Based on the number of cycles needed to abrade through a sample of the glove. Samples are cut from the glove palm and rubbed against sandpaper of a certain quality under a certain constant pressure as defined by the standard. The level of abrasion resistance is measured by the number of cycles reached when a hole appears on the relevant glove sample.

 

Based on the number of cycles required to cut through a sample of the glove palm with a circular, counter-rotating blade.

 

Based on the amount of force required to tear a sample of the glove apart.

 

Based on the amount of force required to penetrate the sample with a defined stylus. This is not an indication of the resistance to sharply pointed objects, e.g. a hypodermic needle.

 

In the recently revised EN 388 Standard (EN 388:2016), the circular blade cut resistance test is still in use, and the results from this test are applicable to gloves that do not dull the blade. However, materials that noticeably dull the blade during this test will now be tested according to the newly included EN ISO 13997 Straight blade cut resistance test. In these cases, the Circular blade cut resistance test results must be recorded as X (not applicable).

 

EN ISO 13997 determines the force in Newtons (N) required to cut through a material sample.

 

Gloves that have specific impact resistant properties on the back of the hand can be tested for impact attenuation by measuring the peak transmitted force.

 

In this test, the glove knuckles are impacted by a 2.5 kg flat face striker from a sufficient height, creating an impact energy of 5J. If the sample has achieved a result of Level 1, the letter «P» is added to the results.