KeepSAFE Glove Collection - 2025

A guide to EN 388 – Mechanical Hand Protection

Gloves are assessed for their level of protection against mechanical risks according to the European Standard EN 388. EN 388 is a European standard that assesses the mechanical resistance of protective gloves, evaluating their performance against abrasion, cut, tear, puncture and impact risks. Each protection level is indicated by a scales rating of A-F for cut resistance and 1-4 for abrasion, tear and puncture. The impact test is denoted by a P or F showing a pass or fail. EN388:2003 was amended in 2016 to cover the increased cut resistance of new technological yarns and materials.

A new higher cut resistant TDM test ISO 13997 was introduced to give more accuracy to higher performing products which were significantly out-performing the maximum level 5 under the previous EN388:2003 coup test. Having identified the nature of the physical hazard protection you need, whether it’s against abrasion, blade cuts, tears, punctures or impact, the results of this testing should be referred to when selecting gloves.

Glove Coatings Mechanical handling gloves feature a range of coatings to suit different environments. For example:

• Sandy / foam / microfoam nitirile for oily conditions.

• Polyurethane (PU) for dry and light oily conditions and extra dexterity.

• Textured latex for wet conditions.

• Foam latex for wet and dry conditions.

Glove Coatings

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