Glove Guide: EN 388
Mechanical Protection Standard
Understanding EN 388 Ratings
EN 388 is the European standard used in the UK to assess the mechanical protection performance of safety gloves. It evaluates how well gloves protect against hazards such as abrasion, cuts, tears and punctures.
The latest revision, EN 388:2016 + A1:2018, introduced updated testing methods, particularly for cut resistance, to provide more accurate and reliable results.
Gloves are tested against multiple mechanical risks and given a rating displayed as a series of numbers and letters:
- Abrasion Resistance (0–4) – Measures durability against surface wear
- Cut Resistance (0–5) – Based on blade cut test
- Tear Resistance (0–4) – Measures resistance to tearing
- Puncture Resistance (0–4) – Protection against sharp objects
- TDM Cut Resistance (A–F) – New ISO test for high cut risks
- Impact Protection (P) – Optional marking for impact resistance
Example rating: EN 388: 4X43C
Cut Resistance Explained
The updated standard includes two cut resistance tests:
- Coup Test (0–5) – Traditional rotating blade test
- TDM Test (A–F) – Measures resistance to a straight blade under load
The TDM test is now the preferred method for high-performance gloves, especially where materials can dull blades and affect results.
When to Use EN 388 Gloves
- Construction and building trades
- Warehousing and logistics
- Manufacturing and engineering
- Handling sharp or abrasive materials
Choosing the Right Gloves
- Identify the main hazards: cuts, abrasion, punctures or impact
- Select the appropriate EN 388 rating based on risk level
- Ensure comfort, fit and flexibility for the task
- Check for CE marking and EN 388 certification