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

EN ISO 10819 is the standard which specifies the requirements for gloves to protect against vibrations.

When working with any equipment producing vibration exposure such as jackhammers, chipping & paving breaker tools, electric hammers, etc., users will experience vibration transmission from the tool handle to the palms of the hands, hence the reason for wearing anti vibration gloves. EN ISO 10819 sets out the requirements used to analyse the 'vibration transmissibility' of gloves i.e. the ability of a glove to protect the users' hands from vibrations within a frequency range of 31.5 Hz to 1250 Hz.

The standard further stipulates that within this frequency range there are 2 classifications which measure the performance of Anti Vibration gloves; 'Medium Frequency' and 'High Frequency' consistent with the range parameters defined below:

TRm: Transmissibility Medium (M) 31.5 HZ – 200 HZ
TRh: Transmissibility High (H) 200 HZ – 1250 HZ

In order for a glove to comply with the requirements of EN ISO 10819, it must satisfy both the medium and high frequency requirements as outlined below.

Medium Frequency Range
When the glove is tested in the medium range, the standard clearly stipulates that the glove must not amplify the vibrations – i.e. the TRm has to be ≤ 1.0 in order for the glove to pass the standard.

High Frequency Range
When the glove is tested in the High frequency range the glove must reduce vibration levels by at least 40% i.e. the TRh has to be ≤ 0.6 in order for the glove to pass the standard.