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In the UK, safety glove standards are essential for ensuring that workers across various industries have the right level of hand protection for their specific tasks. The right safety gloves safeguard workers against potential hazards like cuts, abrasions, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.
Whether you’re an employer or an employee, understanding these standards can help you make informed choices on the safety gloves you may buy. If you’re looking for expert advice, get a free PPE and workwear consultation, or explore our collection of safety gloves.
Safety gloves in the UK must adhere to specific EN ISO standards, which provide consistent guidelines to ensure quality protection across various workplace risks, including mechanical, thermal, chemical, and electrostatic hazards. These standards set requirements for glove materials, durability, dexterity, and resistance, enabling employers to select appropriate gloves for specific tasks while maintaining high levels of safety and performance.
The EN 420 standard outlines the general requirements for all safety gloves, including the fit, design, and minimum material safety. This standard ensures gloves allow a reasonable level of dexterity and are designed with safe, non-toxic materials. EN 420 also includes requirements for sizing, marking, and storage instructions.
Here are the minimum requirements:
Design and Construction: Gloves should be safely constructed without harmful materials and suitable for their intended purpose/
Sizing and Dexterity: Gloves must fit well, with sizes from XS to XXL, allowing enough flexibility for safe handling.
Material Safety: Materials should be non-toxic, with pH levels within safe ranges to prevent skin irritation.
Marking and Information: Gloves must be marked with the manufacturer’s name, size, and EN 420 compliance, along with maintenance and usage guidelines.
Comfort and Breathability: Gloves should be reasonably comfortable and breathable, especially for long-term wear.
The EN 388 standard addresses mechanical protection for safety gloves, covering the types of hazards most commonly encountered in construction, manufacturing, and industrial work environments. Gloves tested to this standard are evaluated for their ability to protect against abrasion, cuts, tears, and punctures, each rated with a specific level.
Abrasion Resistance: Rated from Level 1 to 4, abrasion resistance tests how well the glove can withstand repeated friction or rubbing. Higher levels indicate stronger durability against wear, which is important for high-contact tasks.
Cut Resistance (Coup Test): Rated from Level 1 to 5, the coup test measures the glove's ability to withstand cuts from sharp objects. It is particularly important for roles involving frequent handling of sharp tools or materials. Higher levels offer more protection against cutting risks.
Tear Resistance: Rated from Level 1 to 4, this test checks the glove’s ability to resist tearing when exposed to force. This feature is key in industries where gloves are subject to rough handling or pulling, such as construction and assembly.
Puncture Resistance: Rated from Level 1 to 4, puncture resistance evaluates the glove's protection against punctures, such as from nails or splinters. Higher levels provide better protection, essential for workers in environments with sharp objects or rough surfaces.
ISO Cut Resistance (TDM Test): In some cases, EN 388 may also include an ISO cut resistance test (rated A to F), which provides a more precise measurement of cut protection, particularly for cut-resistant gloves used in high-risk environments like metalworking.
The EN 511 standard evaluates gloves for protection against cold hazards and water permeability, including both convective cold (cold air) and contact cold (direct contact with cold surfaces). This standard is essential for gloves used in cold storage, outdoor winter work, and other cold environments where thermal protection is necessary.
Convective Cold Resistance: Rated from Level 0 to 4, this measures the glove’s ability to insulate against cold air. Higher levels indicate greater insulation, making these gloves ideal for protecting against wind chill in outdoor environments.
Contact Cold Resistance: Also rated from Level 0 to 4, this tests the glove’s ability to resist the transfer of cold through direct contact with cold surfaces. This is very important for workers handling cold materials or machinery, as higher levels offer more thermal insulation.
Water Permeability: This is a pass/fail test. If gloves are not waterproof, they receive a “0” rating; if they are, a “1” rating. Waterproof gloves prevent water infiltration, which is essential in freezing conditions to avoid discomfort and loss of warmth.
The EN 374 standard sets requirements for gloves that protect against chemical and biological hazards, making it essential for industries like chemical manufacturing, laboratories, and medical facilities. This standard evaluates gloves for their ability to resist permeation, penetration, and degradation by hazardous substances and microorganisms.
Chemical Permeation Resistance: Rated from Level 1 to 6, this test measures the glove's resistance to chemicals breaking through the material over time. Each level indicates how many minutes the glove can withstand chemical exposure before it begins to permeate. Gloves rated Level 6 provide the highest resistance, suitable for prolonged handling of hazardous chemicals.
