Views: 99 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-05-27 Origin: Site
When it comes to workplace safety, hand protection is one of the most critical considerations — especially in industries involving sharp tools, machinery, or rough materials. That's where the EN 388 standard plays a crucial role. Recognized globally, EN 388 is the European standard used to classify the mechanical protection levels of safety gloves. If you're a wholesaler, safety manager, or glove distributor, understanding this standard is essential for selecting the right gloves for the job.
In this guide, we'll walk you through what EN 388 means, how to read its ratings, and how it compares to ANSI standards.
EN 388 is a European regulation that tests and rates safety gloves for mechanical risks. The standard provides a uniform way to measure a glove's resistance to abrasion, blade cuts, tearing, puncture, and impact.
Originally established in 2003 and later revised in 2016, EN 388 helps users make informed decisions about glove performance and protection in industrial environments.
Gloves tested under EN 388 are evaluated based on five mechanical hazards, each represented by a number or letter. The rating appears as a sequence like this:
EN 388: 4X42DP
Let's break down what each digit and letter means:
This measures how many cycles of abrasive action the glove can withstand before wearing through.
Rating 1–4: Higher numbers indicate better abrasion resistance.
This traditional method tests how many cycles it takes for a rotating blade to cut through the glove.
If the material dulls the blade too quickly, this test may be marked with an “X”, meaning the TDM test is used instead.
Assesses how well the glove resists tearing under force.
Higher values = greater durability when snagged or pulled.
Determines how much force is needed for a pointed object to puncture the glove.
Important for handling metal, glass, or sharp debris.
The TDM (Tomodynamometer) test was introduced in EN 388:2016. It uses a straight blade to measure the force required to cut through the glove material.
Levels A–F: Level A is the lowest, F is the highest cut protection.
Optional test. If gloves have knuckle protection, they're tested for impact resistance.
P = Passed
F = Failed
X = Not tested
Let's decode the EN 388 rating: 4X42DP
4: Excellent abrasion resistance
X: Coup test not applicable (replaced by TDM test)
4: High tear resistance
2: Moderate puncture resistance
D: Good TDM cut resistance (Level D)
P: Passed impact protection
This glove offers strong protection for jobs involving moderate to high cut and abrasion risks, plus impact resistance — ideal for industries like automotive, metal fabrication, and mechanical processing.
In North America, gloves are typically tested under ANSI/ISEA 105 standards. Here's a quick comparison:
| Feature | EN 388 | ANSI/ISEA 105 |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Europe & global | North America |
| Cut Resistance | Levels A–F (TDM test) | Levels A1–A9 |
| Abrasion Resistance | Levels 1–4 (sandpaper) | Levels 0–6 (abrasive paper) |
| Impact Protection | Optional (P/F/X) | ANSI does not test impact |
| Tear & Puncture | Levels 1–4 | Levels 1–5 |
Both are widely recognized, but EN 388 is more commonly accepted globally, especially for international buyers and suppliers.
Understanding EN 388 helps you:
Choose the right glove for the task
Ensure compliance with safety regulations
Reduce workplace injuries and downtime
Communicate clearly with buyers and distributors
At LITA SAFETY, all of our high-performance gloves are tested according to EN 388 standards, ensuring quality, reliability, and protection across all industries.
EN 388 gloves are suitable for various industries, including:
Automotive and assembly
Construction
Glass and metal handling
Mechanical processing
Warehouse & logistics
Utilities & maintenance
With over a decade of expertise, LITA SAFETY is a professional safety glove manufacturer committed to quality, innovation, and global standards compliance. Our EN 388-certified gloves are trusted in over 60 countries, offering protection without compromising comfort or flexibility.
We also provide OEM/ODM services for wholesalers, dealers, and safety brands worldwide.
The EN 388 standard offers a reliable way to evaluate glove performance against mechanical hazards. Whether you're handling sharp glass, heavy tools, or abrasive materials, understanding these ratings helps you select the right glove for the job.
Need help finding the perfect EN 388-certified gloves?
Contact LITA SAFETY today at info@litasafety.com for tailored OEM/ODM solutions or bulk orders.
