EN388 and ANSI Standards Explained for Anti Impact Gloves

When selecting the right protective gloves for industrial use, it's not just about appearance or comfort—compliance with global safety standards matters. Two of the most important benchmarks are the EN388 and ANSI/ISEA standards. If you're looking for gloves that offer real protection in hazardous environments, understanding these industrial glove certifications is essential.

This guide explains what EN388 and ANSI standards mean, how they apply to anti impact gloves, and how to interpret labels such as EN388 impact protection and ANSI cut level A4 or A6 gloves.

What Is the EN388 Standard?

The EN388 standard is the European regulation that evaluates the mechanical protection performance of safety gloves used in industrial settings. It measures how well gloves resist abrasion, cuts, tearing, punctures, and impact.

The EN388 marking typically appears as a series of numbers and letters on the glove, like: EN388: 4X43EP

Here's what each symbol means:

1. Abrasion resistance (rated 1–4)

2. Cut resistance (Coup test) (rated 1–5 or X if not tested)

3. Tear resistance (rated 1–4)

4. Puncture resistance (rated 1–4)

5. TDM Cut Test (ISO 13997) (rated A–F; optional but more accurate for high-cut gloves)

6. Impact protection (marked as P = passed, F = failed, or blank = not tested)

If a glove is marked with P in the final position, it means the glove has passed the EN388 impact protection test, providing added safety for the knuckles and back of the hand—critical for workers exposed to falling tools, crushed fingers, or blunt-force trauma.

What Is the ANSI/ISEA Cut Resistance Standard?

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), in partnership with the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), created a system to rate glove cut resistance from A1 to A9, with A9 offering the highest level of protection.

This rating reflects the amount of cutting force (in grams) the glove material can withstand:

• A1–A3: Light to moderate cut protection

• A4–A6: Medium to high cut resistance (commonly used in manufacturing, automotive, and construction)

• A7–A9: Very high cut protection for glass, metal, and extreme-risk environments

For example, ANSI cut level A4 gloves can withstand 1500–2199 grams of cutting force, while A6 gloves can resist up to 3999 grams. These levels are especially important when handling sharp metal parts, broken glass, or blades.

EN388 vs. ANSI Cut Ratings: What's the Difference?

Both standards measure cut resistance, but the methodology and scale differ.

• EN388 (especially the older Coup test) uses a rotating blade under constant pressure and may be inaccurate for high-strength fibers

• ANSI uses a straight blade and measures the actual grams of pressure needed to cut through the glove, offering more consistent results for high-performance materials

For cut-resistant gloves used in North America, ANSI A4 or A6 is often the preferred benchmark. For Europe or international applications, EN388 with levels like E or F and P for impact protection is commonly used.

How to Choose the Right Certified Anti Impact Glove

Here's a practical glove selection approach using EN388 and ANSI ratings:

• If your job requires both high cut resistance and protection from blunt impact (like in oil and gas or metal fabrication), look for gloves rated:
  EN388: 4X44EP and ANSI A6

• For general construction with moderate hazards, gloves rated:
  EN388: 4X43DP and ANSI A4 provide a good balance of dexterity and safety

• For high-risk environments with broken glass, metal stamping, or demolition, go for:
  EN388: 4X44FP and ANSI A7 or higher

Make sure the gloves clearly list their certifications on the label or spec sheet. Reputable manufacturers will also offer test reports to back up the claims.

Why Industrial Glove Certifications Matter

Wearing gloves without tested protection is like wearing a seatbelt that hasn't been crash-tested. Industrial glove certifications like EN388 and ANSI give employers and safety managers peace of mind knowing their PPE meets globally recognized standards. It also ensures compliance during safety audits and reduces liability.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the meaning behind EN388 impact protection and ANSI cut level A4 or A6 gloves is key to choosing reliable hand protection for industrial use. Don't rely on guesswork—look for certified gloves that match the hazards of your work.

For help finding properly certified anti impact gloves or to request OEM options that meet your region's safety standards, contact LITA Safety at info@litasafety.com.