Penetration Resistance: Gloves must be impermeable to liquids and microorganisms. This is a pass/fail test, ensuring that gloves provide a complete barrier to avoid contamination. If gloves pass, they are suitable for tasks that require full protection from liquids and pathogens, essential in healthcare and lab settings.
Degradation Resistance: Gloves are also tested for degradation, or how the material might weaken when exposed to certain chemicals. Lower degradation rates indicate that the glove material remains structurally sound, which is critical for tasks involving harsh chemicals or prolonged exposure.
Micro-Organism Protection (EN ISO 374-5): Gloves that pass this part of EN 374 are certified for protection against viruses, bacteria, and fungi, making them ideal for settings that require biohazard protection, such as medical facilities and labs.
The EN 407 standard addresses gloves designed for thermal protection, specifically against hazards like heat, flames, and molten metal. This standard is essential for jobs in welding, metalworking, and glass manufacturing, where workers are exposed to high temperatures and need reliable heat-resistant gloves.
Flammability Resistance: Rated from Level 1 to 4, this test measures how long a glove material continues to burn or glow after exposure to an open flame. A higher level indicates stronger resistance, which is crucial for tasks with exposure to flames or heat.
Contact Heat Resistance: Also rated from Level 1 to 4, this measures the glove’s ability to withstand direct contact with hot objects. Each level correlates to a specific temperature range (e.g., Level 1 for 100°C, Level 4 for 500°C), making this ideal for tasks like welding or handling hot tools.
Convective Heat Resistance: Rated from Level 1 to 4, this test assesses how well the glove insulates against heat from a heat source. Higher levels mean better insulation, helping protect hands from indirect heat or radiant heat sources.
Radiant Heat Resistance: This test, rated Level 1 to 4, measures a glove’s ability to protect against radiant heat (e.g., from furnaces or molten metal). This feature is especially valuable in industries with consistent exposure to radiant heat, like metal or glass production.
Resistance to Small Splashes of Molten Metal: Rated Level 1 to 4, this test checks the glove’s capacity to withstand small splashes of molten metal without damage. Higher levels provide better protection, making these gloves essential for metalworking environments where workers are exposed to molten materials.
Resistance to Large Splashes of Molten Metal: Rated from Level 1 to 4, this measures how well gloves withstand larger splashes of molten metal. Gloves rated for this test are essential in industries where heavy molten materials are handled, ensuring greater protection.
The EN 1149 standard applies to gloves used in environments where static electricity could pose a risk, such as in electronics manufacturing, chemical processing, and explosive environments. Gloves with anti-static or electrostatic properties help to prevent static buildup and discharge, protecting both the wearer and the sensitive equipment.
Surface Resistivity: This measures the glove’s ability to dissipate electrical charges along its surface. Gloves with a low surface resistivity rating reduce the buildup of static electricity, making them ideal for environments where even a small static discharge could be hazardous.
Charge Decay Test: This test evaluates how quickly a glove can dissipate a static charge. Faster charge decay times indicate better electrostatic protection. Gloves that pass this test are crucial in workplaces where static discharge could ignite flammable substances or damage sensitive electronics.
Protection in Explosive Atmospheres: Anti-static gloves are particularly beneficial in environments with a risk of explosions, as they help prevent ignition due to static discharge. EN 1149-certified gloves are often required in petrochemical and chemical manufacturing settings where flammable gases or vapours are present.
EN 659: Focuses on gloves designed specifically for firefighters - protection against extreme heat and hazardous materials.
EN 12477: Standards for welding gloves, providing protection against sparks, heat, and molten metal splash while allowing sufficient flexibility that is required for welding tasks.
Choosing the right type of safety glove is crucial to ensure effective protection in specific work environments. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of work gloves and their ideal applications across various industries:
Mechanical Protection Gloves: Designed for resistance to abrasion, tears, cuts, and punctures, these gloves are typically EN 388-rated and ideal for industries like construction, manufacturing, and warehousing. They provide robust mechanical protection for handling rough materials, sharp objects, and heavy equipment.
Chemical Resistant Gloves: EN 374-rated gloves offer resistance to permeation and penetration by hazardous chemicals. Chemical-resistant gloves are often made from materials like nitrile, latex, or neoprene and provide a barrier against dangerous chemicals and other substances that could harm the skin.
