resistance
Measured by the number of cycles required to consume the glove material.
Blade cut resistance (Coup Test)
Rated by the number of cycles required to cut the sample with a rotating blade.
Tear resistance
Determined by the force required to tear the glove material.
Puncture resistance
Measured by the force required to pierce the glove with a standard punch.
Cut resistance according to EN ISO 13997 (TDM-100 test)
This test evaluates the force required to cut the glove material with a straight blade, and is especially important for materials with high cut resistance. The results are expressed with letters from A to F, where F indicates the highest resistance.
Impact protection
If the glove offers impact protection, it is indicated with a "P"; otherwise, it is indicated with an "X" or left blank.
For sectors such as sheet metal and glass working, it is advisable to use gloves with a high level of cut resistance, preferably classified between D and F according to the EN ISO 13997 test. These gloves offer adequate protection against the risks associated with handling sharp and heavy materials.
It is important to select gloves that not only meet the relevant safety standards, but also provide adequate comfort and dexterity for the specific job tasks. A thorough assessment of the risks present in your work environment is essential to choosing the most appropriate personal protective equipment.
For further details on the EN 388:2016 standard and on the choice of cut-resistant gloves, you can consult our pdf guide available by clicking here or on the image.
We invite you to consult our collection of work gloves by clicking here or on the image. 
