For Better Understanding, please look at EN 388 2016 explained by leading Mechanical Cut Reistant Gloves Manufactuer.

EN 388 Standard was developed in order to provide the user a better understanding on performance ratings for any glove based on following risks

• Abrasion

• Cut

• Tear

• Puncture

EN 388:2003 Standard

In this Standard, the specimen safety gloves were put to ‘Coup Blade Test’. In this test, a rotating circular blade moves across a sample of the glove fabric under a constant force of 5 Newtons (N). Testing ends when the blade breaks through the fabric sample and the result is determined by the number of cycles required to cut the sample and by calculating the level of wear and tear on the blade.

Each specimen is to put through 5 cycles and average of index value achieved during these 5 such cycles is determined as Cut level of the glove.

Challenges in EN 388:2003 method

• Blunting of Blade, caused by technical fibers & metal components in gloves.

• Constant force of 5 N only is not quite reliable in real workplace scenarios.

New Test Method : EN ISO 13997

Safety gloves with a composition of materials designed to have a blunting effect on blades are now required to undergo additional tests in accordance with EN ISO 13997 (TDM). The objective of this new test is to ascertain the gloves resistance level by applying the sample fabric with an increasing force in a single movement. This is achieved by a sharp blade passing over the sample of 20mm thickness only once. The result displayed in Newtons is then placed on the following scale and the corresponding rating is given.

Verdict

The old test method EN 388:2003 gives us performance ratings with sharp & relatively lightweight objects. 

Whereas the newer Test Method - EN 388:2016 provides us with more accurate rating on cut resistance, by putting the glove under varying levels of force & impact.

An important point to be noted, it is difficult to compare test results between old Standard vs New Standard.

If your organization currently has a mandate for minimum cut level 5 on site you could potentially find that under the new ISO13997 test, gloves previously rated a cut level 5, could now in fact, be classified as a level C/D and in some cases even a B. 

Therefore, It is a good time to talk to your current supplier and ask for up to date cut test data. 

For List of Test under EN 388:2016 STD, please read our blog on EN388:2016 Tests

dated 11th November 2022