EN 388: 2016 and ANSI 105: 2016 Standards for Cut Resistant Gloves

What in the world of cut is going on here? The folks at CE and ANSI have updated the old EN 388: 2003 and ANSI/ISEA 105: 2005 standards to provide a more accurate test method for cut resistant gloves. The EN 388: 2016 and ANSI/ISEA 105: 2016 standards are intended to provide safety managers and PPE purchasers with a more accurate and reliable global cut rating system for working hands.

About EN388

EN388:2003 Protective Gloves Against Mechanical Risk is the globally recognised standard for protective gloves against mechanical risks. AS/NZS 2161.3:2005 mirrors EN 388:2003 and has been reconfirmed in Australia in 2016 and remains current in New Zealand.

The Difference Between EN388:2003 and EN388:2016 Safety Glove Standards

 EN388:2016 released in November 2016 has replaced En388:2003 in Europe. Testings on resistance to abrasion, tear and puncture are carried out as they were before.The test results correspond the same way they did in the 2003 version with ratings of 0-4, with 4 being the highest performance level.

The main difference in the 2016 edition is in relation to cut resistance and impact protection. The new version now has two cut resistant methods:

1. Existing Method - (Coup method)

Under the EN 388 glove standard, introduced in 2003, cut resistance is measured with a Coup test machine. A section of fabric is placed in a holder and a rotating circular blade is moved back and forth at a constant speed, pressing down with a force of 5 Newtons. When the blade cuts through, a performance rating from 1 to 5 is calculated from the total distance of travel.This test method remains in the 2016 version but is only to be used for materials that do not affect the sharpness of the blade.

2. New Method - EN ISO 13997 (TDM method)

TDM is an abbreviation for the equipment used to conduct this test, a tomodynamometer. This test involves a straight blade being drawn across the sample in one movement, with a new blade every time. The 'stroke length' before cut-through is recorded for a range of forces and graphs plotted to predict the force required to cut through the glove in 20mm of travel. This force is used to calculate a score from A to F, with F being the highest rating.

The update of ANSI 105

 ANSI/ISEA 105: 2016 will increase the number of cut levels from 1-5 under ASTM F-1790 to A1-A9 under ASTM F2992 to provide more accurate and defined cut ratings. This allows ANSI to extend the old level 5 standard (1500g-3499g) and offer more accurate cut-resistant glove options beyond level 5.

ANSI/ISEA and EN388 cut levels are NOT interchangeable

 To capitalize on today’s technology and innovation, you need to understand our industry’s test methods. Each test method has unique processes and testing equipment (see diagrams for more explanation). Therefore, it is difficult to make comparisons with each of these test methods and results (scores).

Note of TECHNICAL CHANGES:

 1.Moving forward, ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 will use only the TDM device, eliminating variable data across multiple machines.

2.Most testing methods for ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 will remain the same except reducing the distance the testing blade travels from 25mm to 20mm.

3.The EN standard will use the Coup testing device, unless certain dulling materials cannot be cut in 60 cycles. In such cases, method EN ISO 13997 will be used with the TDM device, which is the same as the new ANSI/ISEA standard.

Which products should I choose with new standard?

 After the new standard of EN388 & ANSI releassed,you can clearly differentiate the level.Products of different level could be uesd for different purposes,you can choose them base on your industry,environment or other factors.