Hand protection standards guide: EN 388 codes and glove pictograms

Each pictogram on a glove stands for a standard, and the digits and letters below it are the test results under that standard. All protective gloves first meet the general requirements of EN ISO 21420; they are then tested against mechanical, chemical, heat, cold or electrical standards depending on the risk. Because each standard has its own scale, levels cannot be compared across standards.

How to read the diagrams

• EN 388 code: the first four digits are the levels for abrasion, rotary-blade cut, tear and puncture. The letter that follows gives the cut level from the TDM test (A–F). X means the test was not carried out or does not apply, and a P as the sixth character shows that the impact test was passed.
• Level thresholds: each level has a lower limit. The example glove passed 8,000 cycles in the abrasion test and the 10 N threshold in the TDM test. For materials that can blunt the rotary blade, the TDM result governs.
• Glove standards: there are separate standards for chemicals (EN ISO 374-1), micro-organisms (EN ISO 374-5), heat and flame (EN 407), cold (EN 511), welding (EN 12477) and electrical work (EN 60903).
• Dexterity: under EN ISO 21420, the thinnest rod that can be picked up with the gloved hand sets the level. Level 5 corresponds to the thinnest rod (5 mm).
• EN 407: the six digits below the flame pictogram are, in order, for flame spread, contact heat, convective heat, radiant heat and two kinds of molten metal splash. For contact heat, level 4 corresponds to a 500 °C surface.
• Chemical gloves: Type A, B and C show how many chemicals from the list the glove resists and for how long. The letters below the pictogram are the chemicals tested.
• Electrical gloves: the EN 60903 class shows the highest voltage the glove can be used at: 500 V for class 00 and 36,000 V AC for class 4.

Short selection checklist

1. List the risks to the hands: sharp edges, abrasion, puncture, chemicals, heat, cold and electricity.
2. When handling sharp parts, check the TDM letter in the EN 388 code and set the required level according to the task.
3. For chemical work, compare the letters tested with the chemicals you use; if your chemical is not on the list, ask the manufacturer for test data.
4. For fine assembly work, pay attention to the dexterity level and the glove size.
5. Use electrical gloves only at the voltage their class allows and inspect them for damage before every use.

This guide is for general information. For exact requirements and test methods, the current text of the standard and the product's instructions for use apply.