Glossary: Terms Around Protective Gloves

First digit of the EN 388 code. It shows how many cycles of the test the material withstands: level 1 from 100, level 2 from 500, level 3 from 2,000, level 4 from 8,000 cycles.

The European Commission's guide to the implementation of EU product rules (Notice 2022/C 247/01). Among other things it explains duties in the supply chain, the declaration of conformity, traceability and notified bodies, but it has no legal force.

The time after which a chemical has passed through the glove material. It is measured in the laboratory at room temperature with pure substances; temperature, mixtures and mechanical stress in the workplace change it.

The manufacturer's mark that the product meets the applicable EU requirements. It is not a quality seal from a testing body.

A wrinkled latex coating on the palm. According to the data sheet it gives hold and slip resistance as well as elasticity.

Second digit of the EN 388 code, determined with a circular blade. For highly cut-resistant materials the test is not meaningful, and an X appears in this position.

The resistance against which electrical charge flows away. The Hi5 data sheets state no dissipation values for the ESD gloves; they are provided on request.

Standard for protective gloves: electrostatic properties. The declaration of conformity for the ESD glove HI572 names it.

Standard for protective gloves against mechanical risks. The code of four digits and a letter gives abrasion, cut (Coup test), tear, puncture and cut resistance to ISO 13997 (TDM). An X means: not tested.

Standard for protective gloves against thermal risks (heat and fire). No Hi5 data sheet states a heat protection level to this standard.

Standard for protective gloves against ionising radiation and radioactive contamination. The declaration of conformity for HI561 and HI561S expressly names radioactive contamination only.

Standard for protective gloves against cold. The data sheets of the Hi5 winter gloves state no cold protection class to this standard.

General requirements and test methods for protective gloves, covering among other things sizes and marking. It replaces EN 420 (according to the EU list, that standard remains valid until 16 December 2027).

Standard for protective gloves against dangerous chemicals and micro-organisms, part 1: requirements for chemical protection. Gloves are tested against named test chemicals and classified as type A, B or C.

Part 5 of the standard: testing for leak-tightness against bacteria, fungi and viruses. Gloves marked VIRUS also pass this test.

A sudden equalisation of voltage between charged bodies that can damage electronic components. ESD gloves are intended for use in ESD environments and do not replace an ESD programme.

A document in which the manufacturer declares that the product meets the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/425. For many Hi5 products it can be downloaded under Data sheets.

Examination of a product sample by a notified body. It is mandatory for PPE of categories II and III. An example with the certificate: the disposable gloves HI561 and HI561S.

Inner lining of fine fibres (flock) that absorbs sweat in rubber gloves. HI553 has a lining of pure cotton.

Suitability of a material for contact with food. A declaration of conformity is available for HI561 and HI561S; the test report names a blue glove as the sample.

The circumference of the palm, measured across the knuckles without the thumb. Under EN ISO 21420 it determines the glove size, for example 203 mm for size 8.

High-performance polyethylene fibre used in cut-resistant gloves, for example in the outer shell of the HI534.

Briefing employees on the hazard, choice and correct use of PPE. It is particularly important for category III.

International standard for quality management systems. What is certified is an organisation's management system, not a product. DS SafetyWear's certificate to EN ISO 9001:2015 is on the Certificates page.

The number of needles per inch on the knitting machine. A higher number means a finer, thinner knit: 18G is thinner than 10G.

An elastic natural product that can trigger allergies in sensitive people. Gloves containing latex must not be worn by people with a latex allergy.

The knitted fabric of the glove that is subsequently coated, for example made of nylon/spandex or polyester.

The European Commission's electronic notification system and public database for notified bodies and other conformity assessment bodies (New Approach Notified and Designated Organisations). Searchable by legal act, country, number and keyword.

A synthetic rubber without natural latex. Widely used as a coating or glove material where moisture, oil or chemicals play a part.

A porous nitrile coating on the palm. According to the data sheet it gives grip in dry, wet and lightly oily conditions and is more breathable than a smooth coating.

Not packed free of germs. The disposable gloves of the hygiTouch range are non-sterile.

A testing body authorised by an EU member state and notified to the Commission, which carries out, for example, the EU type-examination. Its four-digit number appears on the certificate and can be looked up in NANDO.

A testing and certification system for textiles for harmful substances. It is not a protection level under the PPE standards.

The quantity per carton according to the data sheet, for example 120 pairs for many knitted gloves or 2,000 pieces for the disposable gloves.

A thin, smooth coating for gloves. According to the data sheet, highly abrasion-resistant and grippy on dry to slightly damp surfaces.

Without powder for easier donning. HI561 and HI561S are powder-free, latex-free and non-sterile.

Equipment that protects employees against hazards at work, here protective gloves. It falls under Regulation (EU) 2016/425 and is divided into categories I to III.

Classification by risk: category II for medium risks with EU type-examination by a notified body, category III for irreversible damage or danger to life with additional production monitoring. The category for each product is stated in the data sheet.

Fourth digit of the EN 388 code: force in newtons a test point needs to penetrate. Level 1 from 20, level 2 from 60, level 3 from 100, level 4 from 150 newtons.

The employer's duty to identify hazards at the workplace and determine protective measures. PPE such as gloves is chosen on this basis.

The risk that a glove is caught by rotating parts and pulls the hand in. Do not wear cut-resistant gloves near rotating machinery.

A rolled edge at the wrist of disposable gloves that makes putting them on easier and stops them rolling down.

A document for a hazardous substance. Section 8 names the requirements for protective gloves when handling the substance.

Protection against stabbing by points such as knives or needles. Cut-resistant gloves made of textile fabric are not stab protection: according to the DGUV Expert Committee PPE, all currently known textile fabrics let a point through.

Cut test with a straight blade. The result appears as a letter A to F at the end of the EN 388 code; A corresponds to 2 newtons, F to 30 newtons of cutting force.

Third digit of the EN 388 code: force in newtons needed to tear a pre-cut test piece further. Level 1 from 10, level 2 from 25, level 3 from 50, level 4 from 75 newtons.

One of the 18 substances in EN ISO 374-1 against which a glove is tested, marked with a code letter from A to T (for example K for sodium hydroxide 40%). Substances outside the list are not tested.

A statement in the data sheet that capacitive displays can be operated with the glove on. The data sheet gives no test value.

Type A: at least 30 minutes breakthrough time against at least six test chemicals. Type B: at least 30 minutes against at least three. Type C: at least 10 minutes against at least one.