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European Hand Protection Standards

EN ISO 21420:2020 - Protective Gloves - General Requirements And Test Methods (Updated From EN420:2003+A1:2009)

Under EN ISO 21420 this standard defines the general requirements for glove design and construction, sizing, dexterity, water vapour transmission and absorption, electrostatic properties (in accordance with EN16350:2014) and innocuousness.

Innocuousness test now includes, pH (between 3.5 and 9.5), Chromium VI for leather products (less than 3mg/kg), nickel release for metallic components, azo colourants (less than 30mg/kg), dimethylformamide or DMFa in Polyurethane products (less than 1000mg/kg), Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons or PAH (less than 1mg/kg).  The innocuousness testing covers where applicable elements of regulations such as REACH (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006) Annex.

If you need help or advice on anything to do with hand protection please call our knowledgeable customer support staff on 01226 215204 or email safetywear@bos4ppe.co.uk.

We recommend checking out our Know Your Gloves page and our Glove Size Guide.


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EN388:2016+A1:2018 Protective Gloves Against Mechanical Risks

Over recent years, changes in the manufacturing process of protective gloves has meant that the well established method of hand protection testing (EN388:2003), and in particular the test to assess protection against cuts has been deemed no longer fit for purpose.  Whilst the old system in EN388:2003 and its 1 - 5 numbering system was easy to understand, the development of newer cut resistant materials combined with a drive from industry  to provide the highest level of cut protection possible meant that the method for testing hand protection needed to be revised.

EN388:2016 seeks to update the standard and by doing this, 2 tests have been revised (abrasion and cut) and 2 new tests have been included (straight blade cut resistance and impact resistance).

EN388:2003 Standards specifies physical and mechanical aggression caused by abrasion, blade cut, tearing and puncture.  EN388:2016 updates the existing standard with this new test method for abrasion, blade cut & impact resistance.  EN ISO 13997:1999 (TDM test) records cut results as a Newton value - the force of the blade on the glove material need to cut through the material 20mm.  The results are represented on a scale A-F.


EN 1082 Parts 1 to 3: 1997 to 2000

Parts 1 to 3: Protective clothing.

Gloves and arm guards protecting against cuts and stabs by hand knives


Protective Gloves Against Thermal Risks (Heat and/or Fire) EN 407:2004 (AS/NZS 2161.4)

This standard specifies thermal performance for protective gloves against heat and/or fire.  The heat and flame pictogram is accompanied by a 6 digit number.


EN 407:2020 - Glove Protective Against Thermal Risks

This standard was updated from the 2004 version in April 2020.  Test 1 for resistance to flammability or burning behaviour has been amended to flame spread, and cover the inclusion of oven gloves to be classified as PPE.  


If a glove is tested only for contact heat an alternative symbol is used to indicate protection against heat without flame. Gloves certified to the 2004 version of the standard do not need to change until the existing certificate expires.


Protective Gloves For Welders EN 12477:2001 (AS/NZS 2161.3)

This European Standard specifies requirements and test methods for protective gloves for use in manual metal welding, cutting and allied processes.  According to their performance, protective gloves for welders are classified in to two types.


Type A: Lower dexterity (with higher other performance)

Type B: Higher dexterity (with lower other performance)


Protective Gloves : Against Chemical And Micro-Organisms EN ISO 374-1:2016 (AS/NZS 2161.10.1)

Terminology and performance requirements for chemical risks.



New to the standard - There are now 3 standard classes related tot he performance level and number of chemicals they protect against.  There are 6 additional chemicals to test against.  There is a requirement to test for degradation EN374-4:2013.  EN374-3:2003 is withdrawn and replaced by EN 16523-1:2015. Gloves longer than 400mm will have to be additionally tested in the cuff area.  The requirement for testing to EN388 has been removed.  The "low chemical" or "waterproof" beaker symbol has been withdrawn.




EN 16350:2014 Protective Gloves: Electrostatic Properties

This European Standard specifies a test method for the electrostatic properties of gloves.  The test improves on EN1149 as it requires a lower vertical resistance of less than 10 ohms.  Gloves tested to EN16350:2014 can be used in areas where there may be an increased risk of explosion, such as a refinery.

IEC 61340-5-1:2016 Protection of Electronic Devices from Electrostatic Phenomena: General Requirements

This standard specifies a test method for PPE products used in high sensitive areas where electrostatic charge can potentially cause damage to delicate components such as electrical circuit boards and microchips.  All gloves in the Portwest ESD glove collection have been tested to both standards.


Protective Gloves: Mechanical Vibration And Shock EN 10819: 1996 (AS/NZS 2161.3)

This European Standard specifies a method for the laboratory measurement, the data analysis and reporting of vibration transmissibility of gloves in terms of vibration transmission from a handle to the palm of the hand in the frequency range from 31.5Hz to 1250Hz.  The standard is intended to define a screening test for the vibration transmission through gloves.


EN 455:2000 Medical Gloves For Single Use




  • Part 1: Requirements and testing for freedom from holes
  • Part 2: Requirements and testing for physical properties
  • Part 3 Requirements and testing for biological evaluation
    • Part 4: Requirements and testing for shelf life determination

CE Foodsafe


European legislation with respect to Food Contact Materials (Directive EC1935/2004) requires that food contact materials shall not transfer their ingredients to food and must not modify the organoleptic properties (i.e. colour, smell, texture and taste) of the food.  Products intended for food contact shall be labelled as such.


Protective Gloves Against Cold EN 511:2006 (AS/NZS 2161.5)

The European Standard EN 511 specifies the requirements and test methods for gloves which protect against conductive cold down to -50 degrees Celsius.  This cold can be linked to the climate conditions or an industrial activity.


Protective Gloves : For Users Of Hand Held Chainsaws EN 381-7: 1999

This European Standard specifies the requirements for gloves for resistance to cutting by a chainsaw when assessed by the test method described in EN381-4.  The requirements are also given for marking and for the provision of information to be supplied by the manufacturer including criteria for the selection of appropriate gloves and instructions for use.