Reflective Tape

Reflective tape must be at least 50mm wide. Bands of reflective tape must be positioned at least 50mm apart.

Distance From Hem

Reflective tape must be positioned 50mm or more from the end of sleeve or leg.

All Around The Body

Reflective tape must encircle torso and/or limbs to be included in the calculation of the necessary square area of reflective tape. A gap (for fastening system or seam) in the band of reflective tape must be 50mm or less. The total amount of such gaps in every band must not exceed 100mm around the torso and 50mm around the sleeves and legs.

Class 3: Highest Level

Highest level of protection - required for any persons working on or near motorways, dual-carriage ways or airports. Must incorporate a minimum of 0.80m2 of background material  and 0.20m2 of retroreflective materials. (4 metres of 5cm wide reflective tape)

Class 2: Intermediate Level

Required for any persons working on or near A and B class roads, also for delivery drivers. Must incorporate a minimum of 0.50m2 of background material and 0.13m2 of retro-reflective material. (2.60 metres of 5cm wide reflective tape)

Class 1: Minimum Level

Minimum level of protection required for any persons working on a private road or to be used in conjunction with a higher classed garment. Must incorporate a minimum of 0.14m2 of background material and 0.10m2 of retroreflective material. (2 metres of 5cm wide reflective tape)

A new test to measure impact protection was added to the EN388 standard. The method for testing is:

• Impact applied to the palm, back or knuckle area of the hand
• Uses the existing motorbike impact test EN13594:2015
• 2.5kg weight is dropped to exert a 5 joules energy impact
• Pass is achieved if the gloves reach level 1
• P is then added to the glove’s certification markings

The Abrasion Test is designed to give an indication of the durability of the gloves. The performance levels are still the same but the sandpaper used to perform the test has been changed from 100 grit to a finer 180 grit material.

The method for testing the cut resistance of gloves has been typically carried out using a circular blade which moves back and forth across the surface of the gloves. This test is commonly referred to as the Coup Test. The revisions to the Coup Test are:

• Circular blade test stops at 60 cycles
• New blade used for every cut
• If cutting factor is greater than 3 (i.e. difference in performance of the reference material against the test material) the straight blade test becomes the reference test.
• The Coup Test does not have to be referenced if referencing the Straight Blade Test. In this case it will be marked with an X.

The Straight Blade test can be used in lieu of the Coup Test. It should also be used if the Coup Test reaches 60 cycles or if the cutting factor is greater than 3.

• The test is conducted on a TDM 100 machine
• Tests are conducted using a new blade every time, blunting is not a factor
• Increasing levels of force are applied, 2 newtons up to 30 newtons
• Letter score is applied A – F, F being the highest
• The letter reference is applied in lieu of or along with the cut number reference