The new EN 388 Standard has been officially published on 2 November 2016. Ansell is uniquely positioned to assist you with the transition to the new standard

The new EN388 standard represents the most sweeping revisions to this fundamental mechanical hand protection benchmark in over 20 years. It includes important revisions to existing cut and abrasion measures and introduces a new impact protection score.

HOW TO READ THE NEW EN388 SHIELD

The new EN388 reports 5 or 6 separate mechanical performance measures, including two complementary scores for cut performance and the first ever test method for back of hand impact resistance applicable to mechanical protective gloves.

SUMMARY OF THE MAIN CHANGES

1. ABRASION EN Standards Guide

New abrasion paper used in testing, which will provide more reliable and consistent ratings.

2. CUT

• New procedure for coupe test, which also determines if dulling occurs.
• If dulling, the new EN ISO 13977 cut test method becomes the reference whilst the coupe test would only be indicative. A grading from A to F will be added as fifth performance level and will become the reference for high-cut materials.

3. IMPACT

Test method for areas claiming impact protection. P for pass whilst no code will apply in case of fail.

Ansell, as a global leader in hand protection endorses the European EN388 initiative, which will allow our customers, distribution partners and safety managers more accurately select the right hand protection based on more rigorous, repeatable and standardised testing methods.

For more information and to access useful resources, visit our EN Standard Resource Center, or request a call from an Ansell specialist.