Standard EN 388: 2016 + A1:2018 - Protection against mechanical risks

When working with tools, sharp edges, or heavy materials, you want to be able to rely on your gloves. The EN 388 standard helps with this, as it precisely defines how well a glove resists mechanical stress. The standard tests six key factors: abrasion (A), cutting (B), tearing (C), puncture (D), the TDM cut test according to EN ISO 13997 (E), and, if applicable, impact protection (F).

The explanation below clearly outlines all six resistance tests, so you can always choose the right gloves for your work.

Abrasion resistance (A)

Abrasion resistance indicates how well a glove withstands repeated contact with rough surfaces such as wood, concrete, or metal parts. During the test, sandpaper is moved across the material under constant pressure. The number of cycles required to wear through the glove is then measured. The higher the score, the better the glove protects against wear.

Abrasion Resistance Performance Levels (A)

Level	Min. number of cycles	Meaning
1	≥ 100	Occasional friction, basic use
2	≥ 500	Regular friction, for warehouse and logistics work
3	≥ 2000	Resistant to intensive handling of rough materials
4	≥8000	Very high abrasion resistance, long-term industrial use

Abrasion resistance determines how long a glove lasts and helps prevent skin contact with hazardous surfaces.

Cut Resistance (B) – Coup Test

The Coup Test evaluates how well a glove resists repeated cuts from a rotating blade under low pressure (5 Newtons). The test is particularly relevant for tasks involving constant cutting motions, such as cutting thin materials, light metalwork, or regular contact with cutting tools.

Cut resistance performance levels (B)

Level	Cut-index	Meaning
0	< 1.2	Minimal cut risks
1	≥ 1.5	Basic cut risks
2	≥ 2.5	Light assembly
3	≥ 5	Moderate cut risks
4	≥ 10	Resistant to sharp edges and metalwork
5	≥ 20	For high cut risk, industrial use

If the blade becomes dull during the Coup test, the test is considered unreliable and the EN ISO 13997 (TDM test) must be applied.

Tear Resistance (C)

Tear resistance indicates the amount of force required to cause an initial tear in the glove material to propagate further. This value is important when working with sharp edges, metal parts, or materials that can snag.

Tear Resistance Performance Levels (C)

Level	Newton	Meaning
0	< 10 N	Minimal tear resistance
1	≥ 10 N	Basic material
2	≥ 25 N	Moderate resistance
3	≥ 50 N	Strong tear resistance
4	≥ 75 N	Very high resistance, industrial grade

The higher the score, the better the glove resists tensile forces and tearing during intensive work.

Puncture resistance (D)

Puncture resistance indicates the force required to pierce the glove material with a standard steel tip. This is important when dealing with hazards such as nails, metal shards, or sharp splinters.

Puncture resistance performance level (D)

Level	Newton	Meaning
0	< 20 N	Minimal puncture protection
1	≥ 20 N	Basic puncture protection
2	≥ 60 N	Light industry
3	≥ 100 N	Metalworking
4	≥ 150 N	Heavy industry, demolition work

Higher puncture resistance reduces the risk of acute puncture and increases safety during daily use.

Cut resistance (E) – According to EN ISO 13997

The EN ISO 13997 test (also known as the TDM test) determines how much force a blade must exert to cut through the material in a single straight motion. This test is particularly important for tasks involving high cutting loads.

Cut resistance performance level (E)

Level	Newton	Meaning
A	< 2 N	Minimal cut risks
B	≥ 5 N	Basic cut protection
C	≥ 10 N	Medium cut risk
D	≥ 15 N	Heavy cutting work
E	≥ 22 N	Heavy cutting work
F	≥ 30 N	Extremely high cut resistance

The higher the letter, the better the glove resists cut risks.

Impact Protection (F)

Impact protection indicates whether the glove can withstand shocks or impacts to the back of the hand, knuckles, and fingers. During the test, the force transmitted by a 2.5 kg weight is measured with an impact of 5 joules on the glove. Furthermore, the material must not tear.

If the glove passes the test, this is indicated by the letter P. The letter P stands for “passed.” No level is specified if the glove fails the test.

Gloves with impact protection level P offer extra safety during work where shocks, impacts, or falling objects may occur.

The Difference Between EN 388 and ANSI

Although EN 388 is the standard in Europe for assessing the mechanical performance of work gloves, North America uses the ANSI standard. Both standards measure cut resistance, but they do so in different ways. The units of measurement and performance levels differ, making a direct comparison impossible.

Test Methodology

• ANSI uses only the TDM-100 test, which measures force in grams. The cut resistance levels range from A1 to A9, with A9 being the highest level.
• EN 388 uses both the Coup test (rotating blade) and the ISO 13997 TDM test, measured in Newtons, with levels A through F.

Need help?

Whether it’s production work or heavy industrial work: a well-chosen glove prevents injuries, increases comfort, and extends service life. With the right standards, you can make informed choices that precisely match your workplace risks.

At Majestic, we’re happy to help you select the best gloves for your application—so every employee can work with confidence, comfort, and maximum safety. Need advice or a tailored recommendation? Our team is always here to help.