Thermal and Cold Protection Gloves: Thermal gloves, often EN 407-rated, protect against heat hazards like open flames, molten metal, or high temperatures, making them ideal for jobs in welding and metalwork. For cold protection, EN 511-rated gloves provide insulation against freezing temperatures, perfect for cold storage facilities or outdoor work during winter.
Electrostatic and Anti-Vibration Gloves: Gloves with EN 1149 standards are designed to dissipate static electricity safely, essential for workers in electronics, chemical handling, or explosive environments. Anti-vibration gloves reduce the impact of prolonged equipment use and are beneficial in construction or landscaping where repetitive vibration exposure can strain the hands and wrists.
Cut-Resistant Gloves: ISO cut-resistant gloves (EN 388 or ISO 13997 standards) provide specific cut protection levels for handling sharp objects. Commonly used in manufacturing, food processing, and metalworking, these gloves are graded to protect workers from potential injuries while handling knives, metal, or glass.
Selecting the right safety glove requires an understanding of the specific risks and safety standards relevant to each industry. Here’s a guide to help identify the most appropriate gloves based on industry needs:
Construction and Industrial Work: For high-impact and mechanical risks like abrasion, punctures, and cuts, EN 388-rated gloves with features like tear resistance and reinforced palm protection are ideal. Cut-resistant gloves are also essential for handling sharp materials or operating machinery, offering reliable protection in industrial environments.
Chemical Handling and Laboratories: In environments with exposure to hazardous chemicals, EN 374-rated chemical-resistant gloves are crucial. These gloves prevent chemical permeation and penetration, offering a protective barrier in laboratories, chemical plants, and cleaning roles. It’s vital to select gloves with specific chemical resistance suited to the substances handled.
Cold Storage and Outdoor Work: For workers exposed to cold hazards, especially in cold storage facilities or outdoor roles during winter, EN 511-rated thermal gloves provide essential insulation. These gloves protect against convective cold and contact cold, helping workers maintain warmth and prevent cold-related discomfort or injury.
Electronics and Chemical Manufacturing: For industries where electrostatic discharge poses a risk, such as electronics and chemical processing, EN 1149-rated anti-static gloves are essential. These gloves help prevent static buildup that could damage sensitive electronics or ignite flammable substances.
Welding and High-Heat Industries: In industries with exposure to high temperatures and flames, EN 407-rated gloves offer protection against contact heat, flames, and molten metal splashes. These gloves are designed for roles in welding and metalworking, providing reliable protection from thermal hazards while allowing flexibility for precision tasks.
Employers have a critical role in ensuring workplace safety by providing the right protective gloves to their employees and maintaining compliance with UK safety standards.
Employers must familiarise themselves with relevant safety glove standards (e.g., EN 388, EN 374) to choose gloves that meet specific protection levels for tasks performed in their workplace. Guides like this help employers get a clear understanding of each standard and help them select safety gloves that provide appropriate protection based on hazards and risks unique to each job role.
It is the employer’s duty to assess each role and supply safety gloves that meet protection needs, such as chemical-resistant gloves for lab workers or thermal gloves for cold storage. This means evaluating the potential risks in each job and ensuring that employees have the protective gloves suited to their tasks.
Training is essential for employees to understand how to use and care for their gloves correctly. This includes instructions on proper glove usage, handling chemicals or hazardous materials, and understanding glove limitations. Proper training helps extend glove life and ensures employees know how to use the gloves effectively.
Employers must implement regular glove inspections to identify any signs of wear, tear, or damage that could compromise safety. Gloves that no longer meet safety requirements should be replaced immediately. This routine maintenance and replacement process ensures that workers’ protective equipment remains effective and in compliance with safety standards.
Choosing the right safety gloves is crucial for ensuring worker safety across various industries, from construction and chemical handling to cold storage and welding. Understanding UK safety glove standards and selecting gloves based on specific job needs helps employers provide reliable protection and meet regulatory requirements.
Safety glove standards, such as EN 388 for mechanical protection and EN 374 for chemical resistance, offer a framework for quality assurance and compliance. Employers play a key role in not only providing appropriate gloves but also in training employees on proper glove use, ensuring gloves are regularly inspected, and replacing gloves as needed.
For those looking for expert guidance, schedule a free PPE and workwear consultation to find the perfect glove for your team’s safety needs - or, explore our full collection of PPE Gloves that comply with all UK safety standards.
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