SMI Catalogue 2025/2026 - Flipbook - Page 147
UNDERSTANDING
EN 388:2016
Hand protection can be manufactured using a range of different
coatings, each of which has different features and benefits which are
listed below:
PU Polyurethane remains one of the most popular coatings, which
provides lightweight protection with a degree of flexibility, making it
comfortable to deploy. It creates a very robust and durable product
which offers sound grip and freedom of movement.
LATEX Latex gloves are a popular choice for a great number of
professionals and sectors. Latex is highly elastic, maximising both grip
and comfort for the wearer. It is the sound selection where comfort
and grip are of paramount performance. That said, quite a number
of individuals can be allergic to latex materials, meaning an
alternative may need to be provided for some members of your team.
FLAT NITRILE
Flat nitrile tends to be used for hand
protection which requires strong durability, with a high degree of
both abrasion and puncture resistance. It9s ideal for working with
slippery substances such as oil, but doesn9t afford much flexibility for
the wearer to undertake more detailed tasks requiring an enhanced
degree of manual dexterity.
EN 388:2016 has a number of additional
requirements which employers need to
consider in selecting the ideal hand
protection for their team. The following
summary details where the revised
standards differ from previous best
practice guidance.
THE CUT TEST
Previously, fabric swatches which were
tested to determine the degree of cut
resistance used the Coupe Blade Test as
standard. With the new regulations, there
is an EN ISO:13997 Cut Test, which is
favoured as the Coupe Blade test tended
to have a blunting effect upon the blade
while being undertaken.
PPE HAND PROTECTION
UNDERSTANDING THE VARIOUS
SURFACES APPLIED TO HAND
PROTECTION
CUT LEVELS
In the new guidance, there are now six
different cut level classifications. This has
been amended to ensure that products
featuring a higher degree of protection
may be tested compliantly and identified.
FOAM NITRILE Foam nitrile has great abrasion resistance,
and also affords significant resistance to both tears, and punctures
from handling equipment or sharp objects. It is also a sound choice
for operatives needing a strong grip level, for inclement weather
conditions or working with liquids such as oil. Foam nitrile tends to be
comfortable to wear, and also offers a breathable material which
reduces hand perspiration and discomfort in warm conditions.
Abrasion
Resistance
Tear
Resistance
The new standard also features a new
marking, specifically designed to
distinguish between levels of Impact
Protection testing,
LEVEL
EN ISO 13997 CUT RESISTANCE
A
2 Newtons / 204 gms
B
5 Newtons / 505 gms
C
10 Newtons / 1020 gms
D
15 Newtons / 1530 gms
E
22 Newtons / 2243 gms
F
30 Newtons / 3059 gms
P
Passed optional standard for Impact Resistance
OPTIONAL STANDARD
Puncture
Resistance
EN ISO Cut
Resistance
EN 374-2:2003
Protection against
Micro-organisms
EN 511:2006
Protection against cold
EN 407:2004
Protection against
thermal hazards
EN 374-3:2003
Protection against
harsh chemicals
EN 374-1:2016
Protection against low
chemical hazards
Framework Regulations (EC) 1935/2004
General principles for the manufacture and use
of materials that come into contact with food
01428 658 333
EN388:2016
Protection against
mechanical hazards
HELLO@SMIGROUPUK.COM
STANDARDS
Cut
Resistance
SMIGROUPUK.COM
3X44CP
IMPACT
PROTECTION TESTING
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